Dubai’s education sector is one of the fastest-growing in the world, attracting thousands of international teachers annually. However, to teach legally in Dubai, educators must meet strict licensing and certification requirements. This guide covers the **eligibility criteria, certification process, and key steps** to launch your teaching career in Dubai.

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## **1. Why Teach in Dubai?**
Dubai offers:
– **Competitive salaries** ($2,400–$5,500/month) with benefits like housing, health insurance, and flights .
– A **multicultural environment** with students from over 200 nationalities.
– **Career growth** in high-demand subjects like STEM, English, and early childhood education .

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## **2. Eligibility Requirements**
To qualify, you must meet these criteria:

### **A. Academic Qualifications**
– A **bachelor’s degree** (4-year minimum) in education **or** your teaching subject (e.g., Math, Science) .
– **Teaching certification**:
– **PGCE**, **QTS** (UK), or **TESOL/TEFL** (for English teachers) .
– Non-education graduates must complete a **Postgraduate Diploma in Education** (e.g., UAE’s **Teacher Licensing System (TLS)** program) .

### **B. Professional Experience**
– **2+ years** of teaching experience (preferred for most schools) .
– New graduates may qualify with a **1-year internship** or **teacher training program** .

### **C. Language Proficiency**
– **IELTS 7.0** (for English teachers) or **6.5** (other subjects) .
– Arabic proficiency is **not mandatory** but beneficial for public schools.

### **D. Legal and Health Requirements**
– **Police clearance certificate** (from UAE and home country) .
– **Medical fitness test** (including chest X-ray and blood tests) .
– **Valid residency visa** (sponsored by your employer) .

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## **3. Step-by-Step Certification Process**

### **Step 1: Get Your Documents Attested**
– Attest your degree and teaching certificates through:
– Your home country’s **Ministry of Foreign Affairs**.
– The **UAE Embassy** in your country.
– The **Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)** in the UAE .

### **Step 2: Apply for Jobs**
– Schools typically handle licensing for hired teachers. Popular job portals:
– **TES**, **Gulf Talent**, **Dubai School Agencies** .

### **Step 3: Obtain a Teaching License**
All teachers must register with the **UAE’s Teacher Licensing System (TLS)** or **KHDA** (for Dubai private schools) .

#### **A. TLS Licensing (Ministry of Education)**
1. **Register** on the [TLS portal](https://tls.moe.gov.ae).
2. **Submit documents**:
– Attested degree, passport, Emirates ID, police clearance.
3. **Pass two exams**:
– **Pedagogy Test** (teaching methods, classroom management).
– **Subject-Specific Test** (e.g., Math, Science) .
4. **Pay fees**:
– **AED 250** (exam) + **AED 50** (license) .

#### **B. KHDA Approval (Dubai Private Schools)**
– Schools apply for your **”Initial Approval”** (requires attested degrees).
– After hiring, complete **mandatory training** (e.g., Child Protection, Inclusion) .

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## **4. Top Certifications for Dubai Teachers**
| Certification | Purpose | Required For |
|————–|———|————-|
| **PGCE/QTS** | Teaching qualification | UK/US curriculum schools |
| **TESOL/TEFL** | Teach English | ESL/EFL positions |
| **UAE TLS License** | Mandatory for all teachers | Public/private schools |
| **KHDA Teacher Permit** | Dubai private schools | After job offer |

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## **5. Challenges & Tips**
– **Challenge 1:** Document attestation delays → Start early!
– **Challenge 2:** Failing TLS exams → Use **official TLS training programs** .
– **Tip:** Network with expat teachers via **LinkedIn** or **Dubai teaching forums** .

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## **6. Final Thoughts**
Dubai’s teaching market is competitive but rewarding. By securing the **right certifications** and understanding the **licensing process**, you can unlock opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic education hubs.

**Need help?** Contact UAE’s **Ministry of Education** or consult agencies like **CE Interim** .

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**Sources:**
– [UAE Teaching License Guide](https://ceinterim.com/teaching-license-in-the-uae-guide/)
– [KHDA Teacher Requirements](https://web.khda.gov.ae/ar/Guides/Educators/)
– [Dubai License Process](https://xpertadvisory.com/how-to-get-teaching-license-in-dubai/)