What You Need to Teach English in Turkey
To work legally and confidently as an English teacher in Turkey, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree
Most schools in Turkey look for a degree in any subject, and a degree is commonly required for a sponsored work permit.
- TEFL certificate
A properly accredited TEFL or TESOL certificate is essential. Aim for training that includes observed teaching practice with real learners, which employers value highly.
- English proficiency
If you’re not a native English speaker, you’ll need to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. Some employers may require proof of this, in the form of an official TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Proficiency test result. A strong TEFL certificate, solid references, and any prior teaching or tutoring experience all help.
- Background check
Some employers require a clean police background check from your home country.
- Experience
Turkey is accessible for new teachers. Prior classroom experience is helpful but not essential for many language schools and private K-12 roles.
How to Choose the Right TEFL Course in Turkey
Choosing where (and how) to do your TEFL course isn’t just about getting a certificate. It’s about how confident you’ll feel in front of real classes in Turkey and how credible you’ll look to employers here. If you already know you want to stay on and work after qualifying, taking your course in Turkey can make the transition noticeably smoother.
When you compare courses, here’s what to prioritise:
- Recognised accreditation
Your certificate should be properly accredited and widely accepted by employers in Turkey and abroad. For more about the importance of accreditation, see TEFL Accreditation: What is it and why is it important?
- Observed teaching practice
Your course should include observed teaching practice with real students (not just mock lessons with peers) as well as feedback from experienced trainers.
- Job support for Turkey
Useful support includes CV and interview guidance, help understanding offers and contracts, and connections with local employers.
Both online and in-person TEFL courses are accepted in Turkey, but training in Turkey has some real advantages:
- You’re physically here for in-person interviews and demo lessons – many employers prefer to recruit candidates this way.
- You’ll start building a local network which can often turn into job leads.
- You can sort practicalities and settle in to life in Turkey while you train, so you’re ready to start work quickly.
Many teachers who take our Turkey course at School of TEFL have jobs lined up soon after completing the course.
For more about choosing a course, see our 6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a TEFL Course.
From Training to Teaching in Turkey: Getting Your First Job
Once you’ve finished your TEFL course, the focus shifts to finding the right employer. In Turkey that means choosing your sector (language schools, private K-12, universities, or international schools) and being smart about interview timing.
Hiring happens year-round, with clear peaks in September (new school year) and January (mid-year intake). Language centres recruit continuously; private K-12, international schools and universities follow term cycles. Being on the ground means you can interview in person and start quickly once you’ve accepted an offer.
How teachers actually land jobs in Turkey
- Approach language centres directly
This is the fastest route for most new teachers. Shortlist reputable chains and independent schools. If you’ve trained in Turkey, your training centre will probably have a network of schools for you to contact. You can also try our list of language schools in Turkey or search terms like “dil okulu”, “İngilizce kursu”, “kolej”. Email a concise CV first, then walk in with printed copies and be ready to schedule a demo lesson. Evenings and weekends are peak hours – schools appreciate teachers who can cover late afternoon kids’ groups and adult classes after 6pm.
- Target private K-12 (kolej) at the right time
K-12 schools plan by term. Late spring/early summer is busiest for September starts, with a smaller wave in November/December for January. Expect a short demo lesson, a meeting with the English coordinator, and questions about classroom routines and parent communication.
- Universities and prep schools
These are more formal: apply through university job pages and be ready with a focused EAP mini-lesson (reading skills, academic vocabulary, or presentation skills). The calendar follows the academic year; interviews often start late spring.
- International schools (for licensed teachers)
Recruitment starts early in the calendar year for August/September. Prepare a portfolio (schemes of work, assessment samples) and be ready to talk about things like safeguarding and differentiation. These roles are competitive but offer the strongest packages.
Building a timetable in Turkey: what it looks like in practice
- Language centres
Expect late afternoons and evenings (4pm-9pm), plus some weekends. Mornings may include corporate on-site classes. Full-time usually means 20–25 contact hours; you’ll be on site for meetings and planning too.
- Private K-12
School-day rhythm (roughly 8am-4pm) with duties, meetings and term events. Resources and coordination are stronger than in language schools; your schedule is steadier and usually Monday–Friday.
- Tutoring & online
Most teachers add a few private students or online lessons once settled. Keep it contract-compliant and don’t tutor your own school’s learners without permission.
Job-hunt tactics that work in Turkey
- Be reachable the Turkish way
Add a local mobile/WhatsApp number to your CV. Many coordinators use WhatsApp for quick scheduling.
- Bring references
Schools move faster when they can verify these quickly, so bring the name and email/phone for trainers or previous Directors of Studies.
- Compare offers like for like
Check gross salary in TRY (Turkish lira), contact hours versus on-site hours, pay dates, social insurance (SSK), holidays, and any extras (overtime rate, cover pay).
- Speak with current teachers
Ask to speak with a current foreign teacher at the school.
Visas and Work Permits: What You Need to Work Legally
To work legally in Turkey, you need an employer-sponsored work authorisation (work visa/permit). After you accept an offer, the school will tell you exactly which documents they need – typically your TEFL certificate, Bachelor’s degree and passport (plus copies, photos and any requested translations). They will guide you through the process and timelines.
Initial permits are typically issued for up to one year and are tied to your employer and location.
If you’re applying from outside Turkey, your school will outline the same document list and help with the sequence. You might have to apply for a work visa at a Turkish mission in your home country while your employer submits their part from inside Turkey. Once approved, you travel, complete any remaining residence steps locally and start your contract. Schools that hire from overseas are used to this and will guide you through each stage.
Note: Visa regulations can change. Always check official government sources before making travel or work plans.
Tip: Before you apply for jobs, gather scans of your degree, TEFL/TESOL certificate, passport and background check in one place. Having everything ready speeds up interviews and visa paperwork.
Tip: The YİMER 157 Helpline offers information and support to foreigners in Turkey about issues like visas and residence permits. Inside Turkey, you call 157; from abroad the number is +90 312 157 11 22.
Teaching Jobs in Turkey: Where You’ll Work and What You’ll Earn
Teaching jobs in Turkey come in a variety of settings, each with its own rhythm, class sizes and pay. Most full-time contracts include around 20–25 classroom hours per week, with schedules that may include late afternoons, evenings and some weekends in language centres. You’ll usually have at least one full day off per week. Paid holidays and sick leave vary by employer, so it’s worth asking about these details when you’re offered a job. Understanding your options helps you choose a role that fits your skills, lifestyle and goals.
- Private language centres
The easiest entry point for many teachers. Expect a mix of ages (kids to adults), busy hours after school and at weekends, and quick interview timelines. Great for building confidence and a local network. Salaries usually range from ₺9,000–₺16,000 per month, with the higher end found in Istanbul and established chains.
- Private K-12 schools (kolej)
More structured school life: morning starts, regular timetables, assemblies and parent days, usually with stronger resources and coordinator support. Salaries typically range from ₺10,000–₺20,000 per month, depending on location, experience and whether housing or meals are included.
- International schools
For licensed teachers delivering British, IB or American curricula. These roles offer the most competitive packages – often ₺18,000–₺30,000 per month, sometimes higher for senior posts, with added benefits like health insurance, housing allowances or flight reimbursement. Recruitment is earlier and more formal.
- Universities
Prep-year or English for Academic Purposes (EAP) roles with higher entry requirements. Expect a campus routine, assessment cycles and longer breaks. Pay typically ranges from ₺12,000–₺25,000 per month, and the academic calendar means you’ll have extended holidays in winter and summer.
- Private tutoring
Flexible and a useful supplement if your contract allows it. Most teachers charge ₺150–₺300 per hour for private lessons, depending on experience and client type. Business English and IELTS preparation command the highest rates.
- Summer camps
From June to August, coastal cities such as Antalya, Muğla and Izmir run kids’ and teen camps. Contracts are short, with weekly or daily pay that varies widely, but they can be a good bridge between language school or K-12 terms and a way to build additional experience.
Tip: Before you accept a job in Istanbul, ask where your classes are held and check how long the commute really takes at rush hour. A higher salary won’t stretch far if you spend half your day on buses or the metro.
Living Costs & How Much You Can Save in Turkey
Turkey remains more affordable than most of Western Europe, but costs vary widely by city. Istanbul is by far the most expensive place to live and work, while cities such as İzmir, Ankara and Bursa offer a better balance between income and expenses. Coastal towns and smaller inland cities are cheaper still, but may offer fewer full-time positions.
Most teachers in Istanbul find that they can cover monthly costs comfortably and save a little once they’ve settled in and found an apartment. In İzmir or Ankara, savings potential is higher on the same salary, especially with a modest lifestyle and short commute.
Rent and accommodation
Rent is your biggest expense, and prices have risen sharply in recent years. In Istanbul, expect to pay between ₺25,000–₺35,000 per month for a modest one-bedroom flat outside the city centre, and ₺33,000–₺55,000+ for a similar apartment in central districts.
In İzmir, the same apartment would typically cost ₺20,000–₺32,000, and smaller inland cities can be even lower. Sharing a flat with another teacher is common and brings costs down significantly.
Utilities and bills
For a small apartment, allow roughly ₺1,500–₺3,000 per month for electricity, water, heating and waste services, depending on usage and season. Internet packages average around ₺350–₺450 per month, and mobile plans with data cost around ₺300. Most apartments also charge a small monthly building fee (aidat) for maintenance and cleaning of shared areas.
Transport and daily costs
Public transport is efficient and affordable in major cities. A single metro or bus journey in Istanbul costs around ₺20, and a monthly pass is typically under ₺1,500. Local meals are inexpensive – a basic lunch or dinner in a casual restaurant costs ₺300–₺500, while groceries for one person average ₺5,000–₺7,000 per month depending on how often you eat out. Coffee is usually around ₺100 and a local beer ₺70. Imported items and Western-style bars are noticeably pricier.
Start-up and settling-in costs
If you’re arriving without accommodation, plan for one month’s rent as a deposit, some furniture or household items, and your first round of bills. It’s wise to have at least ₺50,000–₺70,000 (around USD $1,500–2,000) saved to cover your first few weeks while you wait for your first salary and arrange your residence documents.
Savings potential
Teachers at reputable private schools or language centres generally cover their living costs and save a modest amount – more easily outside Istanbul. Those who take on a few private lessons or online classes often save the equivalent of one extra month’s salary over the course of the year.
Figures above are based on publicly available data sources (actual costs may vary):
Where You Can Live and Teach in Turkey
Most English teaching jobs in Turkey are concentrated in the country’s three biggest cities, Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir, but there are rewarding opportunities along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and in a handful of inland university towns. Where you choose to base yourself will shape both your lifestyle and your teaching rhythm.
- Istanbul
By far the largest TEFL job market in Turkey, with opportunities ranging from small neighbourhood language schools to major universities and international colleges. Competition varies by district – central and well-connected areas often have better pay but higher rent. Commutes can be long, especially if your classes are spread across both sides of the city, so living near your main school makes a real difference. Many teachers start here for the variety of work available, then move to smaller cities once they’ve gained experience.
- Ankara
Turkey’s administrative capital and a steady, well-organised market for teachers. Most jobs are in K-12 schools, universities and established language centres, often with more regular hours than in Istanbul. The city is less hectic, rents are lower, and employers tend to plan well in advance. It suits teachers looking for a structured timetable and longer-term contracts rather than a fast-moving, freelance schedule.
- İzmir
Turkey’s third-largest city and the main hub on the Aegean coast. There’s a solid market here for private language schools and K-12 teaching. Employers often value teachers who plan to stay for a full academic year, and turnover is lower than in Istanbul. Living costs are moderate and commutes are manageable, making İzmir a popular long-term base for teachers who want urban life without Istanbul’s intensity.
- Antalya
A smaller but consistent market tied to tourism and service industries. Schools often look for teachers comfortable teaching adults and business English, and some positions follow a more seasonal rhythm with demand peaking before summer. The city’s size makes getting around easy, and rents remain lower than in the larger cities. Expect quieter months between tourist seasons but steady opportunities overall.
- Smaller cities and university towns
Bursa, Eskişehir and Adana each have active education sectors and hire international teachers regularly, particularly for university preparatory English programmes or private colleges. Coastal towns such as Marmaris, Fethiye and Bodrum occasionally offer short-term contracts or summer work. Smaller cities mean lower living costs and shorter commutes, though salaries can be lower too. For many teachers, they offer a good balance of stability, affordability and community.
Tip: Istanbul’s size surprises many new teachers. A job that’s “only a few metro stops away” can still mean an hour’s commute in rush hour, so confirm teaching locations before accepting an offer.
Tip: Join local teacher groups on WhatsApp, Facebook or Telegram. They’re great for finding sublets, second-hand furniture and last-minute cover classes when you’re getting started.
Cultural Tips for Teaching in Turkey
- Hospitality is real. Accepting tea (çay) builds rapport – a small “yes” goes a long way.
- Use Bey (men) and Hanım (women) after first names – “Ahmet Bey,” “Ayşe Hanım” – especially in formal settings.
- Many learners are used to teacher-led lessons. Demonstrate what you want students to do, use clear gestures or cues, and repeat routines so the class feels structured and predictable.
- Be friendly but set boundaries around messaging and private tutoring. Keep it professional and follow school policy.
- Be mindful of how highly national pride and Atatürk are regarded in Turkey – comments or humour about politics or national symbols can easily cause offence.
Tip: A few Turkish pleasantries and classroom words (“lütfen”, “teşekkürler”, “gruplar”) go a long way, especially with beginner groups.
Career Growth and Opportunities in Turkey
Many teachers come to Turkey planning to stay for a single school year but end up building longer-term careers. As you gain classroom experience, you’ll find opportunities to move into better-paying positions, specialise in high-demand areas, or take on new responsibilities within schools.
- Progress within your school or network
Once you’ve settled in and gained experience, many schools promote from within. Senior teacher roles are a common next step, often involving helping new colleagues or shaping lesson planning across levels. Larger chains may also offer coordinator or head-of-department positions for teachers who show initiative.
- Build academic and management experience
With time, teachers often branch into academic coordination, materials writing, or assessment design. These positions suit those who enjoy structure, curriculum design, and mentoring others, and they tend to come with higher pay and more stable schedules.
- Specialise in high-demand teaching areas
Young Learners, IELTS preparation, and university prep (EAP) are consistently busy markets in Turkey. Focusing on one area, collecting good learner results, and completing short add-on courses can quickly boost both your hourly rate and job security.
- Move into universities or international schools
With additional qualifications and a few strong references, teachers can transition into university English departments or international schools following British or IB curricula. These posts are competitive but offer the best salaries, lighter teaching loads, and long-term stability.
Ready to Get Started?
Starting your teaching journey in Turkey is exciting, especially once you know what to expect. Taking the time to choose the right course will make your move much smoother and help you feel more confident from day one. When you’re ready, here are some ways we can help:
We’ve been helping new teachers take their first steps in TEFL since 2005, and we’re here to help you when you’re ready.
Helpful Links
Sources & References
In addition to the cost of living sources. much of the legal/process information in this guide is based on publicly available data from the following official sources:
This guide also draws on over 20 years of experience supporting teachers and schools in Turkey since 2005.
