Becoming a yoga teacher or instructor is an investment in your personal growth and future. The cost of a 200-hour yoga teacher training course at an ashram ranges anywhere from € 1800 to € 2250 (or $1980 to $2480), but this can vary quite a bit. Your choice of program, school, location, and duration all influence the final price.
After you complete a yoga teacher training course, you’ll also have to think about other costs like Yoga Alliance registration fees and teacher insurance—but don't let all this intimidate you. Our up-to-date pricing guide breaks down the cost to become a yoga instructor in 2024 and why this investment is priceless, whether you choose to teach or not.
Factors Affecting Yoga Teacher Training Prices
If you’ve been practicing yoga for some time and you’re finally ready to take the leap and become a yoga instructor, the first step is to complete a yoga teacher training course. Many practitioners travel to India for an authentic training experience at an ashram, but there are a dozen other options you can choose from.
While there are many things that add to the cost of yoga certification programs, these five areas are the most important:
1. Course Level
The path to becoming a yoga teacher isn't one-size-fits-all. The 200-hour certification is often seen as the first milestone, but it's just one of many routes you can take. Here are the various levels of trainings for aspiring yoga teachers:
200-Hour Training:
- The standard entry point for teachers
- Covers essential yoga philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methodology
- Typically the most accessible and widely recognized certification
Specialized Short Courses:
- Deep dive into specific styles or aspects of yoga
- Perfect for teachers looking to expand their toolkit
- Often more affordable and time-efficient than full certifications
Advanced 300-Hour Training:
- Builds on the 200-hour foundation
- Explores advanced techniques, philosophy, and teaching skills
- After completion ,teachers can register as RYT 500 (Registered Yoga Teacher 500 hours)
Intensive 500-Hour Programs:
- Combines 200-hour and 300-hour curriculums into one comprehensive course
- Immersive experience, often spanning several weeks
- Offers a fast-track to advanced certification (RYT 500)
Remember that the course level you choose will not only impact the cost but your teaching credentials and yogic journey. Choose the best yoga teacher training program for you, and don’t rush the process.
Also Read: What’s the Difference Between a 200-, 300- & 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course?
2. Training Format & Contact Hours
The way you learn can be just as important as what you learn. In the world of yoga teacher trainings, you'll find various formats that cater to different lifestyles, budgets, and learning preferences. Some of the most common options are:
Full-time Ashram Trainings:
- Dive deep into yoga by living, eating, and studying at an ashram
- Offers an intensive learning experience
- Often the most expensive option, but can be highly transformative
Part-time Ashram Trainings:
- Attend classes on weekends, either at a local studio or by traveling to an ashram
- More budget-friendly as meals and accommodation aren't typically included
- Allows practitioners to balance training with work and family commitments
Online Trainings:
- Learn from the comfort of your home, following a flexible schedule
- Generally the most affordable and accessible option
- Lacks in-person interactions, but offers digital resources and dedicated online support
3. School Reputation
A yoga school's reputation plays a big role in its pricing, and there are good reasons why well-known schools charge more. These schools have usually been around for years, consistently producing skilled yoga teachers who go on to have successful careers.
When you're researching schools, you'll likely come across terms like "internationally accredited" and "Yoga Alliance certified." These aren't just buzzwords—they mean that respected organizations in the yoga world have approved these programs. This kind of recognition adds real value to your training and certification.
Reputable schools tend to invest in high-quality facilities and equipment, which can have a big impact on your learning experience. They can also offer more comprehensive support, which can sometimes extend beyond the training period. This ongoing mentorship can be incredibly valuable as you start your teaching journey.
See: Yoga Teacher Training Survival Guide for Students
4. Expertise & Experience of Trainers
The quality and cost of your yoga teacher training largely depends on who's teaching you. Experienced instructors bring knowledge that you just can't get from textbooks.
Many respected schools, especially those with Indian roots, have teachers from strong yoga lineages. These instructors might have grown up immersed in yogic traditions or learned from renowned yoga masters. This deep connection to yoga's roots offers a more authentic understanding of the practice.
With decades of experience behind them, these yoga teachers can also guide you on the practical side of being a yoga professional, like how to make a living or build a yoga business.
5. Accommodation & Amenities
Many yoga schools, like Arhanta Yoga Ashrams for example, have a range of accommodation options to fit different needs and budgets. You might choose a more budget-friendly shared room or splash out on a private space if you value your alone time. The difference can be a few hundred euros, so it's worth considering what matters most to you.
When it comes to amenities, traditional ashrams usually have the basics for a comfortable stay, including bedding, mosquito nets, and simple furnishings. In many ashrams, you'll find dedicated chefs serving up healthy, vegetarian meals three times a day. These meals are designed to support your yoga practice and holistic nutrition.
Remember, fancier accommodations and gourmet meals might be nice, but they're not essential for a transformative yoga teacher training experience. Most students find that simple living helps them focus more on their practice and personal growth.
6. Location of Training
Where you choose to do your yoga teacher training can really shape your experience—and your budget. Training in places like Bali, Thailand, or India can be incredible, but keep in mind that studying abroad comes with extra costs for travel and accommodation.
Some students choose more luxurious settings, like high-end retreat centers in Europe or beachfront resorts in tropical destinations. These offer yoga training with a side of comfort and sometimes even a bit of pampering.
On the other hand, traditional ashrams in India provide a completely different experience. Here, you'll get a real taste of yogic living—think simple accommodations, strict schedules, and deep dives into spiritual practices. It's an intense experience, but many find it truly life changing.
Don't overlook non-residential trainings closer to home either. Local studios or retreat centers can offer quality education without the added travel costs. Plus, you'll be building connections in the community where you'll likely start teaching.
How Much Is a Yoga Teacher Training?
Ashram/In-person Training
If you're looking for an authentic ashram experience, studying in India is unique and life-changing. The average cost of a 200-hour yoga teacher training course in India starts at € 1800 and goes up to € 2250, depending on the accommodation you choose and when you book as some schools offer discounts to early applicants.
The cost to become a yoga instructor in Europe can be more expensive. In the Netherlands, for example, a 200-hour yoga teacher training can be from € 2650 up to € 3650. Although pricier, these trainings are usually more accessible for local students. Not only are they easier to reach, but some are even taught in the country's native language. This can be especially beneficial for students whose first language isn’t English.
The yoga training cost typically includes all tuition fees, accommodation during the training, three meals a day, course manual and study materials, and in some cases, airport or train transfers.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the average cost of yoga teacher trainings at a traditional ashram in India in 2024:
Yoga Teacher Training Course | Average Cost From |
|---|---|
€ 1950 | |
€ 3550 | |
€ 5500 | |
€ 1050 | |
€ 1050 | |
€ 1050 |
Online Training
If a traditional ashram training is out of your budget, some yoga schools offer online 200-hour teacher training courses for around €1450 ($1600). Taught online, you not only save on additional costs like transportation and accommodation, but you also have the freedom to study from home at a pace that works for you.
Online yoga teacher training courses offer a number of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do your research and find the right learning style for you. If this path interests you, Arhanta’s online academy has a number of certified online courses which is a great place to start.
Discover: How Online Yoga Courses Benefit Students & Teachers
Other Costs Involved in Becoming a Yoga Instructor
I must stress that yoga teaching is an open profession. This means you can become a yoga teacher regardless of your formal education, experience level, or association memberships. Legally, there are no specific requirements or mandatory insurance for teaching yoga either.
However, to uphold the high standards expected of yoga teachers and build a successful career, most practitioners choose to invest in additional resources and certifications. These include:
Yoga Alliance Registration
While not mandatory, registering with Yoga Alliance is a step many yoga teachers take to enhance their credibility and open up more teaching opportunities, especially abroad. Yoga Alliance is one of many organizations created to help regulate yoga teaching standards for safety and ethics.
Yoga Alliance offers different registration levels based on your training and teaching experience. The most common for new teachers is the RYT-200 (Registered Yoga Teacher with 200 hours of training). The total cost for new registrations is $115 ($50 application fee and $65 for annual renewal).
Registering with an association like Yoga Alliance can benefit your career, boosting your credibility with international studios and opening up networking opportunities. But it is completely a personal choice.
Yoga Teacher Insurance
As a yoga teacher, you'll likely work as a freelancer or entrepreneur. Insurance regulations vary by country, but yoga teacher insurance is something you should consider if you want to teach professionally.
Liability insurance protects you financially if a student is injured during your class. Although not mandatory to teach, some studios or schools may require it.
You have three main options for insurance:
- Yoga Teacher Insurance: Sometimes called yoga instructor liability insurance, this option protects yoga teachers from claims and lawsuits related to their practice, including injuries during classes, legal claims, accidents and theft of business property.
- Independent Business Liability Insurance: This can be tailored to your specific needs and might be more affordable over time. It also gives you more control over your coverage.
- Physical Instructor Liability Insurance: Since yoga has been rising in popularity over the past few years, yoga teacher insurance fees have become inflated. This option can be more affordable with a similar level of coverage.
Ultimately, the right insurance choice depends on your individual circumstances, teaching location, and long-term career plans.
Also Read: What are the Legal Requirements for Teaching Yoga in Your Country and Worldwide?
Continuing Education Courses
For Registered Yoga Teachers (RYTs), further education is essential. To maintain your certification status, you need to complete 75 hours of Continued Education every three years after your initial registration.
Many teachers choose to continue their studies through specialized short courses. These programs often delve deeper into yoga styles that may have only been briefly covered in a 200-hour teacher training, such as Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, or even Prenatal Yoga.
While some students choose to do specialized courses at an ashram, those with busy schedules can complete them online in their own time. These certified online courses not only broaden your skills in different yoga styles, but also help keep your personal practice alive.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Yoga Certification?
An online training is the cheapest way to get certified in yoga. As mentioned earlier, these inexpensive yoga teacher trainings can be completed online, saving you a lot of money on travel expenses, not to mention time.
It’s also worth noting that some schools offer payment plans or scholarships, so be sure to inquire about any financial assistance options. At Arhanta Yoga, for example, we have a three installment plan available for online students who prefer to pay the total amount over an extended period.
Although finding an affordable yoga teacher training is important, the final cost to become a yoga instructor will depend entirely on you. Explore your options and find what fits your lifestyle and future goals.
Is a Yoga Teacher Training Worth It?
Yes, whether you plan to teach yoga professionally or simply want to deepen your personal practice, a yoga teacher training is worth the investment. Here's why:
- Deeper knowledge: You'll learn more about proper alignment, anatomy, and the philosophy behind yoga.
- Improved practice: Your personal yoga and teaching skills will improve.
- Teaching skills: You'll learn how to guide others safely through poses and create effective classes.
- Career opportunities: If you want to teach, you'll be certified to work in yoga studios, gyms, or even start your own business.
- Personal growth: Many people find the training process helps with self-discovery and personal development.
- Community: You'll connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for yoga.
Final Thought
We've seen that the cost to become a yoga instructor can vary depending on your goals and needs, but remember that this is an investment in yourself and your passion. The value you gain goes far beyond the certificate you receive. The knowledge, personal growth, and ability to positively impact others' lives are truly priceless. Whether you choose an intensive retreat, an online course, or a local studio program, each cent spent is a step towards transforming your love for yoga into a fulfilling career or a deeper personal practice.
