Teaching English online has become a popular option for South Africans who want flexible work, international experience, or an additional income stream from home. You may think that not having a degree means you cannot teach English online, but this is not always the case.
Many online teaching companies and tutor marketplaces are open to teachers without a degree, especially if you have strong English communication skills, a professional setup, and a recognised TEFL qualification. In this guide, we cover what you need to start teaching English online, how much you could earn, and which companies may be suitable if you do not have a degree.
Teach English Online
Getting TEFL certified is often the first step towards becoming an online English teacher. A TEFL course helps you understand how to plan lessons, explain grammar, manage students, and keep learners engaged during online classes.
The demand for online English teachers continues to grow as more students choose virtual lessons for convenience and flexibility. This creates opportunities for South Africans who want to teach from home, work part-time, or build a remote teaching career with students from different countries.
After completing a recognised TEFL course, you may be able to teach general English, conversation English, business English, young learners, or exam preparation lessons such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Some teachers prefer to find their own private students, while others work through online teaching companies or tutor marketplaces. These platforms often help with lesson bookings, payments, scheduling, and student matching, making it easier to focus on teaching.
One of the biggest benefits of teaching English online is flexibility. You can often choose your working hours, work around your current job or studies, and teach students from different parts of the world.
What Do You Need to Start Teaching English Online?
To start teaching English online, you do not need a physical classroom, but you do need the right skills, equipment, training, and confidence. Online teaching is flexible, but students and employers still expect a professional learning experience.
The first thing you need is a strong command of English. You should be able to explain grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and everyday communication in a clear and simple way. You do not always need to be a native English speaker, but you do need strong fluency and the ability to help learners understand and use English confidently.
A recognised TEFL certificate is also highly recommended. Many online teaching companies prefer or require TEFL training because it shows that you understand lesson planning, student engagement, language explanation, and online classroom delivery. If you are new to teaching, a TEFL course can help you build the foundation you need before applying for online roles.
You will also need a reliable teaching setup. This usually includes a laptop or desktop computer, stable internet, a webcam, a headset or microphone, and a quiet space where you can teach without distractions. For South African teachers, it is also worth thinking about backup options for internet or power where possible, especially if you plan to teach regular lessons.
To start teaching English online, you typically need:
- Strong English communication skills
- A TEFL or TESOL certificate
- A laptop or desktop computer
- A reliable internet connection
- A webcam and headset
- A quiet, well-lit teaching space
- Basic lesson planning skills
- A professional teacher profile or CV
- Confidence speaking to students online
Once these are in place, you can begin applying to online English teaching companies, tutor marketplaces, or start building your own private student base.
Are There Any Requirements to Teach English Online?
You do not always need a long list of formal requirements to start teaching English online. For many entry-level roles, a TEFL certificate, strong English skills, and a professional setup can help you get started.
However, requirements differ from one company to another. Some platforms may prefer a degree, some may ask for teaching experience, and others may be more flexible.
1. English Language Proficiency
You need to be comfortable speaking, reading, and writing in English. You do not need to sound like someone from the UK or the US, but you should be clear, confident, and able to explain English to learners from different backgrounds.
2. TEFL Qualification
A TEFL certificate is one of the most useful qualifications for online English teaching. It shows that you understand how to teach English as a foreign language and not just speak it. Many platforms prefer or require TEFL certification, and it can also help your application stand out.
3. Equipment and Setup
A professional setup is important when teaching online. You will usually need:
- A laptop or computer
- Stable internet
- A good-quality webcam
- A headset or microphone
- A quiet, well-lit teaching space
Clear audio, good lighting, and a neat background can help you create a better learning experience for your students.
4. Attitude and Motivation
Teaching online requires patience, consistency, and the ability to adapt to different learners. A positive attitude can help you build confidence, improve your lessons, and keep students coming back.
How Much Can You Earn Teaching English Online?
Online English teachers usually earn around $10–$20 per hour when starting out, depending on the company, qualifications, teaching experience, and the type of students they teach. Teachers with a TEFL certificate, strong reviews, specialist skills, or experience teaching business English, exam preparation, or young learners may be able to earn more, often around $25–$40 per hour on higher-paying platforms or through private students.
For South African teachers, earnings are often paid in international currencies such as US dollars, depending on the platform. Your income can vary based on your hours, student bookings, time zone availability, and whether you work through a company, a tutor marketplace, or your own private student base.
Teaching English online can work well as a flexible side income, and with regular students, it may become a more stable remote teaching career.
Recommended Courses for Teaching English Online
If you want to teach English online, the best starting point is usually a recognised TEFL qualification that helps you understand lesson planning, grammar, student engagement, and teaching methods. For new teachers, a 120-hour TEFL course can provide the main foundation needed to apply for online and international teaching roles.
If you already have a TEFL certificate or want to strengthen your online teaching skills, Premier TEFL’s 30-Hour Teach English Online Course is a useful specialist add-on. It is designed to help teachers prepare for virtual lessons, online classroom delivery, remote student engagement, and online teaching applications, making it a strong choice for anyone in South Africa who wants to teach English from home or while traveling.
Online English Teaching Companies That May Hire Without a Degree
There are several online teaching companies and tutor marketplaces that may offer opportunities to teachers without a degree. Requirements can change, so always check the latest hiring criteria before applying.
Engoo
Engoo is often seen as a flexible option for new online teachers. It may be useful if you are starting out and want experience teaching international students.
Earnings: Around $6+ per hour
Highlight: Flexible entry requirements and a simple way to begin teaching online.
Cambly
Cambly focuses mainly on English conversation practice. It is known for flexible teaching arrangements and students from around the world.
Earnings: Around $10.20 per hour
Highlight: Flexible lessons and conversation-based teaching.
Preply
Preply allows tutors to create a profile, set lesson prices, and teach students through the platform. It can be a useful option if you want more control over your teaching schedule and rates.
Earnings: Often around $15+ per hour, depending on your rate and experience
Highlight: You can set your own prices and build your own student base.
Ginseng English
Ginseng English may suit teachers who prefer working with adults and structured lessons. It can be useful if you are interested in business-style or group teaching.
Earnings: Around $10–$15 per hour
Highlight: Adult learners and structured online classes.
AmazingTalker
AmazingTalker allows tutors to set their own rates and connect with students looking for different types of English lessons.
Highlight: Flexible hours, flexible pricing, and student matching.
iTalki
iTalki is a language-learning marketplace where teachers can offer lessons in general English, business English, test preparation, conversation practice, and more.
Highlight: A strong platform for teachers who want to build a profile and specialise in different lesson types.
Open English
Open English connects teachers with learners across Latin America. It may suit teachers who enjoy working with adult learners and students from Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking backgrounds.
Highlight: Large student base and regular online teaching opportunities.
Lingoda
Lingoda offers structured language lessons and often works with adult learners. Requirements may be stricter than some other platforms, but it can be a strong option for experienced teachers.
Highlight: Structured lessons and professional learners.
Can You Teach English Online Without a Degree?
Yes, it is possible to teach English online without a degree. Some companies do require one, but many platforms are more flexible and may focus on your English fluency, TEFL qualification, teaching confidence, and online setup.
If you do not have a degree, a TEFL certificate can help strengthen your application. It shows that you have completed teacher training and understand the basics of lesson planning, grammar explanation, classroom management, and student engagement.
For South Africans looking for flexible remote work, teaching English online without a degree can be a realistic route if you choose suitable platforms, prepare a strong profile, and keep building your teaching skills.
Want to Learn More About Teaching English Online?
If you are interested in teaching English online from South Africa, Premier TEFL can help you choose the right course and understand your next steps. Whether you are new to teaching, looking for flexible work, or hoping to teach while traveling, the right TEFL training can help you start with confidence.
