CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages)

CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages)

PRE-UNIVERSITY

Open the door to exciting opportunities to teach English all over the world.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and Online
Entry score:

Application dependant

Duration:
Online - Part-time 11 weeks; On campus - Full-time 5 weeks, Part-time 11 weeks; Blended (online and on campus) - 14 weeks
Next intake:
See dates below
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus and Online
Entry score:

Application dependant*

Duration:
Online - Part-time 11 weeks; On campus - Full-time 5 weeks, Part-time 11 weeks; Blended (online and on campus) - 14 weeks
Next intake:
See dates below
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Certificate in English Language Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages, known as CELTA, is the most widely recognised pre-service qualification in the world for teachers of English to speakers of other languages.

CELTA is accredited and administered by Cambridge English Language Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge. Once you have completed the course and met the assessment criteria for all written and practical assignments, you will receive a CELTA qualification.

Why choose CELTA?

CELTA is a globally recognised qualification. Other courses may not be recognised by international authorities and so could cause problems getting a visa. Shorter courses are unlikely to meet the National ELICOS Standards of a minimum of 100 contact hours and 6 hours of supervised, assessed teaching practice for teachers in Australian institutions.

Why study CELTA at RMIT?

CELTA is for people with little or no previous teaching experience. It opens the door to exciting opportunities to teach English all over the world. When you enrol in CELTA with RMIT UP, we work with you to develop:

Confidence and skills

Skills and confidence in language teaching and classroom management.

Awareness

Improved awareness and understanding of the English language.

English proficiency

Familiarity with methods and materials for developing English language proficiency.

Three students in a English classroom, two are seated and one is pointing towards.

Want to teach English?

If you want to teach English in the classroom environment, CELTA might be the qualification for you. 

Watch to learn more about CELTA.

CELTA Alumni testimonial

"Studying CELTA with RMIT UP was invaluable in preparing me for a career in education and has allowed me to live, travel and teach in Thailand, China and Melbourne. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and made some lasting friendships along the way."

- Chris Clarke, English Language Tutor, RMIT UP

Details

The course is divided into 4 main areas:

  • Awareness of language - introduction to the structure, functions and phonology of the English language
  • Methodology - principles, techniques and strategies for communicative language teaching
  • Teaching practice - daily, supervised sessions followed by constructive feedback by peers and tutors
  • Observation - in the classroom of peers and experienced teachers of different levels of English

Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context

  • Understanding the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of learners, and how this might affect their learning of English.
  • Understanding different learning preferences.

Language analysis and awareness

  • Understanding key terminology used in English language teaching, applying this terminology in planning and teaching.
  • Demonstrating a working knowledge of English grammar, lexis and phonology.

Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing

  • Understanding basic concepts and terminology used for describing reading, listening, speaking and writing skills, applying this to teaching.
  • Understanding how approaches to texts may vary depending on the purpose, making practical use of this in teaching.

Planning and resources for different teaching contexts

  • Understanding the purpose and principles of planning for effective teaching.
  • Selecting and planning the kinds of lessons that are most appropriate for particular learners.
  • Evaluating lesson preparation and reflecting on this for planning future lessons.

Developing teaching skills and professionalism

  • Effectively organising the classroom, both in terms of layout and pair/group activities.
  • Making appropriate use of a range of materials and resources.
  • Involving learners of different ability levels, enabling them to feel a sense of progress.

The CELTA course comprises:

  • 8 teaching practice lessons (total 6 hours)
  • One-on-one meetings with the tutor to check your progress
  • 4 written assignments

There is a maximum of 12 candidates per course. For each group there is a maximum of 6 candidates for teaching practice. Candidates give their teaching practice lessons to international students at 2 different levels of English language proficiency.

RMIT UP offers CELTA courses in the following study modes:

  • Full-time face-to-face
  • Part-time face-to-face
  • Part-time 100% online
  • Blended online and face-to-face (note this may be phased out after 2026).

Face-to-face CELTA courses

The course participants attend the Melbourne City campus.

Full-time face-to-face CELTA course

The full-time course is extremely intensive. Classes are held from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for 5 weeks.

Note:

  • Wednesdays are usually non-contact days and replace public holidays. 
  • Candidates are expected to use this time for private study.
  • There is only usually one Wednesday over the whole course when candidates observe teachers for two hours.

Please see a sample timetable below.

Time Schedule
9.00 – 10.15am Workshop 1
10.15 – 10.30am Break
10.30 – 11.30am Workshop 2
12.00 – 1.00pm Teaching practice consultation
1.00 – 2.00pm Lunch break
2.00 – 4.00pm Teaching practice
4.15 – 5.00pm Feedback on teaching practice

Part-time face-to-face CELTA course

Input sessions are conducted through an online platform and completed weekly outside teaching practice time. After the first week teaching practice is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm followed by feedback and preparation from 7pm to 9pm.

Blended part-time CELTA course

Course participation is a blend of online and face-to-face

  • The first 10 weeks are online and can be accessed from inside or outside Australia.
  • The final 4 weeks of the course are face-to-face in Melbourne. 

In the first 10 weeks input sessions are conducted weekly through an online platform and candidates prepare weekly lesson plans in consultation with a tutor (October to December). Teaching practice takes place for 4 weeks in January on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2pm to 4pm followed by feedback until 5pm.

Please note: This course may not run after January 2027.

Online part-time CELTA course

The course participants for the online courses access the course from both inside and outside Australia.

The part-time online course runs for 11 weeks. Input sessions are supplemented by optional weekly meetings which are recorded. The input section is self-directed reading of weekly online units, which will be supplemented by weekly tutor-led meetings. The teaching section runs every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm during the 9-week course. 

Melbourne CELTA courses for 2026

Start date End Date Duration Mode
17 August 2026 28 October 2026
  • 11 weeks
  • Monday and Wednesday
  • 5pm to 9pm
  • Part-time
  • Face-to-face
18 August 2026 29 October 2026
  • 11 weeks
  • Tuesday and Thursday
  • 5pm to 9pm
  • Part-time
  • Online
5 October 2026 29 January 2027
  • 14 weeks
  • Blended face-to-face and online
5 October 2026 18 December 2026
  • 10 weeks (at your own pace weekly tasks)
  • Blended face-to-face and online
2 November 2026 5 December 2026
  • 5 weeks
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
  • 9am to 5pm
  • Full-time
  • Face-to-face

Melbourne CELTA courses for 2027

Start date End Date Duration Mode
4 January 2027 29 January 2027
  • 4 weeks
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • 1pm – 5pm
  • Face-to-face component of blended course (continued from October 2026) 
  • Teaching 2pm – 4pm
  • Feedback 4pm – 5pm
8 February 2027  12 March 2027
  • 5 weeks
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Full-time face-to-face
  • Input 9am – 12pm
  • Teaching 2pm – 4pm 
  • Feedback 4pm – 5pm
15 March 2027  26 May 2027
  • 11 weeks
  • Tuesday, Thursday
  • 5pm – 9pm
  • Part-time face-to-face
  • Teaching 5pm – 7pm
  • Feedback 7pm – 9pm
  • Weekly online input (own pace)
16 March 2027 27 May 2027
  • 11 weeks
  • Monday, Wednesday
  • 5pm – 9pm
  • Part-time online
  • Teaching 5pm – 7pm
  • Feedback 7pm – 9pm
  • Weekly online input (own pace)
31 May 2027 2 July 2027
  • 5 weeks
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Full-time face-to-face
  • Input 9am – 12pm
  • Teaching 2pm – 4pm 
  • Feedback 4pm – 5pm
12 July 2027 13 August 2027
  • 5 weeks
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Full-time face-to-face
  • Input 9am – 12pm
  • Teaching 2pm – 4pm 
  • Feedback 4pm – 5pm
16 August 2027 27 October 2027
  • 11 weeks
  • Monday, Wednesday
  • 5pm – 9pm
  • Part-time face-to-face
  • Teaching 5pm – 7pm
  • Feedback 7pm – 9pm
  • Weekly online input (own pace)
17 August 2027 28 October 2027
  • 11 weeks
  • Tuesday, Thursday
  • 5pm – 9pm
  • Part-time online
  • Teaching 5pm – 7pm
  • Feedback 7pm – 9pm
  • Weekly online input (own pace)
01 November 2027 3 December 2027
  • 5 weeks
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Full-time face-to-face
  • Input 9am – 12pm
  • Teaching 2pm – 4pm 
  • Feedback 4pm – 5pm

A photo of the CELTA teaching team at RMIT UPCELTA Tutors (from left) Marjan Khadem, Ronald Barnett (CELTA Coordinator), Briony Hewitt and Kerrie Beros.

The CELTA Team brings together a wealth of teaching experience, with four tutors who have collectively spent many years working in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) / English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms around the world.

Two of our tutors completed their own CELTA studies at RMIT UP, giving them a unique insight into the program’s expectations and rigour. With their global perspective and practical expertise, the team provides a supportive and engaging training environment for aspiring teachers.

Career

A globe of the world map

CELTA can take you places

Our graduates teach English in countries all over the world.

The benefits of CELTA

CELTA graduates are:

  • Teaching all over the world
  • Making a difference with English having a positive impact on learners’ lives
  • Meeting like-minded people who’ve had amazing life experiences
  • Enjoying a new career challenge.

Hear from our CELTA graduates

Our graduates teach English in countries all over the world.

"After finishing my CELTA, I've got a teaching job at RMIT UP, which has been a fantastic opportunity.  Moreover, doing the CELTA helped me see more possible pathways in the future. It really encouraged me to rethink and replan my career direction."

- Heming Li, English Language Tutor, RMIT UP

"Our teachers provided invaluable feedback and guidance throughout this course. The skills I've developed here will serve me well not just as a teacher, but across many different professional contexts in the future."

- Mason Cao, RMIT Bachelor of Computer Science alumnus, Apple Developer Academy Napoli program participant, 2025 – 2026

"The blended model allowed me to study alongside work and balance the learning around my life. Secondly, the teaching practice period was an excellent chance to get in the classroom and see what worked and what didn't. The space to try and fail with guidance from the instructors was invaluable and helped me feel confident in how to approach communicating in the classroom."

- Ash de Neef, English Language Tutor, RMIT UP

Entry requirements and admissions

CELTA course requirements

Applicants must:

  • be aged 18 years or over (preferably aged 20 or over)
  • have completed secondary education in their country of origin
  • understand written and spoken English well enough to follow and complete assignments – recommended high C1 or low C2 (Council of Europe threshold).

How to apply

Apply online

Complete assessment task

Speak to a team member

Fees

2026 fees

  • CELTA tuition fee: AU$3,750

2027 fees

  • Cambridge fee: AU$400
  • CELTA tuition fee: AU$3,849

Total: AU$4,249

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Applicants must:

  • be aged 18 years or over (preferably aged 20 or over)
  • be eligible for tertiary education in their country of origin
  • understand written and spoken English well enough to follow and complete assignments.

CELTA is accredited and administered by the University of Cambridge and is a globally recognised qualification. Other courses may not be recognised by international authorities and so could cause problems getting a visa. Shorter courses are unlikely to meet the National ELICOS Standards of a minimum of 100 contact hours and 6 hours of supervised, assessed teaching practice for teachers in Australian institutions.

Your certificate, issued by Cambridge English Language Assessment, will be accompanied by a report issued in the name of the university or college where you train. A reputable institution with global recognition will open more doors for you.

The application process includes a pre-interview language task (see the CELTA online application form) and an interview. These are used to assess your ability to complete the course successfully and your commitment to its intensive schedule.

Not every applicant is offered a place. CELTA candidates are selected based on their performance in a pre-interview language task and interview. Our expert trainers will assess your application and interview to see if you have the potential to succeed in this demanding course.

The focus of CELTA is on teaching you to teach, not teaching you grammar. This is why the application process is so important, and why we may recommend you take our Grammar Fundamentals short course before you start.

CELTA is for teachers who want to teach English to students in their home country or overseas. TEFL, however, is only an entry-level English teaching certification covering basic teacher training to teach non-native English speakers overseas.

Applicants should:

  • Consider doing our Grammar Fundamentals course first. Comprising four evening classes over two weeks, this course will help you brush up on grammar terminology and work out what skills you need to develop.
  • Be prepared to be very busy when the course starts. People who have studied CELTA say, ‘You won’t have time to do anything else’. Believe them. It’s true. If you want to do the full-time course, you won’t even have time for a part-time job. If you cannot take time off work, then do the part-time course.
  • Let your friends and family know you’ll be busy. Suspend your gym membership, tell your book club you’ll be absent etc.
  • Get organised. Make sure you have all the books and stationery you’ll need.
  • Set aside a space at home where you can prepare lessons in peace.
  • Talk to someone who has done a CELTA course. It helps to hear other people’s stories and get their advice.

There are several places to start your job search as a CELTA graduate, including:

After the course, CELTA graduates will be able to work as an English language teacher to adults anywhere in the world. Employment opportunities are usually on a casual basis. Towards the end of the course, there is a session on future pathways in which tutors offer help and guidance for finding work.

Information for new students

Everything you need to know for your first few weeks at RMIT including enrolment information, timetables and orientation.

Student services

Explore the services, activities and support available to you as a student.

Campus tour

Do you want to see where you could be studying? We have put together a virtual campus tour.

Get in touch with RMIT UP

Contact us to enquire about this course.

aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples