TEFL jobs in Estonia
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Estonia
Overview
Estonia offers a fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. Its cobblestone towns, medieval architecture, and strong folklore traditions make it feel like stepping into a storybook. Yet, at the same time, Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced nations in the world, with e-residency, seamless online public services, and a thriving start-up culture. For English teachers, this means enjoying a high quality of life in a country that values both tradition and modernity.
While Estonia is not the largest TEFL destination in Europe, interest in English continues to grow, especially as the country deepens its ties within the EU and global business markets. Around 70% of residents are native Estonians, while the remainder include communities from Finland, Russia, Germany, and other Baltic regions, giving the country a diverse cultural influence. English is widely spoken among young people, but there is steady demand for professional English teaching, particularly in urban centres such as Tallinn and Tartu.
With over 50% of the country covered in forest, Estonia is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Summers are filled with camping, hiking, canoeing, and lakeside swimming, while winters bring a quieter pace and cosy cultural traditions. Though it may not have the bustling nightlife of larger European capitals, many teachers describe Estonia as a peaceful and safe haven with plenty of natural beauty and a strong community spirit.
Types of teaching jobs
International Schools
Due to the large ex-pat population, international schools are bilingual and feepaying. Therefore, they often recruit English teachers from abroad. The parents are keen for their children to have the best education possible, which is why they have chosen to pay for their education. All age groups are catered for, and generally, English teachers in Estonia working in international schools will need to have been qualified teachers in their home country. They will also want you to prove that you have over two years of experience in the classroom and that having a TEFL certification is highly valued. International schools tend to pay well and also offer extra benefits, including your accommodation for the first few weeks and your airfare to get there.
Universities
Although there will not be many vacancies, Estonia has world-renowned universities, and when they look for staff, these jobs are considered very prestigious. In order to apply, you will need to have a Master’s degree and have taught in your home country. The pay will be much higher than in other locations, but you may have different time commitments working longer hours.
Primary and Secondary Schools
Like most places, state schools are funded and regulated by the government. English is taught in state schools from the primary level, so there will be opportunities in both, but they do not pay as well as in international schools.
Private Lessons
Another way to earn money as an English teacher in Estonia is to offer private lessons. However, it is suggested that you sort out your main job first and get settled in the area. You will need to build a client base and teach from your home or theirs. You need to ensure your school has no issue with you having a second job and comply with any government regulations for the self-employed. You can also teach English online, meaning your students could be anywhere in the world, provided your Internet connection is stable enough.
Living costs
While Northern Europe is generally known for its high cost of living, Estonia remains one of the more affordable destinations in the region. Living costs are higher than in neighbouring Latvia and Lithuania, but still cheaper than in Finland or Sweden.
Many teaching contracts include free or subsidised housing, which significantly reduces expenses. If accommodation isn’t provided, rental prices remain reasonable compared to other European capitals. Public transport in Tallinn is free for registered residents, and even if you’re not a citizen, buses, trams, and trolleys are inexpensive. Ferries to Finland and Sweden are popular weekend getaways, and Estonia’s small size makes exploring other Baltic and Nordic destinations easy.
The climate is what you’d expect from Northern Europe: long, dark winters and mild but pleasant summers. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming in lakes, Estonia is a fantastic match. However, nightlife and entertainment options are limited compared to larger European cities. Teachers who prefer a quiet, nature-driven lifestyle will find Estonia a rewarding place to live.
In order to provide the most accurate cost of living figures, we use numbeo.com, the world’s largest cost of living database, updated regularly.
Key facts
Language: Estonian
Population: 1.3 million
Currency: Euro (€)
Capital: Tallinn
TEFL job demand: High
Our TEFL rating: 3.5
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Tallinn, Tartu and Narva.
The average salary for EFL teachers
The basic monthly salary for full-time English teachers in Estonia is likely to be in the region of €800–€1,000 per month. International schools and university salaries are around €1,500 per month or even higher in some cases. Freelance private tutors can earn €9 to €13 per hour.
TEFL qualification requirements
A 120-hour TEFL qualification will be required for most full-time positions but not for voluntary positions or summer camps.
Prerequisite university degree
Usually required, especially for international schools and universities.
Term times
September to June.
Teaching programmes
Private Language Schools, Public Primary and Secondary Schools Universities, International Schools, Freelance, Summer Camps.
Age restrictions
None.
Previous teaching experience
Preferred for many roles; essential for international schools and universities
Key Points
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
The basic monthly salary for full-time English teachers in Estonia is likely to be in the region of €800–€1,000 per month. International schools and university salaries are around €1,500 per month or even higher in some cases.
Northern Europe does have a high cost of living, but Estonia sits somewhere in the middle. For example, it is more expensive to live in Estonia than it is to live in neighbouring Lithuania and Latvia but cheaper than in Finland and Sweden.
It is likely that you will need a degree to teach English in Estonia in international schools. However, those that only have a TEFL qualification can find work in state schools.