Teach English in Qatar

Possibly the biggest drawcard for teaching jobs in Qatar, the country offers some of the highest salaries and best benefits packages for English teachers in the world. 

Qatar is a hub of innovation and growth, with a strong emphasis on education and technology. As a teacher, you’ll have access to top-notch facilities, resources, and training opportunities. 

And let’s not forget about the cultural experience! Qatar is a melting pot of different nationalities, and you’ll have the chance to learn about new traditions, languages, and customs while making meaningful connections with your students and colleagues.

Qatar is not a big country by any stretch of the imagination, so there are only a few options for teaching positions.

Doha

Where modern wonders meet ancient traditions

As the capital city of Qatar, Doha is a hub of business, education, and culture. There are many jobs in Doha and some of the country’s best schools and universities are located here. With warm (sweaty!) weather, the city rarely sleeps and offers vibrant nightlife, breathtaking modern architecture, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Education City

Join the brightest minds in the country

Located on the outskirts of Doha, Education City is a massive complex of schools and universities that specialise in science, technology, and research. As an English teacher here, you’ll be working with some of the brightest minds in the country and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Al Wakrah

A coastal town with more room to breathe

This coastal town is located just south of Doha and offers a more laid-back lifestyle. Al Wakrah has a growing expat community and is known for its beautiful beaches and historic architecture.

Al Khor

Experience Qatar’s Bedouin heritage

If you’re looking for a quieter and more traditional Qatari experience, Al Khor is a great option. Located on the northern coast of Qatar, Al Khor is known for its fishing industry and stunning natural landscapes.

Ready for adventure? Well, let’s look at what the requirements are for working in Qatar. 

Do you need a visa to teach English in Qatar?

To work in Qatar as an English teacher, you need to obtain a valid work visa. Work visas in Qatar typically cost QR 200 ($55 USD), and are valid for 1-3 months. Your employer will typically handle the visa application process, which can take up to 1-3 months and will require the following: 

• Criminal background check 
• Medical examination

Do I need teaching experience to teach in Qatar?

In teaching, experience is king! Experience gives you better bargaining power for higher-paying jobs and more benefit packages.

Given its small size and fierce competition, 2-3 years of prior teaching experience is recommended for TEFL jobs in Qatar. Most teaching jobs go to native English speakers with advanced credentials. 

Which TEFL certification is best for teaching in Qatar?

To secure a TEFL teaching position in Qatar, you need to have a TEFL certificate from a globally-recognised course provider. 

Many English teaching jobs in Qatar require applicants to have a minimum of 120 hours TEFL certification. However, in such a competitive part of the teaching English market, we recommend the Level 5 168-hour Combined TEFL course to give you the best shot of standing out from the crowd. Our Combined TEFL course comes with a 10-hour teaching practicum, which is a great opportunity to develop your skills in the classroom. 

If you’re keen to get these classroom management skills, but are unable to attend our in-person component, The TEFL Academy offers a Level 5 40-hour Observed Teaching Practice Course which gives you real-life teaching practice via our online distance learning platform. 

Can I teach English in Qatar with no degree?

Most, if not all, English teaching jobs in Qatar require a four-year degree. Many employers now prefer a Master’s degree. 

BUT, all is not lost if you don’t have a degree. For those who don’t have a degree, there is the option of teaching English online to Qataris through various online platforms. Some platforms have fixed hours and rates, while others offer the opportunity to set your own.

Alternatively, consider teaching English in countries where no degree is required. The likes of Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain and Argentina are all popular TEFL destinations for teaching with no degree. 

Can non-native speakers teach English in Qatar?

To teach English in Qatar, you must be a native speaker of English. Native English speakers hail from the US, the UK, South Africa, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. 

Alternative destinations that do not require teachers be a native English speaker include Cambodia, China and Turkey. 

How much start-up capital do I need to teach in Qatar?

You need to have some start-up capital before you move to Qatar. This can help you cover initial expenses, such as airfare, housing, transport and living costs. You may also need to pay for visa fees and other administrative costs. 

Some jobs will book your flight on your behalf or re-imburse you at a later date. The majority of jobs in Qatar offer accommodation too.

• Accommodation: Usually provided
• TEFL certification: A TEFL course can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the length and level of the course and the course provider. 
• Document fees: Any costs related to certifying and notarising your degree and TEFL certificate
• Flight ticket: Variable. Your employer may cover the cost or re-imburse you.
• Visa application: The cost of a work visa to enter Qatar costs QR200 ($55). There is a further fee of QR300 ($135) to convert this to a residency permit. 
• Living expenses: You will need one month’s worth of start-up capital of about QR 3,200 ($900) to help you settle in Qatar, especially when living in Doha. Settlement allowances are at the discretion of an employer. 

There are different types of teaching jobs such as school jobs or even private teaching opportunities. Let’s explore these different options.

Here are some types of English teaching jobs and the typical salaries and benefits in Qatar.

Private language schools

Private language schools in Qatar offer English language courses to children and adults. The average salary in Qatar for private language schools can range between QR 9,400 – QR 14,000 ($2,600 – $3,900) with benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and housing allowance.

International schools

International schools in Qatar offer a Western-style education to students from around the world. You can also be a kindergarten teacher at international schools. You can expect to earn a salary of around QR 13,400 – QR 22,000 ($3,700 – $6,000) with benefits such as health insurance, housing allowance, and paid vacation.

Universities

Many universities in Qatar offer English language courses to students from Qatar and around the world. As an English teacher in a university, you can expect to earn a salary of around QR 16,300 – QR 27,000 ($4,500 – $7,400) with benefits such as health insurance, housing allowance, and paid vacation.

Corporate training

Some companies in Qatar offer English language training to their employees. As an English teacher in a corporate training setting, you can expect to earn a salary of around QR  11,000 – QR 16,300 ($3,000 – $4,500) with benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation.

Overall, English teaching jobs in Qatar offer generous salaries, benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

If you’re interested in teaching English in Qatar, you might be wondering how you can stand out from the competition. Well, here’s our step-by-step guide on how to make employers fall in love with you! 

1. Get TEFL-qualified. Getting The TEFL Academy’s 168-hour TEFL certificate (for those who haven’t taught in an ESL classroom) is first on the list. 
2. Meet the minimum requirements. Don’t go chasing positions you’re never going to be considered for. 
3. Prepare your documents. Gathering your documents (passports, apostilled copy of your degree, reference letters) can be time-consuming, but it’s absolutely vital. Get reference letters from immediate supervisors from past or current jobs or your college or university academic professors sorted early! 
4. Prepare your CV. Even little touches to tailor each CV you send can make a world of difference. 
5. Start your job search. Check out our TEFL jobs board for teaching positions.
6. Consider using recruitment companies. Recruiters will hold your hand throughout the application process, and help you make sense of the requirements needed for moving abroad. 
7. Apply for a visa. Once you’ve aced your interview and get offered a job, the process of applying for a visa begins. This can take between 1-3 months, so prepare to be patient! 

With some persistence and a bit of luck, you can land a job teaching English in Qatar and experience all the unique cultural and educational opportunities the country has to offer!

Read more: The average TEFL salary: the lowdown

Now that you know the basics, let’s see what you can expect once you live in Qatar.

The cost of living in Qatar is generally considered to be amongst the highest in the Middle East. Life in Doha especially is comparable to most other major cities. Thankfully, the generous salaries more than cover these costs! 

Accommodation

• One-bedroom apartment in city centre: QR 6,500 ($1,700)
• One-bedroom apartment outside city centre: QR 4,000 ($1,000)

Utilities

• Gas, electricity, water, garbage disposal: QR400 ($110) 

Food and groceries

• Food: 10% – 20% of salary
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: QR30 ($8)

Transport

• Monthly pass: QR150 ($40)
• Single bus or subway trip: QR2 ($0.50)

Internet

• Unlimited: QR350 ($95)

Where in Qatar is the cheapest to live?

To be honest, nowhere is exactly cheap to live in Qatar!

Roughly 92% of the population live in Doha, meaning budget-friendly alternatives aren’t plentiful. With that being said, there are a number of handy initiatives in the country that will help you save further. For instance, the Government will subsidise your utilities to keep things affordable. 

Saving money in Qatar is all about lifestyle choices and how freely you spend your money. With the competitive salaries and generous benefit packages up for grabs, most TEFL teachers find themselves living comfortably on a teacher’s salary. 

Yes, it’s definitely possible to save money as an English teacher in Qatar! With the high salaries and benefits offered to English teachers, it’s possible to live comfortably and still have money left over to save or invest. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of living in Qatar is relatively high, so it’s important to budget wisely and be mindful of expenses.

Housing and transport costs can be significant, but many employers offer housing allowances and other benefits that can help offset these expenses. If you’re wondering how you can earn more money, you can also consider private tutoring.

With careful budgeting and smart financial planning, it’s definitely possible to save money while working as an English teacher in Qatar. Go easy on the coffee and shopping splurges, and you should be fine! 

Day-to-day life in Qatar is comfortable, with a high standard of living and plenty of modern amenities. The weather can be quite hot and humid in the summer, but the rest of the year is quite pleasant. 

Qatar is a very safe country, with amongst the lowest crime rates in the Middle East. Roughly 85% of Qatar’s population are expats, so expect to meet people from all over the globe!

As for teaching English in Qatar, it is a very rewarding experience. Schools in Qatar generally have high standards and well-behaved students, and the teaching staff is often diverse and supportive. 

Being a strict Islamic country, there are cultural differences to adjust to, but teachers who embrace the local customs and traditions can have a truly enriching experience.

Living and teaching English in Qatar is a great opportunity to learn about a fascinating country and culture while advancing your career.