TEFL Institute of Ireland
Best for Confident BeginnersHigh-level Certification

Top-Rated, Government Regulated, 180-Hour Online Level 5 TEFL Diploma

  • Level 5 accredited TEFL Diploma
  • Highly valued by international employers
  • Suitable for teaching online and abroad
  • Boosts employability in competitive markets

180-Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma - Ofqual Regulated Online Certification

Ofqual Regulated – DEAC Regulated – Gaisce approved – Globally Recognised

Earn a globally recognised TEFL qualification in Ireland aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), accessible to students of all nationalities. This unique 180-Hour Level 5 TEFL course, regulated by Ofqual, is considered to be the best online TEFL qualification in Ireland and is exclusive to The TEFL Institute.  Incorporating the latest cutting-edge AI technology, this TEFL course is designed to enhance your career prospects and open doors to the very top TEFL positions worldwide.

What You'll Get

180-hour Ofqual Regulated Online Diploma
Personal Tutor Support
Internationally Recognised Digital Certificate
Free Jobs Coaching Seminars
Study Using the TEFL App
Lifelong Recognised Certificate & Reference
6 Months Course Access
Level 5 Qualification Preferred by Employers
Higher Recognition in Competitive Job Markets

Free Certified Course Bundle worth

Included with Your Purchase


  • 30 Hour Teach English Online
  • 30 Hour Teach Young Learners
  • AI / Chat GPT Mastery Guru
  • 30 Hour Advanced Grammar for TEFL Teachers
  • 29 hrs of Weekly TEFL Mentorship (Online)

About This Course

This course is made up of lessons that you can study in your own time. The best thing about our course is that it’s not a boring read-and-memorise-style course. Each lesson consists of clear, detailed explanations of the topic, followed by interactive activities. These interactive activities get you involved and help you learn the lesson content in an engaging and fun way.

We also have video and audio features for those who prefer learning in a different way. Just like you will do when you’re a qualified TEFL teacher, we aim to cater for all different learning styles on the Level 5 course. You will truly enjoy the learning process and get qualified at the same time.

Top 5 Benefits of this Diploma Course

  • Employers will be highly impressed that you have undertaken and passed the TEFL diploma due to its prestigious reputation and detailed TEFL training content.
  • The broad range of content covered in the TEFL diploma course will provide you with a sound knowledge of the profession and the confidence to teach English anywhere you want to.
  • The course includes a free digital certificate, which you or your employer can verify on the Ofqual registry website.
  • The interactive and engaging style of our course will leave you excited to log on and study your next lesson!
  • Our course also covers online teaching, which is a key feature of today’s TEFL market. This means you will have up-to-date knowledge of teaching TEFL today, another thing to impress your potential employers.

Academic Council & Collaboration

Our level 5 TEFL diploma course has been created by our top developers and course writers, who are highly qualified in the field of TEFL. They have used their knowledge and years of TEFL experience to develop a course that will benefit you as a trainee teacher, teaching you what you really need to know. We’ve also listened to feedback from previous courses and used this to create a course that learners from all over the world can take and benefit from.

The diploma is a level 5 award meaning it is on the same level as an undergraduate degree or a CELTA qualification, which means employers will see the hard work you have put into your qualifications. Our course is accredited by Highfield and Ofqual, ensuring that the course is of the highest standard for our learners.

In the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), Level 5 generally corresponds to post-secondary education, which may include both academic and vocational pathways. Similarly, in other countries like Australia or Canada, a Level 5 qualification may align with a diploma or an associate degree.

HIGHFIELD QUALIFICATIONS AWARDING BODY IN THE UK

Approved Center Number: 21335

Highfield Qualifications are a global leader in compliance and work-based learning and apprenticeship qualifications and one of the UK’s most recognisable awarding organisations. The TEFL Institute is an approved training center by Highfield Qualifications, an independent Ofqual approved Awarding Organization. This means the TEFL Institute has met Highfield’s expectations for developing and delivering high quality courses in the TEFL industry. Every year, Highfield maintains evaluation visits to ensure we are consistently meeting the high standards with our training.

OFQUAL (THE OFFICE OF QUALIFICATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS REGULATION)

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is the regulator for vocational qualifications in England and Northern Ireland. Ofqual gives formal recognition to Awarding Organizations and monitors their activities. Ofqual has given approval for Highfield, the Awarding Organization (AO), to provide a wide range of regulated qualifications in varying sectors, including Education and Training.

You will gain 38 Credit Points at Level 5 (RQF) on successful completion of the 180 hour Ofqual regulated TEFL Diploma course (launched October 2021), which is more than most Level 5 TEFL qualifications. Qualification Number 610/1571/4 on the Ofqual Register.

View the TEFL Institute’s qualification status on the Ofqual Register

DEAC AQC CURRICULUM APPROVED CENTRE

DEAC is a prestigious accrediting agency based in the United States. Its Approval Quality Curriculum (AQC) status signifies that a program or course has met its rigorous quality standards. For our Level 5 TEFL Courses, DEAC approval means that our curriculum, assessments, and overall standards align with those set by US educational authorities. AQC stands for Approved Quality Curriculum. It is a status granted by DEAC to signify that a particular curriculum or course offered by an educational institution meets the rigorous quality standards set by DEAC. Essentially, AQC indicates that the curriculum has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by DEAC for its quality and adherence to educational standards.

At The TEFL Institute, we proudly announce that our Level 5 TEFL Courses have received approval from DEAC, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. DEAC’s AQC designation signifies that our courses meet stringent quality standards, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). This approval underscores our commitment to providing exceptional TEFL training that meets global standards of excellence.

OTCAC – Online Teaching Course Accreditation Committee

The Online Teaching Course Accreditation Committee (OTCAC) is an independent accrediting body focused on maintaining high standards in online and learning education. It works with course providers worldwide to ensure quality, consistency, and credibility in digital learning.

The Committee’s mission is to evaluate and enhance the quality of online teaching programmes while safeguarding learners’ interests and promoting best practices in course delivery.

OTCAC sets clear accreditation standards for online education. Providers that meet these standards can apply for accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to quality, effective instruction, and student support.

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Who can take this course

  • Native or fluent in English, with strong communication skills
  • Interested in teaching English online or in non-native English-speaking countries
  • Aged 17 or older and looking to earn a professional qualification
  • Keen to get certified quickly and start teaching within a month

What You'll Learn

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180 Hour Course Guide

180 Hour Course Guide

Learn more about this Ofqual regulated course, what it includes, and what a Level 5 Diploma means.
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Why us

World-class TEFL courses and training
24/7 access to your course on any device
Best tutor support
Lifetime access to the TEFL Institute Jobs Board

Hear from Our Students

See what our satisfied students have to say about their TEFL experience with The TEFL Institute of Ireland.

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TEFL On The Go

Learn anytime with the TEFL Institute of Ireland's accredited mobile app. Flexible, interactive, and trusted.

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The TEFL Institute mobile app

Got Questions?

Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.

TEFL courses vary in length because they are designed for different career outcomes.

Shorter courses allow learners in the UK to qualify quickly, while longer and regulated courses provide deeper training, stronger recognition, and access to better teaching opportunities.

Our courses are structured to offer clear progression pathways, from entry-level certification to advanced, career-focused qualifications.

The most common starting points are:

  • 120-Hour TEFL Certificate – suitable for online teaching and entry-level roles
  • Level 5 TEFL Diploma – a regulated qualification preferred by many employers and visa authorities

We’ve built additional packages around these core qualifications to deliver better value and stronger outcomes for learners.

Yes. Longer and regulated courses:

  • Are more widely accepted by employers
  • Offer better long-term career prospects
  • Provide greater classroom confidence
  • Open access to higher-paid and more stable roles

This is why many UK learners choose a Level 5 or advanced diploma rather than a basic certificate.

If you’re unsure, our course advisors can help. Answer a few questions or book a free call, and we’ll quickly recommend the best course based on your goals, experience, and plans.

Course Best For Course Type Ideal For Study Time Key Difference
120-Hour TEFL Certificate Beginners Fast-track Adventurers 2–4 weeks Entry-level qualification, ideal for online teaching and first-time roles.
240-Hour Professional TEFL Package Career switchers Professional certification Digital professionals 4–6 weeks 120-hour TEFL plus 4 specialist courses to boost employability.
180-Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma Confident beginners High-level certification Long-term planners 6–8 weeks UK-regulated Level 5 qualification with stronger recognition and better job prospects.
300-Hour Level 5 Advanced Diploma Higher-paid roles Premium certification Teaching leaders 8–10 weeks Level 5 Diploma plus advanced specialist training for long-term career growth.
190-Hour Hybrid Level 5 TEFL Career-ready teachers Employer-ready training Classroom confidence 6–8 weeks Level 5 Diploma plus a 10-hour live teaching practicum (via Zoom) to build confidence.
310-Hour Hybrid Advanced Diploma Advanced TEFL careers Premium hybrid Global teaching careers 8–10 weeks Highest-level pathway: Level 5 Diploma, live practicum, and niche specialisations.
10-Hour Practical Teaching Course Confidence seekers Add-on practicum Classroom experience 1 day Live practical teaching to gain real classroom experience and confidence.

Not sure which option fits your goals? Answer a few quick questions or book a free call and our team will match you with the right course.

No. You do not need previous teaching experience or qualifications. Our TEFL courses are suitable for beginners across the United Kingdom who are fluent in English.

No. Learners in the UK can enrol and begin studying at any time of the year.

Yes, you can take a TEFL course as a non-native English speaker. You should have written and spoken English at B2 level or above to successfully complete the course.

For shorter or introductory TEFL courses, an upper-intermediate level of English is generally sufficient.
For the Level 5 TEFL Diploma, learners should have mid-to-advanced English, as the course involves academic study, written assessments, and professional teaching practice.

If you are unsure whether your English meets the required level, completing a free English level assessment can help you determine whether a Level 5 qualification is suitable for you.