The UAE comprises seven states, including Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain. With a sizeable international community and attractive prospects, teaching in the UAE has become a sought-after choice among educators from abroad.
Teaching in the UAE offers numerous advantages, including competitive tax-free salaries, generous benefits such as housing allowances and health insurance, opportunities for professional development, a diverse and multicultural environment, and a safe and stable living environment. Additionally, teachers can enjoy modern facilities, travel opportunities, and potential career advancement, making it a rewarding and enriching experience overall.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the essential requirements, qualifications, and steps aspiring educators need to take to kickstart their teaching journey in the UAE. Whether you're a fresh graduate seeking adventure or an experienced teacher looking to grow professionally, the UAE promises a dynamic and rewarding environment for educators to thrive and make a positive impact on the lives of students from around the globe.
Criteria and Qualifications Required for Teaching Jobs in UAE
Educational Qualifications:
1. For the initial appointment, aspiring applicants must possess a minimum qualification of a bachelor's degree or higher from a 4-year university in the relevant field.
2. The qualifications needed for teaching in the UAE vary based on whether the candidate is applying for a class teacher or subject teacher position. For class teachers, a recognized Bachelor's Degree in Education (B.Ed), or a postgraduate certificate/diploma in education, or even a Master's Degree in Education (M.Ed) is required. On the other hand, subject teachers must possess a recognized bachelor's degree relevant to the specific subject they will be teaching.
Language Proficiency: Language proficiency is an essential requirement for teachers in addition to holding a bachelor's or master's degree. To demonstrate proficiency, educators must obtain an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate or an equivalent language proficiency certificate, depending on the subject they teach or the language of instruction they use. For instance, English language subject teachers should have an IELTS Band Score of at least 7 (IELTS "good user"), while teachers using English as the language of instruction should have a minimum IELTS Band Score of 6 (IELTS "competent user"). Teachers instructing in languages other than English must provide evidence of language proficiency specified by relevant authorities and curricula. Some institutions may also require proficiency in Arabic or other languages depending on the student demographic.
Courses Required for Teaching Different Subjects in UAE
• For Teaching English as a Foreign Language
When teaching English Language as a subject, it is essential to hold a qualification in teaching English as a second or foreign language. Accepted qualifications may include certifications such as Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA), Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DELTA), or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
• Early Years English Teaching Positions
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or an equivalent qualification.
- Possession of a valid Teaching License, Qualified Teacher Status, or Teacher Registration.
- A minimum of 2 years of prior teaching experience in a Kindergarten, Nursery School, or Reception class at the beginning of the contract.
- Fluency in the English language, with excellent speaking skills.
• English Graduate Teaching Opportunity
- Bachelor's degree in English or Linguistics from an English-speaking country.
- Demonstrated interest in and enthusiasm for international teaching.
- Proficient in the English language, with fluent speaking skills.
• Maths Graduate Teaching Opportunity
- Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering from an English-speaking country.
- Demonstrated interest in and enthusiasm for international teaching.
- Proficient in the English language, with fluent speaking skills.
• Science Graduate Teaching Opportunity
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics from an English-speaking country.
- Demonstrated interest in and enthusiasm for international teaching.
- Proficient in the English language, with fluent speaking skills.
• English Primary and Secondary Teaching Opportunities
- Teaching Credential, License, Qualified Teacher Status, PGCE, or Masters of Education (Celta alone is not sufficient).
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum of 2 years of previous English teaching experience.
- Proficient in the English language, with fluent speaking skills.
• Experienced Science, Mathematics, Business Studies, Physical Education, Life Skills, Computer Science/ICT, and Technology Teacher Opportunities
- Teaching certification in the relevant subject.
- Relevant Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
- At least 2 years of teaching experience in the relevant subject.
- Proficient in the English language, with fluent speaking skills.
Requirements and Mandatory Professional Development Courses by KHDA
To meet the requirements set by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) for teaching in Dubai, educators must complete two mandatory courses:
1. Teacher Preparation Qualification: It is essential to possess a teacher preparation qualification at the level of a higher diploma or above. If you have completed equivalent qualification courses from a regional branch of an international university or a university in the UAE, KHDA will accept it, provided the college or university is recognized by KHDA or accredited by the Ministry of Education (MOE). A list of higher education institutions recognized by KHDA to offer these courses is provided by the authority.
2. Mandatory Professional Development: This course is exclusively offered by KHDA-approved training providers and must be undertaken with them. To ensure compliance, teachers are required to take this professional development course. The list of approved providers can be accessed through KHDA, enabling educators to choose the suitable option for their professional growth. Please note that the course cost will be borne by the individual, and fees may vary depending on the training institute.
Legal requirements
• Criminal clearance record.
• A letter from the school verifying the teacher's good standing.
• A fitness certificate declaration, essentially a medical screening for UAE employment purposes.
• Attested certificates (if graduated from a university outside the UAE) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the country's embassy in the UAE.
• For private school applications, approach the school administration directly. The school will forward necessary documents to either the Ministry of Education in the northern emirates or KHDA in Dubai for required tests and final approval.
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Where To Apply For Teaching Jobs in UAE
Private schools UAE: To apply for teaching jobs in UAE's private schools, conduct thorough research to find schools that match your qualifications and preferences. Check their official websites for teaching vacancies and career sections. Additionally, use popular online job portals, which often list teaching opportunities in private schools across the UAE.
Government Schools UAE: Check out the school's official websites for teaching vacancies and career sections. Additionally, use popular online job portals, which often list teaching opportunities in private schools across the UAE.
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Education Professional Licensing System in the UAE
The UAE has implemented a mandatory 'Education Professional Licence' for all education professionals, including teachers, to legally work in the country. Obtaining this licence involves passing tests tailored for each targeted category within the education sector.
In case an applicant does not meet the exam criteria, the licensing system offers customized training courses based on their performance level in the exam to help them achieve the required standards.
Applicants are allowed three attempts to secure the licence. If unsuccessful after three tries, they can reapply for the test after a six-month period, during which they can benefit from the training programs provided by the licensing system to ensure success in the required assessments.
Here you can download important documents For Educational Professions License
To Apply For Educational Professions License
Expected Salary for Teaching Profession in the UAE
In the UAE, the average teacher salary is AED 9,000 per month, with potential earnings reaching up to AED 20,000 depending on factors such as industry, job location, and candidate profile. The Education sector offers the highest-paying opportunities for teachers in the country. Among UAE cities, Al Ain provides the highest salaries for teachers, followed by Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Notably, salaries in the UAE are tax-free, adding to the overall appeal for educators in the region.
Incentives and Benefits For Teachers in the UAE
• Free accommodation or accommodation allowance is commonly provided by most schools in the UAE.
• Some schools may offer accommodation allowances for partners and families as well.
• Health care provision is typically included as part of the teacher's contract.
• Teachers' flights to the UAE and return flights to their home country per year are usually covered by the school.
• Some contracts may include flights for dependents as well.
• A 'relocation allowance' of around £500 is often offered, although visa and paperwork costs may be around £300.
• End-of-year bonuses or end-of-contract bonuses, often equivalent to one month's pay, are commonly given.
• Some schools may offer reduced or waived school fees for teachers' own children.
• Many of these benefits may be negotiable, depending on the teacher's position and the competitiveness of the job market.