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Criteria & Certification Standards

World Yoga Alliance School Criteria & Certification Standards

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International Yoga School Criteria & Certification Standards

International yoga school criteria and certification standards defined by World Yoga Alliance for global yoga education programs

World Yoga Alliance (WYA) establishes internationally recognized criteria and certification standards to support every International yoga school seeking quality, transparency, and professional integrity in yoga education. These standards are designed to guide yoga schools and teacher training providers in developing structured curricula, maintaining ethical teaching practices, and aligning their programs with globally accepted educational benchmarks.

Through the official yoga school registration process, eligible institutions can apply for global affiliation and licensing under World Yoga Alliance standards. This page outlines the requirements for eligibility, curriculum structure, application procedures, and recognition types available to yoga schools that aim to demonstrate credibility, educational consistency, and international recognition.

Criteria for Yoga Schools to Join World Yoga Alliance (WYA)

To join the World Yoga Alliance as an International Yoga School, institutions must meet the following minimum eligibility and quality standards. These criteria ensure global integrity, transparency, and professional education standards.

The applying institution must operate as a Yoga Education or Teacher Training Course Provider, such as:

Yoga schools or academies
Yoga institutes or centers
Yoga teacher training providers (online, offline, or hybrid)

The school must offer one or more structured programs, including:

Minimum 16-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Maximum 1,000-Hour Yoga Courses
Continuing Education or Specialized Yoga Programs

Programs must follow clearly defined training hours and a sample daily schedule, with documented learning outcomes.

The training syllabus must include core components such as:

Yoga philosophy & ethics
Asana practice and alignment principles
Pranayama & meditation
Anatomy & physiology (basic to applied)
Teaching methodology & practicum
Assessment and student evaluation methods

Schools must be led by qualified yoga teachers or trainers with:

Verified yoga education credentials
Teaching experience relevant to the programs offered
Ethical teaching conduct and professionalism

The school must:

Operate legally within its country or region
Maintain transparent policies for students
Follow ethical teaching practices and student safety guidelines

Applicants must submit:

Proof of school identity (registration or official details)
Training syllabus or course outline
Lead teacher or faculty credentials
Agreement to follow WYA standards and code of ethics

World Yoga Alliance offers:

School Registration – Recognition of program structure and eligibility
School Certification – Verified compliance with international teaching and training standards

All applications undergo:

Document review
Standards compliance verification
Final approval by WYA administration

Upon approval, schools receive an International Yoga School License and are listed in the WYA Directory.

Benefits of Meeting WYA Criteria

Global recognition and credibility
Increased student trust and international visibility
Public listing as a WYA registered or certified school
Alignment with ethical and professional yoga education standards
You will receive ongoing community support within a trusted global yoga network.

Application Process for International Yoga School License

Step 1

Prepare Required School Documents

Prepare the necessary documents for your yoga school registration, including your school level, training standards, and curriculum structure.
** Please review the recommended standards such as RSY and CYS to ensure compliance.

Step 2

Create a WYA Account & Submit Your Application

Create your official World Yoga Alliance (WYA) account and complete the online application for an International Yoga School License.

Step 3

Pay the Application & License Fee

Submit the applicable license fee securely to proceed with the review and verification process.

Step 4

Approval & License Issuance

Once your documents are reviewed and approved, you will receive your International Yoga School License, confirming your school’s recognition under World Yoga Alliance standards.