Cambridge CELTA Course in Bratislava, Slovakia

Candidate Application Procedures and Information for Applicants

A – Entry Requirements Set by Cambridge Assessment English:

1. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age by the end of the course.
2. Candidates must have a level of English close to that of an educated native speaker – equivalent to IELTS 7.5 or C2 level, or a high C1. Please note – you do not need to hold a certificate confirming this level, as your English will be assessed throughout the application process.
3. Candidates must have an awareness of language and a competence in English (both written and spoken) that will enable them to follow the course and prepare to teach at a range of levels.
4. Candidates must have the potential to develop the skills necessary to become effective teachers and to successfully complete the written assignments and teaching practice assessments.
5. There are no formal academic entry requirements. However, it is recommended that candidates have an educational background that would give them access to higher education in their own country.

B – Application Process at International House Bratislava:

1. Read the information available on both the CELTA-training and Cambridge websites. If you require further information, please contact us by e-mail or telephone.
2. Complete and submit your application form, complete the pre-interview tasks, and return them along with your available times and dates for an interview.
3. IH Bratislava will acknowledge receipt of your application within 3 working days and will then contact you with the outcome. This will take one of three forms:
   • You will be invited to attend an interview at International House Bratislava, or to take part in a telephone/Zoom interview; or
   • We will request additional information before we are able to progress your application; or
   • Your application will be unsuccessful.
4. If your application is successful, you will attend an interview and be informed at the end of it whether we are offering you a place on the course.
5. You will be sent further information prior to the start of the course.

C – Interview Procedure:

The interview is a requirement of Cambridge Assessment English. Its primary purpose is to ensure that you have the potential to complete the course successfully before you commit your time and money. The face-to-face interview lasts two hours and consists of written tasks (1 hour 20 minutes) and an oral interview (up to 40 minutes). The written tasks may be completed in advance and submitted up to 30 minutes before the interview. At this stage, you are welcome to ask the course tutor or an experienced trainer any questions you may have about the course.

Candidates from Slovakia will be interviewed in person at International House Bratislava, Moskovská 13, 811 08 Bratislava; candidates from outside Slovakia will be interviewed via Zoom or by telephone.

Telephone interviews are conducted at the candidate's expense and should be initiated by the candidate. Many candidates use Zoom, which is entirely acceptable and keeps costs to a minimum.

D – Aims of the Interview:

The interviewer (one of the course tutors) will ask you questions about your future plans, the content of your application, and further questions similar to those in the application form. You will have the opportunity to ask about the course and anything else you would like to know. At the end of the interview, you will be informed of the outcome of your application. The primary aim is to ensure that we do not offer a place – or accept payment – from anyone whom we do not believe has a reasonable chance of successfully completing the course.

E – Enrolment:

If your interview is successful and you are offered a place on the course, you will receive payment instructions. If you are applying within six weeks of the course start date, payment will be required immediately in order to secure your place. International House Bratislava, s.r.o. accepts payment by bank transfer. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

We will also send you our Centre's Candidate Agreement and the Pre-course Task.

The purpose of this task is to introduce you to some of the areas covered on the CELTA course and to give you the opportunity to prepare for it. The tasks should be completed on a separate sheet and you may be asked to submit them at the beginning of the course. This is not part of the interview or enrolment process, but a series of 50 tasks (with an answer key) designed to help you prepare. You should work through the tasks in the order given, but you are not expected to complete them in a single sitting. It will be more beneficial to work through them gradually over a period of time.

The task has five parts, each focusing on a specific topic from the Cambridge CELTA syllabus. These are the units in which candidates are assessed during the course:

• Unit 1 – Part 1: Learners and Teachers, and the Teaching and Learning Context
• Unit 2 – Part 2: Language Analysis and Awareness
• Unit 3 – Part 3: Language Skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing
• Unit 4 – Part 4: Planning and Use of Resources
• Unit 5 – Part 5: Developing Teaching Skills and Professionalism

To help you work through these tasks successfully, we recommend reading some preparatory literature before the course. The following books may be useful:

• Gower, Walters & Philips – Teaching Practice Handbook – 2nd edition (Macmillan)
• Harmer, J. – How to Teach English – 3rd edition (Longman)
• Kenworthy, J. – Teaching English Pronunciation (Longman)
• Lewis, M. & Hill, J. – Practical Techniques for Language Teaching (LTP)
• Riddell, D. – Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language (Teach Yourself) (Hodder Arnold H&S)
• Scrivener, J. – Learning Teaching (Macmillan)

F – Cancellation Policy:

If a candidate withdraws six or more weeks before the course start date, 90% of the total fee will be refunded. If notice is given less than six weeks before the start date, 50% of the total fee will be refunded. If a candidate withdraws within the last ten working days before the course begins, no refund will be issued. If the course is cancelled by the organiser, all course fees will be refunded in full.

G – Equal Opportunities:

International House Bratislava believes that equal opportunities are essential for: fully supporting the development of individuals' abilities, talents and potential; attracting prospective learners from the widest possible range of backgrounds; fulfilling its moral and legal obligations; and providing a working environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation.

H – Admission to Training Courses:

Staff at International House Bratislava involved in the recruitment and selection of candidates will ensure that the organisation's recruitment and selection policies are followed, and that:

• A carefully worded and objective interview profile will be drawn up for all prospective candidates, outlining the core skills, knowledge, experience and qualities required by Cambridge.
• Appropriately trained staff will assess suitability for admission to all courses solely on the basis of professionally and academically relevant criteria.

I – Disclosure of Disability or Other Relevant Factors:

Whilst there is no legal obligation to disclose information about a disability or other factors, International House Bratislava respectfully asks all candidates to declare any disability or health condition that might otherwise foreseeably result in the candidate being:

• At risk of harm or injury to themselves or others during the course
• At risk of jeopardising the successful outcome or completion of the course
• At risk of any other adverse outcome or event.

All information received will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be used in any way to the detriment of the application or the candidate during the course.

J – Complaints:

Students or members of staff who feel they have been discriminated against should raise the matter with the Director and/or the course tutors. The student/member of staff and the Director/tutors should first attempt to resolve the matter informally. It may be that the discriminatory behaviour was unintentional and can be easily addressed once the issue has been clarified. If students or staff are dissatisfied with the outcome, or if the complaint is of a serious nature, or if the Director is the subject of the complaint, the student/member of staff should submit the matter in writing to both the school's Directors and Cambridge Assessment English.

What is Cambridge CELTA?

Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is the world's most widely recognised qualification for English language teachers. Three out of four English language teaching positions require this qualification.

Where can I take the CELTA course in Slovakia?

In Slovakia, the only accredited centre offering the CELTA course is International House Bratislava, Nám. SNP 14, 81106 Bratislava.

What are the CELTA course dates in Bratislava in 2026?

In 2026 we offer two course dates: CELTA Full-time (in person) from 29 June to 24 July 2026, Monday to Friday all day. CELTA Part-time (100% online) from 2 October to 9 December 2026, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 16:00 to 20:00.

How much does the CELTA course in Bratislava cost?

The fee for the CELTA course at International House Bratislava in 2026 is €1,390, regardless of whether you choose the in-person or online format.

What level of English is required to apply for CELTA?

Candidates must have a level of English close to that of an educated native speaker – equivalent to IELTS 7.5 or C2 level, or a high C1. You do not need to hold a certificate confirming this level, as your English will be assessed throughout the application process.

What is the minimum age requirement for the CELTA course?

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age by the end of the course.

Do I need previous teaching experience?

No, previous teaching experience is not a requirement. CELTA is suitable for new teachers embarking on their careers as well as for experienced teachers who wish to develop their skills.

What does the CELTA interview involve?

The face-to-face interview lasts two hours and consists of written tasks (1 hour 20 minutes) and an oral interview (up to 40 minutes). Candidates from Slovakia attend the interview in person at IH Bratislava; candidates from outside Slovakia are interviewed via Zoom or by telephone. You will be informed of the outcome at the end of the interview.

What is the cancellation policy for the CELTA course?

If a candidate withdraws 6 or more weeks before the course start date, 90% of the fee will be refunded. If notice is given less than 6 weeks before the start date, 50% of the fee will be refunded. No refund will be issued within the last 10 working days before the course begins. If the course is cancelled by the organiser, all fees will be refunded in full.

Can I arrange a free consultation before applying for CELTA?

Yes. International House Bratislava offers a free consultation with an experienced CELTA trainer. You can arrange a consultation by completing the registration form on the school's website. The trainer will answer your questions about the course, assist you with the application process, and advise you on your career in English language teaching.

Are you considering a career in English language teaching (ELT) but not sure where to start? Perhaps you are an experienced teacher looking to take your practice to the next level?

The CELTA course is an excellent way to begin teaching English or to develop the pedagogical skills you already have. Most candidates consider it the most rewarding academic experience of their lives, though all will tell you it is also highly demanding.

Meet one of our CELTA trainers for a free consultation. They will be happy to answer any questions you have about the course, guide you through the application process, and advise you on your career in ELT.

To book your free CELTA consultation, please complete the form above and we will be in touch to arrange an online meeting.