A Guide to Affordable Yoga Teacher Training Options (Online & In-Person)

Are you looking to become a certified yoga teacher but worried about the cost?

Maybe you’ve come across yoga teacher training courses that cost many thousands of dollars, making it seem like fulfilling your dream is out of reach.

Don’t worry, there are tons of affordable yoga teacher training (YTT) options available that can help you achieve your goal without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we will explore the different options for low cost yoga teacher training courses, including both online options and budget friendly in-person programs in cheaper countries abroad like India, Nepal, Thailand and Bali.

So let’s dive in and start making your dream of training to be a yoga teacher a reality!

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Understanding Yoga Teacher Training

In order to find an affordable yoga instructor certification option that meets the certification requirements, firstly let’s look at what yoga teacher training entails and the different types of programs available.

What is Yoga Teacher Training?

Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) is a comprehensive course that will give you the knowledge and skills to teach yoga. It covers the most important aspects of yoga, including:

• Yoga asana (postures),
• Pranayama (breathing techniques),
• Meditation and yogic lifestyle,
• Yoga philosophy and the yoga sutras,
• Anatomy and alignment,
• Teaching methodology.

Reasons to do Yoga Teacher Training

Whether you wish to teach yoga, or simply learn more, there are many reasons to do a YTT, even if you don’t want to change your career and start teaching yoga straight away. These include:

• Deepening your understanding of yoga: Yoga training allows you to delve deeper into the philosophy and practice of yoga, helping you gain a more profound understanding of this ancient discipline.
• Transform your own practice: Regular practice and learning from experienced teachers will transform your personal practice, physically, mentally and spiritually
• Become a certified yoga teacher: Completing a YTT gives you an internationally recognized certification that enables you to teach yoga anywhere in the world.
• Connect with the community: During your training you’ll connect with like-minded people and form deep and lasting bonds within the yoga community.

Types of Yoga Teacher Training

There are various types of yoga teacher trainings available, including:

• In-person training: This is the traditional method of learning yoga, where you travel to a specific location, attend classes in person and stay at a retreat center or yoga school. This option can be expensive due to travel and accommodation costs but there are cheaper options available in developing countries.
• Online training: With the advancements in technology, there are now many professional, affordable online yoga teacher training courses available. These inexpensive yoga courses allow you to learn from home, making it a more budget-friendly option.
• Hybrid training: Combining in-person and online learning, hybrid training usually consists of online training before attending a short in-person program. This can be an affordable option that combines the best of both worlds as shorter trainings costs less and require less time off work.

Yoga Teacher Certification Options

In addition to the different types of training you’ll find courses in different styles of yoga.

Some programs offer training in multiple styles of yoga, whilst others focus on just one or two. So whether you’re into Ashtanga and Power Yoga, Vinyasa Flow or traditional Hatha yoga, you’re sure to find a course in the style you love.

There are also various durations and yoga certification options available. These include:

200 hours

200 hour yoga teacher training courses the most popular option. This is the basic level of yoga training required to become a certified yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance (the largest yoga trade organization).

Duration and cost: Prices vary depending on the location and type of program.

• Intensive in-person trainings take between 14 days to 1 month. This can cost on average $2000 – $3000 or more in the West but prices in Asia are often between $1000 – $1500.
• Online programs offer more flexible time scales and prices start from only $200.

300 Hours

This is an advanced yoga training program for those looking to deepen their knowledge and practice after completing the 200 hours.

Duration and cost: As you’d expect, 300 hour courses take slightly longer to complete and prices are usually slightly higher than the 200 hours. They also run less frequently.

• Intensive in-person 300 hour trainings take about 1 month to complete. Average costs range from $1500-$3000.
• Self paced online options are also available starting from only $300.

500 Hours

A 500 hour yoga teacher training involves the completion of a 200-hour and 300-hour program simultaneously. These courses are intense and we recommend allowing time in between programs to incorporate everything you’ve learned into your practice before further study if possible.

Duration and costs: In person 500 hour trainings take about 2 months to complete. Costs can range from $3000-$5000, depending on the location. Self-paced online options are available from $500 and you are usually allowed 1 year to complete it in.

50 and 100 hours

Shorter courses like 50 hours or 100 hours are cheaper and a great way to test the waters before committing to a longer and more expensive program, but note that these alone won’t give you the qualification to teach professionally.

Duration and cost: In person 50 hour programs usually take 7 days to complete. 100 hours takes between 1 and 2 weeks. Prices vary depending on location and type of program but start at $250 in-person or $150 for online programs.

50 hour programs are ideal as a preparation for a full YTTC or as a top-up to a 200-hour certification. For example you can do 50 hours yoga nidra, Ariel yoga, prenatal yoga, children’s yoga, or yin yoga teacher training.

Some 100 hour programs offer to chance to come back later and complete the training up to 200 hours but check first with the organiser if its possible.

In this article we are focusing on affordable 200 hour yoga teacher training courses, as this is the generally accepted minimum requirement to begin teaching, but shorter courses are cheaper and may suit you better if teaching is not your main goal right now.

Hopefully you’ll find this guide useful wherever you are at in your yoga journey and whatever your budget.

Now that you’re up to speed with the types of training and yoga certification available, let’s explore how you can find affordable yoga teacher training courses.

Affordable Online Yoga Teacher Training

With advances in technology and the lockdowns during the pandemic, there are now many options for high quality, low cost online yoga teacher training courses.

These programs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their affordability and convenience. They are designed for those who may not have the time or money to invest in expensive training but still want to learn more about yoga and pursue their passion for teaching yoga.

Online programs offer flexibility in terms of schedule and location, allowing you to complete your training usually at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. They eliminate the costs associated with travel, accommodation, and other daily expenses, making them a more budget-friendly option.

Some online programs offer self-paced learning, while others have set deadlines and live classes. Doing your yoga teacher training online gives you the flexibility to choose a program that best fits your schedule and budget.

What To Expect From Low-Cost Online YTTs

The best online yoga teacher training courses offer the same quality of education as in-person programs, with experienced and certified instructors leading the courses.

Topics covered in online training include practical online yoga classes which you can follow along with, as well as sessions on meditation, yoga philosophy, yoga anatomy and alignment and teaching methodology. Some programs also offer specialized training in areas like yin yoga, restorative yoga or prenatal yoga.

Online yoga courses are delivered through pre-recorded videos, live webinars, or a combination of both. If the course offers live sessions check that the time zone they are situated in works for your schedule. Most have a dedicated online platform for students to access course materials, communicate with instructors and other students, and submit assignments for review.

Due to the remote nature of online learning, there may be less opportunities for hands-on adjustments from instructors and teaching practice. However, many programs offer virtual feedback and mentorship to help you improve your teaching skills.

It’s important to note that while online yoga teacher training is a more affordable option, it still requires dedication and commitment. It may be tempting to slack off or skip classes when studying from home, but remember that the end goal is to become a competent and confident yoga teacher so you’ll need to be self-disciplined and motivated to learn as much as you can from the experience.

Read our full article which discusses is online yoga teacher training worth it?

How Much Does Online Yoga Teacher Training Cost?

There is no shortage of options for online yoga training but not all are equal and not all are cheap.

Online yoga teacher training courses typically cost between $250 to $1000, making this the cheapest way to become a certified yoga instructor. However, it’s essential to ensure that the program is accredited and recognized by Yoga Alliance or other reputable organizations.

Remember that the cheapest yoga teacher training is not necessarily the best. So be sure to do proper research and choose a program with a registered yoga school that offers the best quality education from experienced and certified yoga instructors for your budget.

Look for reviews and recommendations from previous students, and make sure the program is accredited by a credible yoga organization.

A good place to find affordable online yoga teacher training courses is on websites like bookyogateachertraining.com. This website offers a variety of yoga teacher training programs, both online and in-person, at different price points along with reviews, secure payment options and support.

The cheapest 200 hour online yoga training we’ve found is:

Affordable In-Person Yoga Teacher Training Abroad

If you prefer a more immersive experience, or want to explore the spirituality and traditions of different cultures while completing your yoga teacher training, there are some very affordable options for in-person trainings abroad.

India is the cheapest country to do yoga teacher training, whereas places like Thailand and Bali are also very popular and have budget-friendly options that cost much less than programs in the US and Europe. Colombia is the cheapest place for YTTs in the Americas, whereas Spain and Greece have the most affordable programs in Europe.

Doing yoga training abroad can be a really life-changing experience and doesn’t need to break the bank. These countries are deeply spiritual, have a rich history and tradition of yoga, and low cost of living making them popular destinations for affordable YTT programs.

Most include your accommodation and food, but don’t forget additional expenses such as flights, transfers, visa fees and insurance in your YTT budget.

Affordable Yoga Teacher Training in India

In India, the birthplace of yoga, you can find affordable and authentic YTT programs at ashrams, yoga schools and retreat centers for a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.

Rishikesh, a holy town on the banks of the river Ganges, is known as the yoga capital of the world and home to many temples and yoga ashrams. It’s one of the most popular places in the world to do a yoga retreat or YTT, and prices for teacher training start from only $500 including basic accommodation and healthy vegetarian meals.

Affordable Yoga Teacher Training in Bali

The beautiful island of Bali in Indonesia is also known as the island of the gods and is an ideal place to do yoga teacher training. Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of the island where you can find affordable YTTs from around $1000 – $2000.

Affordable Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand

Thailand, the land of smiles, a Buddhist country blessed with tropical islands and golden temples is also a great place to learn yoga and get certified as an instructor.

There are plenty of beautiful places in Thailand where you can train whilst enjoying tropical island life including Koh Phangan, Phuket and Koh Samui.

Affordable Yoga Teacher Training in the Americas

The cheapest country for a YTT in the America’s is Colombia! This beautiful, colorful country is becoming a popular destination for affordable yoga teacher trainings. There’s also options in Mexico, Costa Rica and the US but they are not exactly inexpensive.

Hybrid Yoga Teacher Training Programs

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds consider a hybrid program that combines online learning with in-person training.

Not only do they often have a lower price point compared to traditional on-site courses you’ll also spend less on travel and won’t have to take so much time off work to attend a longer course.

You’ll do most of the theory online and then meet everyone and be able to get hands on adjustments and practice teaching during the in-person part of the course.

Here’s my recommendation for an affordable hybrid YTT:

Final Thoughts on Affordable Yoga Teacher Training

As the demand for qualified yoga instructors continues to rise there are more affordable yoga teacher training options now than ever before.

With a wide variety of online courses and programs available, aspiring teachers can now access quality training from the comfort of their own homes. While attending a course in an affordable country like India, Bali or Colombia allows for a budget-friendly option without compromising on the quality of training.

Remember, becoming a yoga teacher is not just about completing a training course. It’s also a commitment to a ongoing journey of personal growth and learning. So choose a program that resonates with you and aligns with your goals and values as a yogi.

Consider the pros and cons of all the different options when choosing an affordable yoga teacher training program. Don’t forget to read the reviews from previous students to make sure you are getting a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, proper accreditation and good value for money.

It’s really important to do your research, especially when looking at cheap yoga teacher training courses.

No matter which option you choose, whether it’s an online yoga teacher training course, an in-person experience abroad, or a hybrid option, becoming a certified yoga teacher is now within reach for everyone.

Namaste!