Who is hiring South African English teachers in 2026?

Here are some of the best online English-teaching companies and platforms that South Africans can realistically apply to. I have included companies with create-your-own-profile platforms and companies that specifically accept teachers from South Africa:

Flexible & Create-Your-Own-Profile (Marketplace) Platforms

These platforms let you teach online from anywhere (including South Africa) and often let you set your own schedule or rates:

1. italki

• Type: Language tutoring marketplace (1-on-1).
• Pros: You set your own rate and teach students worldwide. Works well for South Africans.
• Considerations: You’re essentially self-employed; it takes time to build a student base.

2. Preply

• Type: Teaching marketplace where you set prices and availability.
• Pros: Very flexible; teach adults, exam prep, business English, etc.
• Note: Platform fees apply, and competition can be high.

3. AmazingTalker

• Type: Global tutor marketplace.
• Pros: Set your own hourly rate and find students who choose you.

4. Cambly

• Type: Conversational English platform (adults & kids).
• Pros: Extremely flexible; no degree or certification required.
• Cons: Pay tends to be lower (about ~$10/hr) compared with structured teaching companies.

5. Palfish

• Type: App-based teaching platform.
• Pros: Can teach on mobile; flexible.
• Notes: Pay varies by program; may require a TEFL/TEOSL for certain classes.

Companies That Often Accept South African Teachers

These companies either explicitly hire Remote ESL teachers from South Africa or are known to accept native or near-native English speakers internationally:

6. The Really Great Teacher Company

• Type: Online ESL company geared toward South Africans.
• Pros: Specifically advertises roles for South African teachers: The Really Great Teacher Company
• Typical Pay: Around $7.50 USD/hour.
• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree + TEFL/TESOL + experience preferred.

7. Education First (EF) – (South African Recruitments)

• Type: Structured online lessons.
• Pros: Hiring specifically for South Africa.
• Requirements: South African residency, bachelor’s degree, 120-hour TEFL.
• Pay: R63–R84 per hour.

8. InTouch Language Inc.

• Type: English teaching to professionals (e.g., Koreans).
• Pros: Open to South African applicants.
• Typical Pay: ~$6–7/hr (USD).
• Flexible: Full-time or part-time opportunities.

9. All Right and Alter

• Companies like All Right and Alter hire internationally including South Africans.
• Notes: Some have lower or variable pay, but are options worth exploring.

Pay Ranges (Approx.)