Courses & Learning · Review · Updated 17 October 2026
International Open Academy review300+ self-paced online courses, from TEFL to bookkeeping, in one membership
Good
Brent score, out of 5
International Open Academy is a low-cost way to explore a wide range of practical skills, from TEFL and bookkeeping to dog training and herbalism, at your own pace. The courses suit personal development and CV-building well, but its accreditations are from private bodies, not universities or government regulators, and most certificates cost extra. Pick the yearly plan if you want certificates included.
Price
€29.99/month; €169/year; €399 lifetime
Free option
Paid only
Best for
Adults exploring a new skill or side career on a budget
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Best for
- Adults exploring a new skill or side career on a budget
- Aspiring English teachers who want an entry-level 120 or 150-hour TEFL/TESOL course
- Learners who need self-paced study with no deadlines
- People who want several short courses for one annual fee
Skip it if
- Anyone who needs a regulated qualification or university credit
- Learners who expect in-depth, advanced material
- Buyers who dislike paying extra for certificates
You want to learn something practical, maybe to teach English abroad, keep your own books or start a side business, but a college course costs thousands and runs on someone else's schedule. Free videos online are scattered and come with nothing to show an employer.
International Open Academy sits in between. It is an online school with more than 300 self-paced courses and a membership model, so one fee opens the whole catalog. It says more than 1.5 million learners have used it.
This review covers what the courses include, how the membership and certificate pricing works, what the accreditation really means, and who will get good value from it.
What is International Open Academy?
International Open Academy (IOA) is an online learning platform that sells access to a catalog of 300+ short, self-paced courses through monthly, yearly and lifetime memberships, plus a team plan. Courses cover areas such as TEFL and TESOL, accounting and bookkeeping, HR and payroll, CPR and first aid, American Sign Language, dog behavior, eyelash technician skills, herbalism and AI. When you finish a course, you can buy certificates and accreditation documents from bodies such as CPD, ICOES and IAPCC; the yearly and lifetime plans include 10 certificates.
Pros and cons
What we like
- 300+ courses across business, AI, wellness, TEFL and more
- Yearly and lifetime plans include 10 certificates
- Self-paced, 24/7 access with no deadlines
- Multiple currencies (AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, USD) and English, Spanish and French
- 4.3/5 TrustScore on Trustpilot from 1,300+ reviews
What could be better
- Accreditation comes from private bodies (CPD, ICOES, IAPCC), not universities or regulators
- Monthly plan includes no certificates; extra ones cost €14.99-€49.99 each
- Some reviewers find topics too basic
- Refund terms are not shown on the home page, so check them before buying
Overall
Good
- Course range4.4
- Ease of use4.3
- Value3.8
- Credentials3.2
Key features of International Open Academy
300+ course catalog
The membership opens more than 300 courses across categories like AI, business, TEFL and wellness. Popular titles include TEFL, TESOL, Accounting & Bookkeeping, CPR & First Aid and Dog Behavior & Training.
TEFL and TESOL courses
IOA's 120 and 150-hour TEFL/TESOL courses are among its best-known offerings. They are included in the membership rather than sold as expensive standalone programs.
Self-paced with no deadlines
Courses are available 24/7 with no deadlines, so you can study around work or family. That suits busy adults, but it also means no one keeps you on track.
Certificates and accreditation add-ons
After a course you can buy documents such as a Certificate of Achievement (€23.99), a CPD certificate (€39.99) or an ICOES hard copy (€49.99). Yearly and lifetime members get 10 certificates included.
Team plan
IOA ForTeams gives organizations access with up to 100 certificates on a custom quote. It suits small businesses that want low-cost staff training.
Multi-language, multi-currency
The site runs in English, Spanish and French and prices in AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP and USD. Support is handled through an online help center.
International Open Academy pricing
Checked 2026-10. Prices can change; confirm on International Open Academy’s site.
Monthly
€29.99/month
billed monthly
- Access to 300+ courses
- No certificates included
- Certificates bought separately
Yearly
€169/year
billed annually (about €14.08/month)
- Access to 300+ courses
- 10 certificates included
- Best value for most learners
Lifetime
€399 one-time
single payment
- Access to 300+ courses
- 10 certificates included
- No renewal fees
ForTeams
Custom quote
contact sales
- For organizations
- Up to 100 certificates
Watch out: Prices shown are the euro rates on the official site; local currency prices differ, certificates beyond those included cost extra, and you should read the refund terms before paying because they are not shown on the home page.
See current International Open Academy pricing →What people use International Open Academy for
Testing a teaching-abroad plan
A graduate takes the 120-hour TEFL course to see whether teaching English overseas suits them. The yearly plan covers the course and the certificate for a fraction of a classroom TEFL fee.
Upskilling for a small business
A sole trader works through the Accounting & Bookkeeping and HR & Payroll courses in the evenings. They gain enough working knowledge to manage their own books and first hire.
Exploring a hobby or side career
A pet owner takes the Dog Behavior & Training course, then tries a herbalism course from the same membership. One fee covers both, with no deadlines.
How to get started with International Open Academy
- 1
Browse the catalog and confirm the courses you want are included
- 2
Choose the yearly plan if you want certificates, or monthly to try the platform
- 3
Check whether the employer or school you care about accepts CPD, ICOES or IAPCC certificates
- 4
Set a weekly study slot, since there are no deadlines to keep you on track
- 5
Claim or buy your certificate when you finish each course
International Open Academy alternatives
| Product | Choose it when |
|---|---|
| International Open Academy 3.9 | Adults exploring a new skill or side career on a budget |
| Coursera | Choose Coursera if you want courses and certificates from universities and major companies. |
| Udemy | Choose Udemy if you want to buy single courses on technical or business topics with lifetime access. |
| Alison | Choose Alison if you want free courses and are happy to pay only for certificates. |
International Open Academy: frequently asked questions
Is International Open Academy legit?+
Yes, it is an established online course provider that says it has served more than 1.5 million learners, and it holds a 4.3/5 TrustScore on Trustpilot from over 1,300 reviews. Complaints mostly concern certificate costs, policy changes and support speed, so read the terms before buying.
Are International Open Academy courses accredited?+
Its courses carry accreditation or certification options from private bodies such as CPD, ICOES and IAPCC. These are not university credits or government-regulated qualifications, so check whether your employer or target school accepts them.
How much does International Open Academy cost?+
On the euro site, membership costs €29.99 per month, €169 per year or €399 for lifetime access. The yearly and lifetime plans include 10 certificates; the monthly plan includes none.
Do I have to pay extra for certificates?+
On the monthly plan, yes. Certificates range from €14.99 for a proof of completion to €49.99 for an ICOES hard copy. Yearly and lifetime members get 10 certificates included.
Is the International Open Academy TEFL course recognized?+
The 120 and 150-hour TEFL/TESOL courses meet the hour counts many entry-level teaching jobs ask for. Requirements vary by country and school, and some employers prefer courses with observed teaching practice, so check the job listing first.
Can I study at my own pace?+
Yes. Courses are online, available 24/7 and have no deadlines on membership plans. Some reviewers mention time limits on certain individual purchases, so confirm the access period for your plan.
Final verdict
Is International Open Academy worth it?
If you want to try a new skill or build your CV without paying college prices, International Open Academy gives you a large catalog for one low fee. Start with the yearly plan, pick two or three courses that match your goal, and you can be working through your first lesson today.
Browse IOA coursesAffiliate link · we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Reviewed by
Amjid Ali, Founder and editor
Amjid Ali is a Melbourne-based AI and automation lead, author of five books on infrastructure, automation and digital transformation, and a corporate trainer whose courses on n8n, Proxmox, firewalls and ERP have taught thousands of IT professionals.
Last updated 17 October 2026 · How we review
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International Open Academy 3.9
€29.99/month; €169/year; €399 lifetime