Cheap TEFL courses (2025): how to choose a legit option (without getting burned)

Dec 13 / Kevin
Looking for a cheap TEFL course that’s actually legit?
Here’s a quick checklist to avoid certificate mills, verify accreditation, and make sure employers can validate your certificate.

Written by Kevin

Kevin has worked in TEFL for over a decade, including roles in language centres and private tutoring international students across East Asia.

about the team • editorial policy

Table of contents:
  1. What counts as a “cheap TEFL course”?
  2. Are cheap TEFL courses always bad?
  3. Why are some TEFL courses are so cheap?
  4. Accredited vs unaccredited vs regulated TEFL
  5. What should I look for in a cheap TEFL course?
  6. Where simpleTEFL fits
  7. Cheap TEFL course FAQ
If you’ve typed “cheap TEFL course” into Google, you’ve probably noticed a pattern: a lot of articles lean on worst-case warnings, and it’s not always easy to separate practical guidance from scaremongering.
Cheap TEFL courses can be legit if the provider is transparent, the accreditation is real and verifiable, and the certificate can be checked by employers. Avoid
“certificate mills” with vague accreditation, no real business details, or no evidence of course content and outcomes.
The reality is that cheap doesn’t automatically mean bad. Different TEFL courses use different business models: some cost more because they have expensive regulated frameworks and admin, some cost less because they run a leaner operation, and some are simply... well... low quality.
This guide demystifies the marketing hype with a clear checklist, so you can choose a course that fits your goal and won’t waste your time or money.
Full transparency: we run a TEFL course ourselves. simpleTEFL is a UK-based provider of an affordable, accredited 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course for $29. The checklist below works for any provider though, not just us!

Short on time?
Here's a summary:

Cheap is fine when it’s cheap for genuine reasons (online delivery, lean team, focused product). Before you buy, make sure the company and accreditation are verifiable.
A quick "cheap course" checklist:
  • Price clarity: full price + what’s included, plus any extras (printed cert, extensions, admin fees).
  • Accreditation you can verify: accreditor is named, real, and you can confirm the provider is listed/recognised.
  • Real course contents: full transparency about the course contents and what you'll learn.
  • Certificate verification: employers can check the validity of your certificate.
  • Real outcomes: credible reviews or evidence of graduates actually using it.
As a general rule: if it fails accreditation, verification, or outcomes, don’t buy until you can independently confirm those.

1. What counts as a “cheap" TEFL course?

“Cheap” usually means low-cost compared to what online TEFL courses have traditionally cost. But pricing has shifted a lot, and it’s now normal to see plenty of online options under $100.
A rough way to think about it is "budget online" ($20–$50) vs "premium online" ($200–$300). The useful question is what that extra money actually buys you, and we'll look into that later in the guide.
It's important to note courses found on Groupon sites and similar are where things get murky. Some providers selling from these platforms are legitimate, and some aren't.
At the end of the day, the validity of a certification comes back to the course accreditation, but there are other aspects to consider. In any case, you can use the tips at the end of this guide to help you decide for yourself whether any TEFL course is legitimate.

2. Are cheap TEFL courses always bad?

No... but some are.
A cheap TEFL course is fine when it’s cheap for real reasons (online delivery, lean team, focused product), and it fits your goals.
Cheap can be legit if:
  • the provider's accreditor is clearly verifiable
  • the course contents are transparent
  • there are independent reviews
  • you can see real outcomes from previous students
  • they don’t make wild promises (guaranteed visa/job/salary)
  • your goal is to secure an entry-level teaching position or teach online
Cheap becomes risky if:
  • the accreditation is vague or uncheckable
  • the website looks dodgy or amateur
  • the company is anonymous (no address, no real contact)
  • there are no real success stories from previous graduates
  • everything is permanently “95% off today only - honest!”
  • your goal is to teach in a more advanced position (university, private school, etc.)
If you want the short version: cheap is fine if the course fits your goals and the company is transparent.

3. Why are some TEFL courses so cheap?

A few years ago, many providers priced online TEFL at a few hundred dollars. Today, it’s common to see many affordable options under $100, and some reputable providers price even lower.
A few things have driven prices down. A switch to purely online courses has meant physical training centers and large staff rosters are a thing of the past. No rent to pay and large staff rosters meant providers were able to offer a cheaper price. 
Further, the pandemic created a huge demand for online courses of all types, meaning many new providers sprung up overnight. And with this increased competition, prices naturally lowered. 
Now you might be wondering what that extra $200-300 buys you when you purchase a "premium" TEFL course. Well, read on to find out!

4. Accredited vs unaccredited vs regulated TEFL

To keep things simple, it helps to sort TEFL courses into three buckets: unaccredited, independently accredited, and regulated/qualification-framework.
These aren’t official global labels, but they’re a useful way to compare courses quickly.

Unaccredited

An unaccredited TEFL course has no meaningful external quality assurance.
That usually looks like one of these:
  • No accreditor mentioned at all
  • An “accreditor” is mentioned, but it’s hard to verify (no clear standards, no real footprint, no list of providers, vague wording like “contact us to check”)
Note: 
Sometimes a provider will use the word “accredited” loosely. If you can’t verify who the accreditor is and what they actually do, treat it as unaccredited.

Accredited

An independently accredited TEFL course is reviewed by a separate accreditation/quality-assurance organisation. This can be a perfectly legitimate route, and it’s one reason some courses can stay affordable.
Typically, independent accreditation means:
  • the accreditor reviews the provider’s course structure and processes against their standards
  • there is ongoing monitoring (for example, periodic checks or annual renewal)
What matters isn’t the label “accredited”, but whether it’s verifiable and meaningful.
A quick way to check an independent accreditor:
  • Can you find the accreditor’s site and what standards they use?
  • Can you verify the provider is listed/recognised by that accreditor?
  • Can you see a list of the accreditor's other clients, or is that hidden?
Note: 
If a course isn’t tied to a government-regulated awarding body (we explain this below) but is priced in the hundreds, you should be able to clearly see what that extra fee is paying for (hint: it probably isn't a more recognised course).

At this kind of price, you’d normally expect at least some of these extras: observed teaching practice, live classes, 1-to-1 tutor feedback, or a direct employment pathway to a connected school.

If the offer looks basically the same as a $30–$100 course, you'd be better off saving your money.
Want the deeper version with examples and red flags? Read our full TEFL/TESOL Certification Guide →
Disclosure: We run a TEFL course ourselves. simpleTEFL’s 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course is accredited, and employers can verify certificates via our verification system. We also assist with certificate legalisation (apostille) where required.

Government regulated

This usually refers to courses tied to a regulated awarding organisation or a national qualifications framework (the exact terms differ by country). In many cases, the awarding body is regulated, rather than the TEFL provider itself.
These routes often cost more because they can involve:
  • more assessment and administration requirements
  • centre approval processes
  • per-learner registration/claim fees with the awarding body
That extra cost doesn’t automatically mean the training is “better”. It often means you’re paying for a different kind of credential structure that may be required for specific programmes or roles.
Note: what's a certification fee?
Some awarding systems charge providers a per-learner fee when a certificate/award is issued (sometimes called a registration fee or certification/claim fee). And this is one reason regulated routes cost more.
Key takeaway: 
Don’t assume more expensive always means more useful.
The right choice is individual and depends on your goal (online teaching, private language schools, or a programme that explicitly demands a regulated qualification).
Just make sure you can verify that the course is at least independently accredited to reduce risk with employment and visas.

5. What should I look for in a cheap TEFL course?

If you're looking at this price point, you need to be realistic and understand you’re not trying to find the “best” course in the world; you’re trying to avoid the ones that waste your time or cause problems later.
Use this checklist on any cheap TEFL course (including ours).
Quick "cheap TEFL" test
Use this on any course you’re considering:
  1. Price clarity
    Can you see the full price and what’s included before checkout?
    Are extras (printed cert, extensions, admin fees) clearly visible and fairly priced? Is the refund policy clear?
  2. Accreditation you can verify
    Is the accreditor named, real, and the provider verifiably accredited?
  3. Proof it’s a worthwhile course (not a certificate mill)
    Do you see a syllabus/modules + some assessment detail + content inside the course?
  4. Certificate verification exists
    Is there a verification method employers can use?
  5. Real outcomes
    Can you find anything that suggests real learners with meaningful outcomes (jobs abroad, working online, etc.)?


If a course fails (2) accreditation, (5) real outcomes, or (4) verification, slow down and double-check before buying.

Want the full step-by-step process for choosing a course? Read our full TEFL/TESOL Certification Guide →

6. Where simpleTEFL fits

If you want a cheap but legitimate TEFL option, we've designed our course for exactly that.
simpleTEFL is a UK-based provider of an affordable, accredited 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course for $29. It’s self-paced, includes a digital certificate with optional hardcopy, and employers can verify certificates quickly through our verification system.
You’ll probably like simpleTEFL if you:
  • want an affordable, accredited starting point
  • plan to teach online or apply for entry-level roles abroad
  • prefer a straightforward course with no confusing price structure
  • value honesty and transparency
  • want a practical course you'll actually use when teaching
But you may want a different route if you:
  • specifically need a government regulated qualification for a programme
  • want in-person observed teaching practice built into the course
  • aim to start in a highly competitive role that requires CELTA-level credentials
Remember: If you’re unsure, you can use the checklist above to compare any provider fairly.

👇 See the course details and enroll for $29

7. FAQs: about cheap TEFL courses

Are cheap TEFL courses legitimate?

Some are, some aren’t. 

A cheap TEFL course can be legitimate if the provider is a real business, the course has a clear syllabus and assessments, and the accreditation (if claimed) is verifiable. 

Use the checklist above to filter out the low-quality options quickly.

What is the cheapest TEFL course that’s still “worth it”?

There isn’t one universal number. Instead of focusing on the price, focus on whether it meets a basic standard: verifiable provider, meaningful course structure, and a certificate that can be checked by employers. Plenty of decent online options sit under $100, and some reputable providers price lower.

Is a 120-hour TEFL course enough?

For many online tutoring platforms and many entry-level roles, 120 hours is the common baseline. 

Some employers and programmes ask for more, or for specific credential types, so always check the job listings or country requirements for your goals.

Will employers accept a cheap TEFL certificate?

Many employers care more about whether the certificate is accredited, verifiable, and capable of passing visa checks than the price you paid. 

If you can see other people have used the certificate successfully and the accreditation checks out, you should be ok.

Do I need a “regulated” TEFL qualification?

Only if a job or programme explicitly requires it. 

Regulated/qualification-framework routes can be useful for certain paths, but they aren’t necessary for every teacher. 

For most beginners aiming to teach online or get a first role abroad, an independently accredited 120-hour course is more than likely enough.

What does “accredited TEFL” actually mean?

In TEFL, “accredited” can be a loose term. 

The important part is whether the accreditation is independent, genuine, and verifiable (you can identify the accreditor, understand what they do, and confirm the provider is actually accredited).

Are Groupon / deal-site TEFL courses always bad?

Not always, but it’s where it gets tricky. 

Some legitimate providers sell through deal platforms, and others don’t. 

The safest approach is to apply the same checks: verifiable provider, verifiable accreditation, transparent view of course contents and assessments, and verifiable outcomes.

Why are some TEFL courses so expensive?

Often you’re paying for things like live tutor time, cohort-based classes, observed teaching practice, or a regulated qualification framework with extra administration. 

Sometimes you’re also paying for brand premium and marketing costs. Higher price generally means access to a different credential type, but it doesn’t automatically mean it’s the right fit for your goal.

Is simpleTEFL a legit cheap option?

Yes, if you’re looking for an affordable accredited entry-point into teaching. 

Disclosure: we run simpleTEFL. Our 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course is ACCREDITAT-accredited, and employers can verify certificates.

I’m not sure what I need. What’s the safest next step?

Pick one target outcome (teach online, teach abroad, or a specific country) and use the checklist to shortlist 2–3 providers. 

If you want the full step-by-step process, see our full TEFL/TESOL Certification Guide →
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