What qualification do I need to become an ESOL teacher?

A Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages , known as TESOL, is the clearest route at Waikato for teaching English to non-native speakers, whether privately, internationally, or within New Zealand schools. A Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL are also available as shorter alternatives.

Do I need an existing degree to enrol in the Master of TESOL?

Not necessarily. You can also qualify with 3 to 5 years of relevant professional or volunteer experience instead of a bachelor's degree, making this accessible to career-changers.

Is this the same as international ESOL qualifications like CELTA or TEFL?

No. CELTA, TEFL, and DELTA are internationally recognised ESOL teaching certificates offered by other providers, while Waikato's Master of TESOL is a full postgraduate qualification with its own distinct structure and outcomes.

Do I need classroom teaching experience before starting this qualification?

Not necessarily, though some people complete it alongside or after other teaching experience to strengthen their practical skills.

Can this qualification lead to teaching roles overseas?

Yes. TESOL qualifications are widely recognised internationally, making this a common pathway for people wanting to teach English abroad as well as within New Zealand.

Does this qualification lead to registration as a teacher in New Zealand?

It depends on the setting. Some ESOL roles require registration with the Teaching Council and a Limited Authority to Teach or Annual Practising Certificate, particularly within schools.

Teacher of English to speakers of other languages

Kaiwhakaako reo Ingarihi ki ngā kaikōrero reo kē

Teachers of English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) teach people from non-English speaking backgrounds how to speak, read and write English.

$50,000 – $118,000 per year

ESOL teacher, English language teacher

Where our data comes from

What would you do as a Teacher of English to speakers of other languages?

ESOL teachers

usually work full or part-time hours including evenings and weekends
usually work in classrooms
need to be responsible, organised and communicate well

Tasks

plan and teach English lessons
develop educational games and activities
assess language skills and set learning goals
set and mark student work
change teaching methods for different learners
encourage students
maintain student records
practice conversational skills with students
study and teach different cultures
help students succeed in new communities

How can you become a Teacher of English to speakers of other languages?

You need a qualification to become an ESOL teacher.

You need

an English language qualification like CELTA, TEFL, DELTA or TESOL
to pass a police check

You may need

a bachelor's degree in English language teaching or similar area
a postgraduate certificate or diploma in applied linguistics
2 years' relevant experience
a Limited Authority to Teach or an Annual Practising Certificate
to be a registered teacher

If you're in school

You need NCEA Level 2 to do the study or training for this job.

Our Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) prepares you to teach English to learners from a wide range of backgrounds. You can enter with a bachelor's degree or relevant professional experience. For a shorter option, choose our Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL.

MTESOL

Where these qualifications can take you

ESOL teaching helps people from non-English speaking backgrounds build the language skills they need for study, work, and daily life. Waikato's Master of TESOL is a genuinely flexible qualification, open to people with an existing bachelor's degree or with 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience instead.

Teacher of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

QS rankings

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

QS Ranking - Education

Waikato is ranked among the top 250 universities worldwide for Education in the QS World University Rankings.

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Teacher of English to speakers of other languages