Is my Kenyan B.Ed accepted abroad?

A Kenyan B.Ed is accepted with additional registration. UK: apply for QTS. Australia: state registration. International schools: usually sufficient with experience.

Can I teach English abroad without a teaching degree?

Yes, with a TEFL or CELTA certificate and a bachelor's degree. China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand hire English teachers with TEFL.

Teaching Abroad from Kenya 2026

Kenyan teachers, especially in STEM subjects, are in demand globally. The UK, Australia, New Zealand, and international schools across the Gulf and Asia actively recruit teachers from Kenya. Whether you teach mathematics, sciences, English, or special education, international teaching offers higher salaries and valuable global experience.

Where Kenyan Teachers Can Work

Destination	Type	Subjects in Demand	Salary	Qualification
UK	State/Academy schools	Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Computing	GBP 30,000 - 47,000	QTS required
Australia	State/Independent schools	Maths, Sciences, Technology	AUD 75,000 - 110,000	State registration
New Zealand	State schools	STEM, Te Reo Maori, Special Ed	NZD 55,000 - 90,000	Teaching Council NZ
UAE/Qatar	International schools	All subjects (British/IB curriculum)	AED 10,000 - 22,000/mo	Degree + PGCE/B.Ed
China/Korea/Japan	International/English schools	English, STEM	$2,000 - $5,000/mo	Degree + TEFL/CELTA
International Schools (Global)	Private international	All subjects (IB/British curriculum)	$25,000 - $80,000/yr	Degree + teaching cert

UK Teaching (Qualified Teacher Status)

The UK has a severe shortage of STEM teachers. Kenyan teachers with a B.Ed or PGCE equivalent can apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Routes to QTS

Apply for QTS directly: If you have 2+ years teaching experience and a teaching qualification, you can apply through the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) for QTS recognition
Assessment Only route: Demonstrate QTS standards through classroom assessment in a UK school
iQTS: International Qualified Teacher Status - a new route allowing you to train while teaching abroad

STEM Teacher Shortage Subjects

These subjects are on the UK shortage list, meaning lower salary thresholds and faster visa processing:

Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Computer Science
Design and Technology

Salary: Starting at GBP 30,000, rising to GBP 47,666 (main pay scale). London weighting adds GBP 2,000 - 5,000.

International Schools (Tax-Free in Gulf)

International schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Oman offer attractive tax-free packages with housing and flights included.

Typical Package Includes

Tax-free salary (AED 10,000 - 22,000/month in UAE)
Free furnished accommodation or housing allowance
Annual return flights to Kenya
Medical insurance
Tuition discount for children at the school
End of service gratuity

How to Find International School Jobs

TES International: tes.com/jobs (largest teaching job board)
Search Associates: searchassociates.com
International Schools Services (ISS): iss.edu
Teachaway: teachaway.com
Direct school websites: Research specific international school groups (GEMS, Taaleem, Nord Anglia)

Frequently Asked Questions

A Kenyan B.Ed is accepted by many countries but you typically need additional registration. UK: Apply for QTS through TRA. Australia: Apply through state teacher registration authority. International schools: A B.Ed is usually sufficient, especially with experience. UAE/Gulf: Accepted with attested certificates. TEFL/CELTA can supplement your qualification for English language teaching roles.

Yes, with a TEFL or CELTA certificate and a bachelor's degree (in any subject). Countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand hire English teachers from Kenya with TEFL certification. Salaries range from $1,500 - $3,500/month with accommodation often included. CELTA can be taken in Nairobi through the British Council.