TEFL vs PGCE: Which Is Better for Teaching English Abroad?

If you're thinking about teaching abroad, you've probably come across two very different options: getting a TEFL certification or pursuing a PGCE. Both can lead to a teaching job overseas — but they take you down very different paths.

A TEFL course is fast, flexible, and designed for teaching English to non-native speakers, often in private language schools or online. A PGCE, on the other hand, is a formal teaching qualification focused on national curriculums and structured school environments — typically used to land roles in international schools or government-funded programs.

The real question isn’t which one is “better,” but which one fits the kind of life you want. Are you looking to explore new cultures and teach in diverse settings, or are you aiming to build a solid, long-term teaching career with academic credentials and structure?

Let’s unpack the differences — and help you choose your path with clarity.

What Is a TEFL Certification?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It’s the most common qualification for people who want to teach English to non-native speakers — whether abroad or online. Courses range from quick online formats to blended options with classroom practice.

A TEFL certificate is recognized around the world by language schools, private academies, and even public school programs (like EPIK in Korea or TAPIF in France). Most programs require 120+ hours for credibility.

Who It's For

• Aspiring teachers who want to live and work abroad
• Gap year travelers and digital nomads
• Career changers testing the waters
• People interested in flexible, contract-based or online teaching jobs

What Is a PGCE?

A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is a UK-based teaching qualification typically completed after a bachelor's degree. It’s an intensive, year-long academic and practical program that usually leads to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), which is required to teach in state schools in England and Wales.

Internationally, a PGCE is mainly relevant to British curriculum schools, IB programs, and high-paying international schools — not everyday ESL roles.

Who It's For

• Future teachers aiming to work in UK schools or British/IB international schools
• Those seeking long-term careers in formal education
• Educators interested in teaching subjects beyond English (maths, science, etc.)
• People who want recognized credentials for competitive full-time roles abroad

Key Differences at a Glance

Teaching Abroad with TEFL: Pros and Considerations

✅ Pros

• Quick and affordable way to start teaching abroad or online.
• Widely accepted by private language schools, public programs, and online platforms.
• Ideal for people who want flexibility — from 6-month contracts to multi-year stays.
• Excellent entry point for travelers, career changers, or those testing out teaching.
• Can be upgraded with in-class practicum or internships for better job access.

⚠️ Considerations

• Some countries or schools require a degree in addition to TEFL (e.g., public schools in Korea or the UAE).
• TEFL alone usually isn’t enough for high-paying international or curriculum-based schools.
• Roles are often focused purely on English — you won’t be teaching math, science, or other subjects.
• Quality and credibility of courses vary — choose an established provider with 120+ hours and a practicum option.

Teaching Abroad with a PGCE: Pros and Considerations

✅ Pros

• Recognized for formal teaching roles in British international schools, IB programs, and public schools abroad.
• Allows you to teach full academic subjects (not just English) — including math, science, and humanities.
• Higher earning potential and stronger job security in structured school systems.
• Includes real classroom placements and pedagogical training.

⚠️ Considerations

• Expensive and time-intensive — usually requires a full year and a prior degree.
• Mainly useful for formal education systems; not needed (or valued) for casual TEFL jobs, online teaching, or most language academies.
• Limited flexibility — harder to mix with a travel-based lifestyle or freelance teaching.
• High academic expectations and workload can be demanding, especially for career changers.

What Employers Actually Want

• Language schools, private academies, and online platforms are happy with a strong TEFL certificate (especially if you have some experience or a practicum).
• Public school programs (like EPIK in Korea or JET in Japan) often want a TEFL + degree, but not a PGCE.
• International schools and IB or British curriculum schools may require a PGCE (often with QTS) — especially for non-ESL subjects.
• Having both (TEFL + PGCE) can widen your job options, but they serve very different markets.
• In most TEFL contexts, a well-chosen TEFL course and a confident classroom presence go a long way.

Choosing Based on Your Goals

✅ Choose TEFL if:

• You want to start teaching quickly without a huge financial or time investment.
• You're interested in living abroad for a year or more, with the freedom to explore.
• You want the option to teach online, freelance, or work in language schools.
• You're changing careers or figuring out if teaching is right for you.
• You’re not aiming for formal school systems or subject-specific roles.

✅ Choose PGCE if:

• You want a long-term teaching career, especially in international or British curriculum schools.
• You’d like to teach subjects beyond English (math, science, history, etc.).
• You already have a degree and want a qualification that leads to more formal and stable roles.
• You value structured environments, salary progression, and full-time school positions abroad.

Can You Combine Both?

Absolutely. Many teachers do.

• Start with TEFL to gain experience, travel, and explore the teaching world without a huge commitment.
• Later, upgrade to a PGCE if you want to move into formal schooling, curriculum teaching, or higher-paying international roles.
• Already have a PGCE? Adding TEFL can open doors to flexible jobs like online teaching, summer camps, or casual ESL roles during career breaks or travel stints.
• Having both credentials gives you the best of both worlds: formal school career pathways and flexible global teaching options.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Either/Or — It’s What Fits You

The choice between TEFL and PGCE isn’t about which one is “better.” It’s about what fits your lifestyle, goals, and vision for the future.

If you're looking for an adventure with low barriers to entry and a passport to global experiences, TEFL is the perfect launchpad.
If you’re ready to commit to a structured, long-term career in education with strong credentials and job security, PGCE is your ticket in.

Both are valuable. Both are valid.
The best path? The one that leads to the kind of teaching — and life — you actually want.