Teaching Abroad for Nigerians 2026
How to get teaching jobs overseas: UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, and more with full details on qualifications, salaries, and visa routes
Opportunity: Teacher shortages in the UK, UAE, and Gulf states have created strong demand for Nigerian educators, particularly in STEM subjects (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology), English, and ICT. Many international schools and government systems actively recruit from Nigeria.
Teaching Salary Comparison
| Country | Entry Salary | Experienced | Benefits | Tax-Free? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | GBP 30,000/yr | GBP 41,333-53,994/yr | NHS pension, holiday pay | No |
| UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) | AED 10,000-14,000/mo | AED 14,000-22,000/mo | Housing, flights, medical | Yes |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 8,000-12,000/mo | SAR 12,000-18,000/mo | Housing, flights, medical | Yes |
| China | CNY 15,000-25,000/mo | CNY 25,000-40,000/mo | Housing allowance, flights | Partial |
| South Korea | KRW 2.1-2.5M/mo | KRW 2.5-3.5M/mo | Housing provided, flights | No |
| Qatar | QAR 10,000-14,000/mo | QAR 14,000-20,000/mo | Housing, flights, medical | Yes |
Teaching in the UK for Nigerians
The UK has a critical teacher shortage, particularly in secondary Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science. Nigerian teachers with the right qualifications are actively recruited.
Requirements
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): Nigerian teaching qualifications need to be recognised. You can apply for QTS through the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) if you have a degree, a recognised teaching qualification, and at least 20 months of teaching experience.
- Degree: A bachelor's degree (ideally in the subject you wish to teach). B.Ed, B.A.Ed, or B.Sc.Ed from a Nigerian university is accepted.
- IELTS: Generally 6.5-7.0 overall for teaching positions, though some employers accept lower scores.
- DBS Check: Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (completed in the UK).
- Visa: Skilled Worker Visa with employer sponsorship. Teaching is on the UK Shortage Occupation List, which means reduced salary thresholds.
Shortage Subjects (Easier to Get Sponsored)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science / ICT
- Design and Technology
- Modern Foreign Languages
How to Apply
- Recruitment agencies: Teachanywhere, Protocol Education, Supply Desk, Tradewind Recruitment
- Direct applications: TES Jobs, UK government Teaching Vacancies service
- Nigerian recruitment: Some UK schools conduct recruitment fairs in Lagos and Abuja
Teaching in the UAE
The UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah) has a large international school sector that recruits teachers from across the world. Tax-free salaries and benefit packages make it attractive.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Education or subject area (minimum)
- Teaching certificate/licence (Nigerian TRCN registration helps)
- 2+ years teaching experience (most schools require this)
- Attested documents: degree and teaching certificate must be attested by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then UAE embassy
- Clean police clearance from Nigeria
Benefits Typically Included
- Free or subsidised housing
- Annual return flights to Nigeria
- Medical insurance for you and dependants
- End-of-service gratuity
- Discounted or free tuition for your children at the school
Top Recruitment Platforms
- Search Associates, ISS (International Schools Services)
- TES International, Teach Away
- Direct applications to GEMS Education, Taaleem, ADEK schools
Teaching English Abroad (TEFL/TESOL)
Even without a teaching degree, Nigerians can teach English abroad with a TEFL/TESOL certificate. This is particularly popular in Asia and the Middle East.
| Country | TEFL Salary | Requirements | Visa Ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | CNY 15,000-30,000/mo + housing | Bachelor's degree + TEFL (120hrs) | Moderate |
| South Korea (EPIK) | KRW 2.1-2.5M/mo + housing | Bachelor's + TEFL + nationality restrictions | Difficult for Nigerians |
| Vietnam | $1,500-2,500/mo | Bachelor's + TEFL (120hrs) | Easy |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 8,000-14,000/mo | Bachelor's in English/Education + TEFL | Moderate |
| Turkey | $1,000-2,000/mo | Bachelor's + TEFL preferred | Moderate |
Getting TEFL certified: Online TEFL courses cost NGN 30,000-150,000 (120-hour minimum recommended). Reputable providers include: International TEFL Academy, TEFL.org, i-to-i, and The TEFL Org. Ensure the certificate is at least 120 hours and accredited.
FAQ
Not in state schools, which require QTS. However, independent (private) schools, academies, and free schools can employ teachers without QTS. You can also work as an unqualified teacher or teaching assistant while pursuing QTS through an assessment-only route if you have significant teaching experience.
Nigerian B.Ed degrees from recognised universities (approved by NUC) are generally accepted for teaching abroad, particularly in the UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. For the UK, you will need to apply for QTS recognition through the Teaching Regulation Agency. Some employers may require your degree to be evaluated through UK ENIC (formerly NARIC). See our credential recognition guide.
Globally, Maths and Science teachers (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) are the most in demand. Computer Science/ICT is growing rapidly. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, English language teachers are also highly sought. STEM subject teachers generally have the easiest time finding visa sponsorship and the best salary offers.
Top Destinations
- UK: Best for career progression + PR
- UAE: Tax-free + housing benefits
- Saudi Arabia: Tax-free + high savings
- China: High demand for English teachers
- Qatar: Premium schools, great packages