Known for its democratic stability, national parks and wildlife, “The Peaceful Nation,” Botswana is one of Africa’s safest and most intriguing countries. With a thriving biodiversity protected by conservation efforts and a high-value, low-volume tourism model, Botswana offers both unspoiled scenery for travellers and a sanctuary for animals.
As for teachers, Botswana has two main languages: Setswana and English, so you might wonder if there’s room for teaching English as a “foreign language” here. Many teaching opportunities in Botswana are voluntary — but not all! Read on for The TEFL Org’s guide to teaching English in Botswana, from the job types, requirements, salary expectations, and more.
Key Takeaways
- English and Setswana are official languages, so the TEFL market is competitive in Botswana.
- Requirements include TEFL certification and a bachelor’s degree (unless you’re looking for volunteer opportunities).
- Many positions are volunteer positions, but paid teaching jobs offer around P7,000–17,000 ($515–$1,255 / £380–£930) per month. Teachers with a master’s degree and previous teaching experience can earn more.
- Most Botswana teaching jobs are found in private schools like language schools/centres or international schools.
- Teachers need an employer-sponsored work visa and a Teaching Permit.
- Top locations include big cities like Gaborone.
Requirements for Teaching English in Botswana
Botswana has a literacy rate of 88%, making it one of the most literate countries in Africa, and education is compulsory. But despite high education standards, skill gaps exist from one school or location to the next.
English is used in schools, business, and government, so how does this affect the teaching requirements in Botswana?
Tip: Empathy and humanity are a huge aspect of education in Botswana. Its philosophy, botho, prioritises humanity and togetherness, with a common saying “I am because we are”.
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Botswana?
Most employers in Botswana require teachers to hold at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate. It doesn’t matter if this was completed online or in-person, just as long as it’s completed with an accredited provider (like The TEFL Org!).
Some jobs at reputable private language or international schools might ask for a Level 5 TEFL certification or a teaching licence to qualify.
Tip: English speakers are already common in Botswana — many students look to improve English skills within specific contexts like Business English or Exam Preparation.
Can I teach English without a degree in Botswana?
To teach English in Botswana, you generally need a bachelor’s degree. Because English speakers are common, the competition is higher — leaving non-degree holders at a massive disadvantage in Botswana’s TEFL market.
But you can still teach English in Botswana as a volunteer. Or, you can teach English abroad without a degree in other countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Do I need teaching experience to teach in Botswana?
Again, the standard of English in Botswana makes it a more competitive market, so you’ll need to search far and wide if you don’t have prior teaching experience. But you can still teach English without experience in Botswana if you have a TEFL certificate, typically at private language schools that have more flexible hiring requirements.Tip: Volunteering is an excellent way to gain experience and find your feet in the country before applying for jobs.
Can I teach in Botswana as a non-native speaker?
It’s possible to teach English abroad as a non-native speaker in Botswana — you’ll just need to show proof of your language proficiency. Alongside a TEFL certificate, you’ll need a language certificate like a CEFR, TOEFL, or IELTS. Or, you can show a university degree from an English-speaking university.
Visa requirements for teaching English in Botswana
To teach legally, you’ll need a visa and a work permit, but you’ll need to find a job first. Then, your employer can apply for your work permit while you apply for the Residence Permit on the e-visa website or at the nearest embassy.
But there’s more to do — you’ll need to apply for a Teaching Permit at the Botswana Teaching Professionals Council (BOTEPCO). Then, you’ll need to submit a qualification evaluation application through the BQA portal (the Botswana Qualification Authority) to make sure that your documents are authentic.
Both you and your employer will need to submit:
- Signed employment contract with a Botswanan employer
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates
- Copy of a valid passport and 2x passport-size photographs
- Clear criminal background check
Officially, volunteers need to apply for a visa and show an offer letter of volunteer position and proof of funds. While many volunteers from certain countries (like the UK, US, EU nations, Canada, Australia) enter Botswana visa-free for 90 days for unpaid work, this is technically illegal and risks fines or deportation.
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Salary and Cost of Living
With initiatives like Vision 2036, Botswana is estimated to become a high-income country within the next decade.
But salaries and living costs are still low, especially compared to countries in Western Europe, North America, and popular TEFL locations in East Asia. So how does the teacher salary compare to living expenses in Botswana, and how much can you save?
How much can you earn teaching English in Botswana?
The average local salary (in any industry) in Botswana sits at around P7,500 ($555 / £410) per month, and entry-level teachers can expect to earn something similar. But taking into account the varying levels of experience, qualifications, and job types, the teacher salary ranges from P7,000–17,000 ($515–$1,255 / £380–£930) per month.
If you’ve got a master’s in English or education, a teaching licence and years of teaching experience, you could work at an international school which pays upwards of P20,000 ($1,475 / £1,095) per month.
How much does it cost to live in Botswana?
As you’d expect from a country in Southern Africa, the cost of living is low in Botswana. A single person spends around P9,150–12,740 ($675–$940 / £500–£700) per month including rent, food, and other services in Gaborone — Botswana’s capital city. Just for comparison, it’s around 50–60% cheaper than living in western countries like the US or the UK.So while some teaching salaries can seem low in Botswana, the cost of living is low too. You can live comfortably on a teacher’s salary, especially if you apply these mindful budgeting tips:
- Eat like a local: Embracing Botswana’s food scene isn’t just a great way to taste the culture but it’s also easy on the wallet. From seswaa, dikgobe, morogo, and more, there are plenty of dishes to choose from at around P60 ($4 / £3).
- Shop at local markets: Buying local ingredients and produce is much cheaper than imported goods.
- Travel during the off-season: Teachers don’t need to rush around to squeeze in sights and attractions. Take your time and travel during the shoulder season or green season (Botswana’s wet season) from November–March to save money on transport and accommodation.
| Restaurants | BWP | USD | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | |||
| Domestic beer (0.5 litre) | |||
| Regular cappuccino | |||
| Water (0.33 litre) | |||
| Markets | BWP | USD | GBP |
| Regular milk (1 litre) | |||
| Loaf of white bread | |||
| Regular eggs (1 dozen) | |||
| Apples (1 kg) | |||
| Transportation | BWP | USD | GBP |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | |||
| Monthly pass (regular price) | |||
| Taxi start (normal tariff) | |||
| Gasoline (1 litre) | |||
| Utilities | BWP | USD | GBP |
| Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment) | |||
| Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data | |||
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | |||
| Clothing and shoes | BWP | USD | GBP |
| Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar) | |||
| Summer dress in a chain store | |||
| Nike running shoes (mid-range) | |||
| Men's leather business shoes |
English Teaching Jobs in Botswana
English is a main language, so there’s plenty of emphasis in the national curriculum, and public school jobs are generally reserved for locals. But TEFL teachers can find most luck in the private sector, especially language schools and international schools. Volunteer programmes are another way for teachers who want to gain experience or want to test the waters before committing to teaching and living in Botswana long-term.
You can find jobs on platforms like The TEFL Org Jobs Centre or by applying to schools directly on their website.
Public schools
Most public school jobs are given to locals who can speak Setswana. But it’s not impossible to teach in public schools if you apply through a volunteer programme. Class sizes are usually large, and facilities are more modest than at private schools. The school year goes from January–November/December, so be sure to time your application ahead of these dates.
What to expect at a public school in Botswana:
- Large class sizes
- Following the national curriculum
- Modest equipment
- Typically roles coming through volunteer programmes
Private language schools
English being a main language means that most opportunities come through teaching ESP subjects (English for Specific Purposes) instead of general English. From young learners to teenagers and adults, many study at private language schools to improve their academic English for exam preparation and study abroad opportunities or business English for career prospects.
With a lucrative diamond mining industry, there are also plenty of non-English-speaking workers who move to Botswana who might want to learn English.
What to expect at private language schools in Botswana:
- Focus on ESP subjects like exam preparation or Business English
- Small class sizes
- Teaching evening and weekend classes
- Working conditions and salary vary from one to another
International schools
While there isn’t a huge expat community in Botswana, there are still international schools in Gaborone. International schools charge high tuition fees and cater to foreign students (or local students from wealthy families) to learn English from a British, American, or other international curriculum. While salaries and benefits are fantastic, the expectations and entry requirements are very high for teachers.
What to expect at international schools in Botswana:
- Teaching mainly international students
- Small class sizes
- Excellent standard of English
- Following an American, British, or IB curriculum
Private tutoring
Private tutoring isn’t usually a primary job because you need a job offer to get a visa and work permit, but it’s a great way to earn extra income if your employer allows it.
Students paying for private lessons are usually studying with a goal in mind, whether it’s studying for an exam or improving workplace English, so having a niche can help you stand out compared to the general English teacher.
What to expect as a private tutor in Botswana:
- Private tutoring outside regular work hours
- Marketing yourself, developing your own lesson plans
- Setting your own fees
Teaching English in Major Cities
Here’s the best place to teach English in Botswana if you combine factors like TEFL opportunities, lifestyle and salary potential.
Teach English in Gaborone
Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is the perfect example of the “modern” Botswana. Home to excellent modern infrastructure, including good schools, an airport, shopping malls, hotels, government buildings and all the trappings of a current capital city, it’s also surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes and some of the best safari destinations.
It’s also here that you’ll find the best-paying and best-funded TEFL jobs, whether it be at language schools or international schools. If you’re looking to pick up extra hours through private tutoring, the capital city is where you’ll find ambitious students.
Ready to Teach English Abroad? Don’t Forget Your TEFL Certificate
Ready to finally teach English abroad? You’ll need to make sure you’ve got everything, including your TEFL certification. Studying the course is much more than just a requirement for the hiring process — you’ll gain practical knowledge of how to navigate obstacles in the classroom. From classroom management skills to lesson planning and explaining complex grammar rules, you’ll develop confidence in your abilities to teach the English language.
Get started today with our 120-hour TEFL course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much do English teachers make in Botswana?
English teachers in full-time, salaried teaching positions in Botswana typically make about P7,000–17,000 ($515–$1,255 / £380–£930) per month. International school teachers can earn upwards of P20,000 ($1,475 / £1,095) per month. These institutions are where you’ll generally find the highest salaries as an English teacher.
Q. How do I get permission to teach in Botswana?
To teach in Botswana, you’ll need a work visa and a teaching permit. This process involves a qualification evaluation from the Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA), but you’ll need a job offer from a Botswanan employer first (or you can volunteer).
Q. What qualifications do you need to be a teacher in Botswana?
To teach full-time in Botswana, you’ll usually need a degree, a TEFL certificate (from an accredited, reputable course provider) and some teaching experience.
Q. How to apply for a teaching job in Botswana?
Most teaching jobs in Botswana can be found online. For visa and employment permit reasons, you’ll need a signed job offer before moving, or you can sign up to a volunteer programme online.
