Do I need a TEFL to teach English in Tanzania?

A TEFL certificate (120+ hours) is strongly recommended and required by most reputable schools. Some volunteer placements accept teachers without TEFL but paid positions almost always require it. A degree in Education or English is preferred.

What is the salary for English teachers in Tanzania?

Salaries range from TZS 500,000-2,000,000 per month (approximately USD 200-800). International schools pay more (USD 800-2,000/month). Volunteer positions are unpaid but may include accommodation and meals.

Do I need a work permit to teach in Tanzania?

Yes. To teach legally in Tanzania you need a Class C work permit (issued for employment in education). Your employer typically sponsors this. The process takes 4-8 weeks and costs USD 500-1,000. Short-term volunteer teaching (under 90 days) may be possible on a volunteer visa.

What is the best time to apply for teaching jobs in Tanzania?

The Tanzanian school year runs January to November. The best time to apply is August-October for positions starting in January. International schools follow a September start and recruit from January-April.

Last updated: April 2026

Teaching English in Tanzania 2026

Tanzania offers rewarding opportunities for English teachers, from paid positions at international schools to volunteer placements in rural communities. English is an official language alongside Swahili, and demand for English teachers is growing as Tanzania expands its tourism and business sectors.

Requirements to Teach in Tanzania

Requirement	Paid Positions	Volunteer Positions
TEFL/TESOL Certificate	Required (120+ hours)	Preferred but not always required
Degree	Bachelor's degree (Education or English preferred)	Not always required
Experience	1-2 years preferred	Not required
Work Permit	Class C work permit (employer sponsors)	Volunteer visa or tourist visa (short stays)
Background Check	Criminal record check from home country	Usually required
Health	Medical clearance, Yellow Fever certificate	Same

Salary & Cost of Living

Position Type	Monthly Salary	USD Equivalent
Local school (paid)	TZS 500,000 - 1,000,000	$200 - $400
Private school	TZS 1,000,000 - 2,000,000	$400 - $800
International school	TZS 2,000,000 - 5,000,000	$800 - $2,000
Volunteer	Unpaid	Accommodation + meals often included

Tanzania has a low cost of living. Budget TZS 400,000-800,000/month ($160-$320) for basic living expenses outside Dar es Salaam. See our Cost of Living Guide.

Work Permit Process for Teachers

Secure a job offer from a Tanzanian school or institution
Employer applies for your Class C work permit with the Immigration Department
Documents needed: Passport, degree certificates, TEFL certificate, criminal record check, medical clearance, passport photos
Processing time: 4-8 weeks
Cost: USD 500-1,000 (usually paid by employer)
Validity: Up to 2 years, renewable

For full details on work permits, see our Tanzania Work Permit Guide.

Where to Find Teaching Jobs

Top Locations for Teaching

Dar es Salaam: Largest city, most international schools, highest salaries
Arusha: Tourist hub near Kilimanjaro, many NGOs and language schools
Zanzibar (Stone Town): Growing tourism sector, English for hospitality
Moshi: Base for Kilimanjaro climbers, volunteer opportunities
Dodoma: Capital city, government schools

Job Search Resources

International Schools Association of Tanzania (ISAT)
TIE (Tanzania Institute of Education) job boards
Teach Away, Go Overseas, TEFL.org job listings
Peace Corps Tanzania (volunteer programme)
VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas)

Quick Reference

TEFL: 120+ hours recommended
Salary: $200-$2,000/month
Work permit: Class C, 4-8 weeks
School year: Jan-Nov (local), Sep-Jun (international)
Languages: English + Swahili (official)