As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become an attractive destination for professionals today. One of the most in-demand roles in the UAE is that of a teacher.
Expat teachers with the necessary qualifications and experience are welcomed with open arms in the country. In this blog, we'll guide you through the job process and explain the attestation requirements for your educational documents to get a teaching job in the UAE. So, let’s get started:
Before you start applying for teaching jobs in the UAE, it's essential to do your research. Familiarise yourself with the different emirates in the UAE and their eligibility requirements, and decide where you'd like to work.
(We’ve done the job for you. Check out this blog to know the eligibility requirements for each emirate)
Once you've done your research, start applying for teaching jobs in the UAE. Many schools in the UAE advertise vacancies on their websites or on popular job portals. (You can check our curated list of Job Openings in the UAE here).
When applying for teaching jobs, it's essential to tailor your application to the specific job and school. Make sure your CV highlights your relevant qualifications and experience, and includes a cover letter that explains why you're interested in the role. Also, ensure that you apply to multiple schools to increase your chances of getting called for interviews and job offers.
One of the most crucial steps in securing a teaching job in the UAE is to have your educational and supporting documents attested. Attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of your documents and ensuring they meet the standards set by the UAE government.
The attestation process involves three steps, and it's important to start this process while you’re applying for jobs, as it can take several weeks to complete.
Step 2A: Notarisation
The first step in the attestation process is to have your documents notarised. Notarisation is the process of certifying that a document is a true and accurate copy of the original.
To get your documents notarised, you'll need to visit a notary public or a solicitor in your home country. They will stamp and sign the documents, confirming their authenticity.
Step 2B: Authentication from the Magistrate and Ministry of External Affairs
Once your documents have been notarised, they need to be authenticated by the Magistrate and foreign affairs or state department for authentication.
Step 2C: Embassy Attestation
The final step in the attestation process is to have your documents attested by the UAE embassy in your home country. You'll need to provide the original documents, along with the notarised and authenticated copies, and pay a fee for the attestation.
Note: Please be advised that if you have obtained your education within the UAE, there is no requirement for you to have your educational certificates attested. This exemption applies to both Emirati and non-Emirati individuals. However, if you have received your education from a foreign institution, it is necessary to have your educational certificates duly attested by the concerned authorities. It is recommended that you refer to the official guidelines to ensure compliance with the attestation requirements.
Pro Tip: If you find the process of attesting your documents for a teaching job in the UAE daunting or time-consuming, consider hiring an agent to do it for you. Many agents offer attestation services and can take care of the entire process, from notarisation to embassy attestation, for a fee.
It's essential to research and find a reputable agent with experience attesting your documents for the UAE.
While hiring an agent can make the attestation process more manageable, it's still important to ensure that all the necessary steps are followed correctly to avoid any delays or issues with your documents' authenticity.
You can refer to the UAE government portal for document attestation for more information on the attestation process and requirements.
After the embassy attestation, your documents will be sent back to you, and you can submit them to your employer in the UAE. Your employer will then submit the documents to the relevant authorities in the UAE for final attestation.
It's important to note that the attestation process can be time-consuming and costly, so it's essential to start early and budget for the fees involved.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) acknowledges the importance of educational qualifications for individuals seeking employment or further academic pursuits within the country. In this regard, the MOE offers an equivalency certificate to individuals who have received their educational qualifications from universities outside the UAE or from non-UAE-accredited institutions within the country.
This certificate serves as an official document that attests to the academic equivalence of a foreign qualification to its UAE counterpart. It is widely recognised by employers, academic institutions, and government agencies throughout the UAE as a credible and legitimate form of credential verification.
While not mandatory, obtaining an equivalency certificate can provide invaluable verification of the authenticity and validity of an individual's educational qualifications.
To learn more about obtaining an equivalency certificate from the MOE, click here.
After your application is chosen, the subsequent step involves getting ready for and participating in interviews. The interview may happen virtually or in-person. During the interview, the interviewer will inquire about your personality, teaching experience and skills.
To make a positive impact, it is important to be well-prepared when you receive an interview invitation. Some tips to consider include
- Researching the school and position, you are applying for
- Preparing answers to common interview questions
- Dressing suitably & arriving on time
- Bringing copies of relevant documents
- Demonstrating a passion for teaching.
- Research the course curriculum for the subject and grades you're applying for.
Above all, prepare yourself by reviewing the skills you learned in the PgCTL programme, particularly the "Boosting Employability" module. (By the way, being a PgCTL learner provides a significant advantage for acing the interviews!)
With these tips in mind, you can be ready for your virtual job interview and leave a lasting impression on the hiring school.
The next step is to wait for the offer letter from the school. This letter will outline the details of the job offer, including the salary package, school location, and other benefits.
If you are fortunate enough, you may even receive multiple job offers. It's important to carefully compare the salary packages and benefits and choose the best option for you. In some cases, you may be even able to negotiate the terms of the job offer to find the best package for you.
Once you have decided on the best job offer and accepted it, congratulations!
You'll need a work visa to work in the UAE as a teacher. The school will typically handle the majority of the documentation and paperwork process to help you obtain a work visa.
They may also provide support through a dedicated human resources department or a designated point of contact. Meanwhile, you'll need to provide several documents to support them in the process, including:
- A valid passport
- A copy of your job offer letter
- Attested Educational documents (degree certificates and transcripts)
- Attested Police clearance certificate
- Attested Health certificate
- Attested Supporting Documents, if any
- Passport-sized photos
Your employer will guide you through the visa application process and provide you with the necessary forms and information.
It is important to communicate clearly with the school and to understand its specific procedures and requirements. Overall, the school should be your main source of information and support throughout the paperwork and documentation process.
As a teacher in the UAE, it's important to manage your finances wisely to ensure a comfortable lifestyle and to save for the future.
The cost of living in the UAE can vary depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Generally, housing and transportation can be expensive, while food and entertainment can be more affordable.
Additionally, the cost of living will vary depending on which emirate you choose to teach in and live in. For instance, emirates like Ajman and Fujairah may have a lower cost of living than Dubai.
However, the best part is that there is no income tax. This means you get to keep all of your earnings as a teacher in the UAE. Take advantage of this by saving and investing for your future.
Pro-tip: Ensure you have a rainy day fund in case of emergencies such as medical expenses, job loss, or unforeseen expenses. Aim to save at least three to six months of living expenses in advance before moving to this incredible country.
Pack your bags and hop on a plane because it's time to say yes to that UAE offer! It's an exciting new chapter in your teaching career! Once you arrive in the UAE, your employer will guide you through the onboarding process and provide you with any necessary training or orientation.
As an expat teacher in the UAE, you'll have the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures and gain valuable international teaching experience.
Note: Beware of the cultural norms and laws in the UAE and respect them while you're working and living there. The UAE has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption, dress code, and public behaviour, and it's essential to be mindful of these regulations to avoid any legal issues.
Salaries are a critical consideration for anyone considering a career as a teacher in the UAE. Understanding the average salaries and variations based on factors such as experience, location, and type of school will help you make informed decisions about your career path.
Average Salaries for Teachers in the UAE
The average salary for teachers in the UAE is influenced by a multitude of factors, including their qualification status, years of experience in the field, the type of school they teach at (public or private), and the location of the school. Let’s look at some of these factors in detail:
Variations in Salaries Based on Experience, Location, and Type of School
There are several factors that can impact your salary as a teacher in the UAE, including experience, location, and the type of school you work in.
a) Experience: Teachers with more experience tend to command higher salaries than their less experienced counterparts. This typically happens because of the fact that experienced teachers bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and expertise to the classroom, which can be leveraged to improve student outcomes and enhance the overall reputation of the school.
b) Location: Salaries can also vary depending on the location you choose to work in. For example, teachers working in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the two largest cities in the UAE, may earn higher salaries compared to those working in other emirates or smaller cities.
c) Type of School: The type of school you work in can also impact your salary. For example, reputed schools may also offer additional benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, and travel allowances along with salary.
It is important to research these factors and consider them when making decisions about your choosing the right teaching job in the UAE.
The process of securing a teaching job requires careful planning and preparation, including research on eligibility criteria and attestation requirements for educational documents. It is essential to tailor your job applications, prepare well for interviews, and consider hiring an agent to handle the document attestation process. By following these steps, qualified teachers can increase their chances of securing a teaching job in the UAE and benefit from the exciting opportunities available in this dynamic country.
Q. Does Suraasa guarantee 100% job assurance in UAE for PgCTL learners?
While we do have partner schools and a dedicated placement team to help all PgCTL learners, ultimately, we can only line interviews for those who complete their qualification requirements. Be rest assured that we provide a 100% interview guarantee for teachers who complete their skills portfolio. Even then, while providing interview opportunities is our responsibility, securing a job in the UAE is dependent on the hard work and skills you imbibe during the programme.
Q. Who will handle the Documentation and Paperwork process?
Once you have been selected for a teaching position in a UAE school, the school will typically coordinate the visa process. Other than the visa process, you need to take care of attestation, police clearance, licensing process, etc., on your own. However, the school may provide support through a dedicated human resources department or a designated point of contact.
It is important to communicate clearly with the school and to understand its specific procedures and requirements. Overall, the school should be your main source of information and support throughout the paperwork and documentation process.
Q. What can be the expected salary in these UAE jobs? Are travel and accommodation arranged by the recruiter?
As stated above, salaries can vary widely based on factors such as the location, the level of experience and education required, the school district and the demand for the job.
As for travel and accommodation arrangements, they can vary from school to school and from job offerings to benefits. Some schools in the UAE provide teachers with an additional accommodation allowance, while some may provide accommodation directly. It is best to clarify this with the recruiter or employer during the job interview process.
Q. Do I have to be in the UAE for the interview?
Most interviews would be conducted online. Some schools may have a requirement of an in-person interview. It is important to communicate clearly with the school and to understand its specific procedures and requirements.
