When offered a job teaching English abroad, you will be asked to legalise your TEFL certificate. "Legalisation" is a way of proving to foreign governments and employers that your official documents are genuine. While legalisation takes a bit of time, effort, and money, it is relatively straightforward. If you'd like to follow this process, use our step-by-step guide to help you legalise your TEFL certificate. However, we always recommend Louwrens Koen Attorneys, a notary public and law firm located in Pretoria, South Africa, that will complete all the below steps for you (much easier!). To legalise a TEFL certificate in South Africa when applying to teach English overseas, follow these steps:
Step 1: Get a copy of your TEFL certificate. You must have a copy of your TEFL certificate to legalise it. Make sure that the certificate is from a reputable organisation and that it is valid.
Step 2: Have your TEFL certificate notarised.
You must have your TEFL certificate notarised by a South African notary public. This is a process in which a notary public verifies the authenticity of your certificate and adds their signature and stamp to it.
Step 3: Get an Apostille
Once your TEFL certificate has been notarised, you must obtain an Apostille from the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). An Apostille is a stamp or certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document and makes it legal for use in a foreign country. You can visit the DIRCO website for more information on obtaining an Apostille.
Step 4: Submit your TEFL certificate to the relevant authorities.
Once you have your notarised and Apostilled TEFL certificate, you must submit it to the South African Embassy of the country's relevant authorities where you will be teaching English. These authorities may include SAQA, The High Court and DIRCO and the relevant embassy or consulate. Check the specific requirements for each country, as they may differ.
Step 5: Complete any additional requirements.
Some countries may require additional documents or requirements to legalise your TEFL certificate. For example, you may need to provide a criminal background check or a medical certificate. Make sure to research the requirements for the country where you will be teaching and ensure you have all the necessary documents and certifications.
Also, in conclusion, legalising your TEFL certificate in South Africa when applying to teach English overseas involves obtaining a notarisation, an Apostille, and submitting your certificate to the relevant authorities in the country where you will be teaching. Research each country's specific requirements and ensure you have all the necessary documents and certifications.
