Teaching in the Middle East: Your complete FAQ guide for South African teachers

Are you a qualified teacher interested in exploring opportunities in the Middle East? Many South African educators are drawn to the region for its tax-free salaries, professional growth, and cultural adventure. At SA Recruitment, we work closely with top international schools across the Middle East to help teachers navigate every step of the process — from application to arrival.

This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about teaching in the Middle East, covering everything from requirements and relocation to what to expect once you land.

How do I apply, and what is the process?

Before applying, make sure you meet the requirements listed in the job ad. Our partner schools have clear criteria and requirements and we can only consider candidates who meet those standards.

There are several ways to apply to our agency, should you meet the requirements for a particular vacancy.

• Our website has a Contact Us form you are welcome to complete as well as a JOB page where you are able to apply for particular vacancies.

• We advertise all of our vacancies on our Facebook page and the email used here to submit your CV is fb@sa-recruitment.com.

• On Instagram, we will also advertise our vacancies, blogs, information posts and updates and the email address to use here to submit your CV is insta@sa-recruitment.com.

• Our general email address for sending your CV for any Middle East vacancies is info@sa-recruitment.com.

Your CV should be in English, highlight the phase of your qualification and detail the subjects and grades you are currently teaching and have taught.

What happens after you apply:

• We screen your CV

• If it meets basic criteria, you'll get an acknowledgement email

• If you're potentially suitable, we’ll email you about next steps and ask for supporting documents

• Once received, you’ll be added to our database for upcoming roles

Please note: Being on our database does not guarantee an interview or job offer. Final decisions depend on school needs and visa eligibility.

Can I apply without experience or with a non-teaching degree?

No — both Australia and the Middle East require a minimum of two years of full-time, post-qualification teaching experience.

This experience must:

• Be in the phase and subject of your qualification

• Be gained after completing your teaching qualification

• Take place in a classroom setting

These are visa and registration requirements, not just school preferences.

Is a degree and PGCE required? Are diplomas accepted?

Yes — to qualify for teaching roles abroad, you must have:

• A bachelor’s degree (B Ed)

• A teaching qualification of degree and PGCE (BA + PGCE/B Sc + PGCE)

Diplomas or short teaching certificates are not accepted unless it is the PGCE which serves as a 'top-up' to a teacher-based undergraduate degree.

Is phase and subject important?

It is crucially important for visa requirements. Teachers must be teaching in the phase and subject major of their qualification. For example, if the teaching degree is in the Foundation Phase but teaching experience is Grades 5 - 7, then a school will not be able to obtain a visa and this teacher will not meet the requirements.

Do you sponsor visas?

No — we don’t sponsor visas ourselves, but the schools do. We work closely with schools in both regions and support you through the visa process.

In the Middle East, visa sponsorship is part of the job offer.

Keep in mind that the Middle East does not offer any route to permanent residency through teaching.

What are the requirements to teach in the Middle East?

• Bachelor’s degree (B Ed) or degree and PGCE (BA + PGCE)

• At least 2 years of full-time teaching experience in the correct phase/subject AFTER the date of graduation

• Valid passport

• Recent police clearance

• Scanned and attested documents

Are there age limits?

Yes — schools in the region, especially in the UAE, prefer teachers under 50. This is mainly due to visa rules and employment regulations.

Can I apply with a family?

No. Our school partners do not accommodate teachers with dependants. Reasons include:

• No family flights or housing

• High living costs

• Employment of spouses not guaranteed

• School policies that prioritise single-status teachers

Even if you're willing to cover the cost, schools generally prefer to hire teachers without dependants.

What happens when I land in the Middle East to begin my teaching contract?

Schools will arrange:

• Airport collection and transport to your accommodation

• Temporary accommodation (usually a hotel) for a few days until your school-provided accommodation is ready, or the school will arrange for you to be taken directly to your permanent accommodation

• An orientation program at school

• Support with setting up a bank account, SIM card, and completing visa-related medical checks

You'll also likely undergo a visa medical, receive your residence permit, and receive assistance settling into your new home and school.

Is it safe to teach and live in the Middle East, especially as a woman?

Yes, the Middle East is generally safe for expats, including women. Cities like Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Manama (Bahrain) have large international communities and strong law enforcement. While cultural customs may differ from what you’re used to, respecting local norms (such as modest dress and appropriate conduct in public) ensures a smooth and positive experience. Many female teachers report feeling very safe, especially within expat-friendly communities and international schools.

Can I take my pets with me?

Usually not. Teachers are generally offered sponsored, furnished accommodation, and these rarely allow pets. Long-term teachers who later secure private housing may be able to import pets, but this would be at personal expense and subject to strict regulations. The cost, logistics, and limitations make it difficult for new arrivals to bring pets initially.

When should I apply to SA Recruitment?

As early as possible. The sooner you apply, the more options you'll have — and the more time you’ll have to prepare.

We recommend applying once you’ve:

• Researched teaching abroad and your destination country

• Confirmed your qualifications and experience are in order

• Understood your contract resignation period and whether it’s negotiable

• Prepared your CV and references

When does the school year start in the Middle East, and when is the best time to apply?

The school year in the Middle East usually runs from late August or early September through to June or July, depending on the country. Recruitment typically begins as early as October for positions starting the following August, with most hiring completed by March or April.

If you’re thinking about applying, it’s best to start exploring opportunities 6–9 months in advance. However, some schools also have January intakes, especially in the UAE and Oman, so there can be mid-year openings too.

What documents are needed to teach in the Middle East?

You’ll typically need:

• A 4-year teaching qualification (B Ed/degree + PGCE)

• 2+ years of relevant teaching experience (some exceptions apply)

• Police clearance or criminal record check (check validity)

• Valid passport (minimum six months’ validity)

• Attested academic documents

• University transcripts in English

• SAQA letter

What are the costs involved in teaching abroad?

Many costs are covered by your employer, including:

• Flights

• Accommodation

• Health insurance

A teacher should budget for the attestment of documents and medicals (where needed) ranging from R4 000 - R8 000, as well as initial expenses until their first salary payment.

What is the typical package for schools in the Middle East?

Teaching packages in the Middle East are often very attractive compared to many other regions. While details vary by country and school, most international schools offer tax-free salaries along with a range of benefits. A typical package may include:

• Tax-free salaries

• Housing allowance or furnished accommodation

• Annual flights to and from your home country

• Medical insurance

• End-of-service gratuity or bonus after contract completion

• Professional development opportunities

Some schools also include extras such as settling-in allowances, or transport to and from school.

Are packages for the Middle East and Australia the same?

No — the structure of teaching packages in the Middle East and Australia is quite different. In the Middle East, most offers are comprehensive packages that include salary plus several allowances and benefits (housing, flights, medical cover etc.), largely because teachers are relocating internationally.

In Australia, salaries are generally quoted as gross annual figures that already include superannuation (pension), and teachers are responsible for their own accommodation and living expenses. Benefits like flights or housing allowances are not usually provided.

So, while salaries in Australia may look higher on paper, the Middle East packages often work out more financially advantageous due to the added benefits and tax-free earnings.

After I submit my CV to you, when will I hear back?

We send a confirmation email for every CV we receive.

Due to the number of applications, we’re not able to give individual feedback unless your profile matches a current vacancy. If it does, you’ll hear from us within 5 working days, and we’ll ask for additional documents.

Moving abroad to teach in the Middle East or Australia is a rewarding and exciting step in your teaching career. By applying early and preparing well, you can set yourself up for a smooth transition and an enriching experience. SA Recruitment is here to support you from your first inquiry to your first day in the classroom abroad.

If you are interested in teaching in Australia, our FAQ blog would be a good read

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