Visit OISE Site
Policies & Guidelines
Resources
Register

Program

OISE TEFL Certification

Program FAQs • Choose a course •
HomeProgram AreasPre K-12OISE TEFL Certification

OISE TEFL Certification

Start Your Global Teaching Journey with the University of Toronto TEFL Certificate

Teaching English with confidence and creativity – anywhere in the world.

The Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate from OISE Continuing & Professional Learning, University of Toronto, gives you the skills and confidence to plan lessons, engage learners, and create inclusive classrooms across cultures.

In this flexible fully online program, you’ll explore how people learn languages, discover how to design lessons that work for real learners, and use new tools – including AI-powered teaching strategies – to make English learning more effective and engaging.

You’ll Learn To:

  • Build your confidence through practical teaching tasks and guided reflections.
  • Develop adaptable teaching strategies for classrooms and online environments.
  • Create lessons that engage and inspire diverse English learners.

By the end, you’ll be ready to teach English abroad, online, or in your community, and make a lasting impact as a global educator.

Flexible Online Learning – with Personalized Guidance

Our guided, self-paced format gives you the freedom to study when it works for you – with expert support every step of the way.

You’ll access your program through Quercus, the University of Toronto’s official learning platform. All materials, activities, and assignments are hosted in one place for an easy learning experience.

Most learners complete the program in 6-8 weeks, but you’ll have up to a maximum of 6 months to finish at your own pace.

Throughout your journey, your dedicated Course Guide will:

  • Answer questions and provide personalized feedback on assignments.
  • Help troubleshoot and keep you motivated.
  • Offer insights and encouragement as you progress.

Learn anywhere, anytime – with the confidence of University of Toronto quality behind you.

Not ready to enroll but
want to know more?

Request Information

Enroll in an available course

Learn More

What You'll Learn

By the end of this TEFL certificate program, you'll be able to:

  • Teach English effectively in classrooms around the world and across cultures.
  • Design lessons and assessments that are inclusive, engaging, and evidence-based.
  • Use technology and AI tools to enhance how learners engage with English.
  • Build welcoming learning environments where students feel confident and supported.
  • Collaborate and reflect to keep growing as an educator.

Who Should Enroll in this Certificate

A bachelor's degree (in any subject) is a recommended pre-requisite, as most TEFL employers require it.

Most Commonly Related Occupations

Aspiring English language teachers

Current educators or tutors

Professionals seeking a career change

Certificate Overview

This is a pass/fail program, therefore you will not receive a numerical or letter grade. Upon successful completion, you'll be issued a digital TEFL Certificate of Completion from OISE CPL, University of Toronto.

Program Length

6-8 weeks (max 6 months)

Format

Fully online, guided self-paced

Class Size

20+ (ongoing enrollment)

Course Duration

125 hours

Effort

2-3 hours of active engagement per week

Total Investment

$1095 CAD (HST Exempt)

Learn at your own pace while developing the skills today’s English learners need most. Click through to see how this program can help you grow as a global educator.

View Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone with a strong interest in teaching English can enroll. However, because many international schools and employers require it, we recommend completing a bachelor's degree before starting the TEFL Certificate Program.
Absolutely. The program is fully online and self-paced, so you can complete it from anywhere in the world, on your own schedule - no matter your time zone.
A guided self-paced program is a flexible online learning format that allows you to complete course modules, tasks, and assignments at your own pace, within a defined timeframe. You can complete the TEFL program in as little as 6-8 weeks, and have up to a maximum of 6 months to complete the program. A designated Course Guide will be available throughout the program to provide support, host office hours, assess your assignments, and provide feedback.
You'll access your program through Quercus, the University of Toronto's official learning platform. Once registered, we will prepare your login credentials and share step-by-step instructions so that you can get started.
There won't be any mandatory live online sessions, though optional virtual office hours will be available throughout the program. These drop-in sessions are a great opportunity to connect with your Course Guide and other learners, ask questions, and share ideas.
The TEFL Certificate consists of 125 hours of learning. Most learners finish it in 6-8 weeks, spending around 2-3 hours of active engagement per week. You will, however, have up to a maximum of 6 months to complete the program at your own pace.
Extensions are available in special circumstances. If you need extra time to complete your assignments, contact us at oise.cpl@utoronto.ca before the end of your 6-month learning window. Requests will be reviewed individually.
Your Course Guide is your main point of contact. They'll answer questions about course content, assignments, and the Quercus platform. You can reach them directly through Quercus or by email, and can also join their drop-in office hours for extra support.
Upon successful completion, you'll receive a digital TEFL Certificate of Completion from OISE Continuing & Professional Learning, University of Toronto.
While OISE CPL does not provide job placement services, you'll have opportunities to discuss career pathways and teaching opportunities during office hours with your Course Guide and peers. We also recommend exploring global job boards such as: Dave's ESL Café, TEFL.com, and ESLBase.
At this time, financial aid is not available for the TEFL Certificate Program. However, many learners are able to claim continuing education expenses through their local tax deductions or employer-sponsored professional development funds. Check with your organization or tax advisor for eligibility.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language): For teaching English in countries where it is not the primary language. TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language): For teaching English to learners living in a country where English is widely spoken. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): A broad umbrella term that includes both TEFL and TESL, most commonly used in academic settings and for university degree programs.

Ready to start teaching English around the world?

Enroll now or contact us to learn more about the University of Toronto TEFL Certificate Program.

Choose a Course

Have questions? Get in touch with a member of our team.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.