Yoga is a tremendous gift to the world- the practice of finding balance inside and outside that unites humanity in peace and serenity. Whether a yogi or yogini, if you’re here, then you’re ready to take the step into certification as a yoga instructor and bring this sense of peace and balance into the lives of individuals or classes back in your home. We surveyed dozens of yoga certifications courses and selected 200 hour and 300 hour programs that end with Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certifications. All of the following classes have a few things in common, they are all centered around the practice of yoga, are all located in beautiful destinations all over the world, all are taught in English, and all are highly ranked among the yogi community. From the beaches of Big Island, Hawaii to the foothills of the Himalayas, these yoga classes are set in locations that by their very nature sweep you away to a place of true clarity, relaxation and serenity. Additionally, the price is affordable for all of the programs we selected and in are taught by highly-skilled practitioners. If you are ready to start or continue your journey as a yoga practitioner, these are our top 10 picks for best yoga certifications in the world.
Methodology:
- Reviews (1/2): the number and quality of reviews placed by those who have taken the certification program.
- Affordability (1/2): the cost per day of the program of study (many are all inclusive).
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii this Yoga Certification course is situated on 120 acres of tropical scenery on the southeast coast of Big Island. This three-week program is a 200-hour certification course offered by the Yoga Alliance and is perfect for beginners looking to start on the journey towards becoming a yoga instructor. The course covers a blend of Vinyasa flow as well as Hatha yoga and encompasses a wide range of techniques including yoga postures, breathing, meditation and more. You will learn how to apply principles of alignment to create a safe, balanced, and therapeutic yoga space. Each day begins with an hour of meditation and pranayama followed by breakfast than yoga asana practices, technique, and teaching methodology into the afternoon. Afternoon sessions focus on restorative therapeutic practice or may include information on yoga Nidra, ethics, or physiology and anatomy. This program includes daily yoga classes, a certification from the Yoga Alliance for the 200 hours of participation, 20 nights of accommodation, and 3 meals per day. The cost for this certification package is $3,980. We placed this course at the top of our list for the high number of excellent ratings, and its phenomenal value.
2. 200 Hour RYT Arcata, California
Discover the art of teaching yoga at this 200 hour 3-week program in Arcata, California. Located adjacent to the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, participants immerse themselves in the practice of yoga while surrounded by salt water marshes and hundreds of bird species. Your accommodation is constructed completely of sustainable materials as well as up-cycled materials. The program aims to help you develop your own in-depth pracitce and includes a Vinyasa flow and Hatha yoga. You will learn about anatomy and physiology, breath awareness, methods for relaxation, pranayama and more. Students will also be able to explore concepts from Ayurveda,, Upanishads, Patanjali as well as the chakra system. This program is Yoga Alliance- approved and allows you to register for an RYT-200 upon the completion of this course. Your program includes daily yoga classes, a certification from the Yoga Alliance, and 21 nights of accommodation. Upon your arrival you will have dinner with other candidates and instructors and then begin your evening programming. Each day will include a morning meditation, breakfast and Yoga asana in the mornings and restorative and yoga philosophy and ethics in the evening. The cost of this program is $3,060. We placed this course at the top of our list for the high number of excellent ratings, and its phenomenal value.
Continue on your journey with yoga and yoga instruction with this 300 hour 33 day program in Pahoa, Hawaii. The Kalani Retreat Center will be your home for 33 days of deepening your practice as a yoga instructor. The tropical paradise of the Big Island of Hawaii will be your backdrop during this retreat. This is the perfect course for intermediate yoga practitioners who are looking to take their practice a step further. The curriculum moves beyond the basics of asanas and engages with topics like the alchemy of yoga, advanced techniques, holistic alignment concepts, applied anatomy and kinesiology, practice and teaching of meditation and pranayama as well as applied Ayurveda to the asanas. Your typical day many involve an early silent meditation or oceanside walk, gentle morning yoga followed by asana practice. After lunch you will learn about Yoga nidra for a few hours then have free time and dinner. Your evening finishes with your evening group where you will have an opportunity to partake in projects as well as presentations. Students may be assigned work outside of class such as readings and preparations for evening presentations. This retreat includes three meals a day and made it to the top of our list for the tremendous value and number of excellent ratings. The cost for this 33 day 30-hour course is $5,828.
4. 200 Hour The Himalayan Yoga Institute Nepal
The Himalayan Yoga Institute offers a 200-hour yoga retreat for individuals who wish to study Ashtanga Yoga and provides high quality and comprehensive program. This class is taught in English in the Kullu Valley in India. Students stay in the Ropa village where villagers, students, animals and its plants live together. The surrounding are secluded and tucked into the valley of the mountain. Your neighbors live in traditional Himalayan cottages. This program is fully accredited by the Yoga Alliance and will provide you with a yoga training certification upon completion. The modules focus on setting up a proper environment, sequencing, methodology for teaching, The Basic Raja Dhiraja class, beginner’s courses, advanced postures, yoga for children, yoga for the elderly, yoga during pregnancy, relaxation and corrections. During the second half of the training course you begin to put into practice what you have learned through hands-on practical experience. This comprehensive program is a fantastic option for beginner’s to advanced practitioners who want to refresh and enhance their practice. We selected this program for its excellent curriculum, high ratings, and great value. The cost for this 28-day program is just $1,700.
5. 300 Hour The Himalayan Yoga Institute Losinj, Croatia
The Himalayan Yoga Institute offers a 300 hour 30-day certification course in Losinj, Croatia. Losinj, Croatia is one of the 36 islands belonging to the Cres-Losinj archipelago in the Kvaner Bay. This part of the world is known for its clean water, clear air, and beautiful surrounding wildlife. This is also the second home of the Himalayan Yoga Institute, where students learn to begin or deepen their practice of yoga in many forms. As this program is accredited by the Yoga Alliance International, students leave with a RYS 300 certification for teaching yoga. During your 3 weeks you will learn to set up your teaching practice through the practice of asana, mudra, bandha, and driya as well as into the realm of meditation with a focus on Kundalini energy. In addition to learning about your teaching practice you will gain more knowledge of yoga nutrition, meditation, Raja Dhiraja yoga, Karma yoga and much more. This is the perfect class for those just starting to practice yoga and are looking for a comprehensive overview of various methods for practicing and teaching yoga and works well for those who are seeking to expand their knowledge and practice of yoga. In addition to your training you will be able to take weekly excursions and hikes around the island as well as plan boat trips to nearby surrounding islands. We selected this program for its high rating, comprehensive curriculum and the price which is just $1,700 for this 30-day course.
6. 300 Hour The Himalayan Yoga Institute Pondicherry, South India
The Himalayan Yoga Institute offers a 300 hour 30-day certification course in Podicherry, South India. The accommodation is built in the traditional Kerala style and utilizes eco-friendly methods of construction. This 300-hour yoga teacher training course culminates with an internationally recognized diploma from the Himalayan Yoga Institute and you will receive the title of “Yoga Vaidya” (expert of yoga). This program is applicable to individuals who already completed a standard 200-hour course. In addition to learning about the asanas, this advanced course curriculum includes the history of yoga and the six schools of Indian philosophy as well as the various influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Students also gain insights into Ayurveda and each dosha as go much deeper in the practices of Bhakti yoga, including the Kirtan, Mandala art Bhajans and Prabhat Samgiita. Advanced students will also learn how to develop business skills and how to create success for themselves as practitioners. Additional courses include diet and nutrition, yoga therapy, Kriyas, bndhas, mudras, and more. We love this program for the indepth knowledge, the high volume of excellent rankings, and the price which is just $2,763.
7. 200 Hour Prana Casa Algarve, Portugal
Prana Casa offers a 200-hour certification program in Algarve, Portugal given by Dr. Venky, an internationally acclaimed yoga instructor. This intensive course takes place in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park located on the southern coast of Portugal- known for its breathtaking beaches and dramatic cliffs. This backdrop makes for a relaxing and centering locale for practicing yoga. This 28 day program includes asana, bandha, basic mycology, the eight limbs of yoga, Kriya, meditation, the science of stretching, teaching methodology and so much more. You will learn about traditional yoga, power yoga, and Vinyasa. This program is further enriched by Dr. Venkys intense knowledge and of human physiology and yogic sciences as well as modern medicinal practices. This certification is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced practitioners and culminates wit ha 200-hour YTT certification. We selected this program for its number of great reviews and unique programming. The cost of this certification program is $3,203.
8. 200 Hour Ajarya Yoga Academy Ashtanga/Vinyasa Rishikesh, India
Ajarya Yoga Academy offers a fantastic 200-hour program focused on ahtanga, and vinyasa flow in the Himalayan foothills. Students have the option for a private or shared room. This program includes 27 nights of accommodation, 3 daily vegetarian meeals, and of course yoga practice and a RYT200-hour certification accredited by the Yoga Alliance. This course is best for intermediate to advanced yoga practitioners with good physical stamina and fitness. Beginners with excellent physical stamina and fitness levels may also be considered. Every day begins with a 6Am asana practice followed by breakfast and personal time, then two hours of study time, asana theory, yoga philosophy or anatomy and physiology, pranayama, yoga philosophy or anatomy and physiology, and meditation or yoga nidra. Upon completion students will be able to teach yoga effectively both to individuals or in a class setting, hold a RYT200 certification, address and correct various health concerns that may occur during your teaching practice. We included this program into our top 0 for its great curriculum, outcome and fantastic price. The cost for this certification is just $1,700.
9. 200 Hour Ajarya Yoga Academy Hatha Yoga Rishikesh, India
Ajarya Yoga Academy offers a 200-hour yoga training course with a focus on Hatha Yoga. Located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountains in the Ashram areas outside of Rishikesh on the Ganges river. This program is suitable for beginning practitioners. All students will learn the basics of hatha yoga. This program includes 27 nights of accommodation, 3 daily vegetarian meeals, and of course yoga practice and a RYT200-hour certification accredited by the Yoga Alliance. The curriculum focuses on asana theory, yoga pysiology, anatomy and philosophy, daily yoga practices both personal and for your future students, meditation and yoga Nidra, and pranayama practices. When not studying or in class, student hike the Himalayan mountains or swim in the Ganges river. This package includes a personal private room for just $1,700. We selected this course for the price and great reviews.
10. 300 Hour Ajarya Yoga Academy Advanced Ashtanga Yoga Rishikesh, India
This 300-hour course is Ajarya Yoga Academy’s advanced course for individuals who have completed a 200-hour RYT certification and is ready to go even deeper in their yoga practice and teaching. You will also learn how to relax and calm yourself through this comprehensive programming and its many components. Students will learn about Ayurveda which is considered to be the “sister science” to yoga, Bandhas for increased lung capacity and breathing capabilities, matra changing including A-U-M chanting with chakra concentration, guru mantras and others, Mediation (dhyana) and the systematic approach to physical, mental, and emotional peace, mudras, pranayam breathing practices, teaching methodology, teaching practice, yoga cleansing, yoga Nidra, yoga philosophy, postures, and therapy. Individuals who wish to take this training course must already be practitioners with good physical fitness levels and stamina. We like this program for its complete and comprehensive program, location, and the price which is $1,900 for a private room.