Yoga teacher training is one of the most transformative journeys you can take. In this guide, we highlight the best yoga teacher trainings in 2025, giving you a clear comparison of the top programs worldwide. Whether you’re searching for the best yoga teacher training to become a certified instructor or simply to deepen your personal practice, this list will help cut through the overwhelm and point you toward the right path.
That’s why this guide compares the best yoga teacher training schools in 2025 using Yoga Alliance reviews, ratings, and student feedback — the most transparent and verifiable source of information. From tropical immersions in Costa Rica to traditional ashrams in California to flexible online yoga teacher trainings, here are the programs making the biggest impact this year.
Quick Answer: Based on Yoga Alliance reviews, the best yoga teacher training in 2025 is Soma Yoga Institute (4.89/5 rating, NPS 9.5/10), offering immersions in Costa Rica, Greece, and California, plus online programs. Other highly rated schools include Kripalu (4.87/5), Yandara (4.81/5), and YogaWorks (4.76/5).
And here’s why Soma consistently rises to the top: Soma Yoga Institute is among the highest-rated schools on Yoga Alliance (4.89/5, NPS 9.5/10), led by C-IAYT Yoga Therapists and known for transformative, therapeutic trainings for all bodies in Costa Rica, Greece, California, and online.
What to Look for in a Yoga Teacher Training Program
When choosing the best yoga teacher training, consider:
- Yoga Alliance accreditation – Most studios require it for teachers.
- Graduate reviews – Overall rating, review count, and Net Promoter Score (NPS).
- Style & teaching approach – Alignment-based? Vinyasa? Therapeutic? Spiritual?
- Format – Immersive (3–4 weeks), weekend modular, or hybrid online.
- Location – Destination retreat or local city program.
Why Yoga Alliance Data Matters
Yoga Alliance is the largest global registry of yoga schools and teachers, and most studios require their accreditation to hire instructors. What makes their data especially reliable is that every graduate must leave a review of their school before they can register as a Yoga Alliance–certified teacher (RYT). This means the ratings, review counts, and Net Promoter Scores (NPS) reflect feedback from nearly all graduates—not just a handful of testimonials. Unlike marketing materials, Yoga Alliance reviews are standardized, verified, and allow prospective students to compare programs side by side with real, unbiased input.
Yoga Teacher Training Schools Compared (2025 Data)
Methodology (Quick Answer): These rankings use verified Yoga Alliance data, where every graduate must leave a review before registering as an RYT. Schools are sorted by average rating first, then by review count, with Net Promoter Score (NPS) included where available. This ensures results reflect both quality and student satisfaction.
🌴 Immersive Retreat Yoga Teacher Trainings (Tiered by Reviews)
🏆 Tier 1: 500+ Reviews (Most Reviewed & Trusted)
| School | YA Rating | Reviews | NPS | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soma Yoga Institute | 4.89/5 | 587 | 9.5/10 | Costa Rica, Greece, California, Online |
| Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health | 4.87/5 | 1,551 | — | Massachusetts, USA (Berkshires retreat center) |
| Yandara Yoga Institute | 4.81/5 | 1,249 | — | Baja, Mexico (beachfront campus) |
| YogaWorks | 4.76/5 | 3,220 | — | U.S. & international partner immersions |
| School Yoga Institute | 4.68/5 | 942 | — | Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, Portugal |
| World Peace Yoga School | 4.44/5 | 583 | 6.1/10 | Rishikesh, India |
| Marianne Wells Yoga School | 4.44/5 | 542 | — | Costa Rica |
⭐ Tier 2: 200–500 Reviews (Strong Track Record)
| School | YA Rating | Reviews | NPS | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus Institute Yoga & Wellness | 4.89/5 | 279 | 9.4/10 | Nosara, Costa Rica |
| Sacred Paths Yoga School | 4.75/5 | 316 | 8.4/10 | Costa Rica, Guatemala |
| All Yoga Bali | 4.72/5 | 383 | – | Bali |
| East+West Yoga | 4.66/5 | 344 | 7.9/10 | Bali, Costa Rica, Thailand |
🌱 Tier 3: Under 200 Reviews (Smaller, Specialized Programs)
| School | YA Rating | Reviews | NPS | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ananda School of Yoga & Meditation | 4.90/5 | 181 | — | California, USA (Nevada City – Expanding Light Retreat) |
| Mount Madonna Center | 4.90/5 | 194 | — | California, USA (Santa Cruz Mountains – Ashram-style) |
| Blue Osa Yoga Retreat & Spa | 4.77/5 | 165 | — | Costa Rica (Osa Peninsula – jungle/beach eco-retreat) |
*NPS = Net Promoter Score, a measure of graduates’ likelihood to recommend their program. Where NPS is not listed, the yoga school has chosen not to display this information publicly on the Yoga Alliance website.
💻 Online Yoga Teacher Trainings (Tiered by Reviews)
🏆 Tier 1: 500+ Reviews (Most Reviewed & Trusted)
| School | YA Rating | Reviews | NPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soma Yoga Institute | 4.89/5 | 587 | 9.5/10 |
| Yoga Farm Ithaca | 4.89/5 | 1,108 | 9.4/10 |
| Uplifted Yoga (Brett Larkin) | 4.81/5 | 598 | 8.8/10 |
| Siddhi Yoga International | 4.81/5 | 602 | 8.9/10 |
| Yoga & Ayurveda Center | 4.81/5 | 5,412 | 8.9/10 |
| YogaRenew | 4.79/5 | 5,346 | 8.8/10 |
| My Vinyasa Practice | 4.77/5 | 4,528 | 8.6/10 |
| YogaWorks | 4.76/5 | 3,220 | — |
🌱 Tier 2: 100–400 Reviews (Emerging Trusted Schools)
| School | YA Rating | Reviews | NPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drishti Beats | 4.95/5 | 187 | 9.8/10 |
| Akasha Yoga Academy | 4.93/5 | 343 | 9.6/10 |
| Aura Wellness Center | 4.79/5 | 242 | — |
| Full Circle Yoga | 4.70/5 | 83 | — |
*NPS = Net Promoter Score, a measure of graduates’ likelihood to recommend their program. Where NPS is not listed, the yoga school has chosen not to display this information publicly on the Yoga Alliance website.
🔎 Methodology: How We Ranked These Schools
These rankings are based on Yoga Alliance school profiles with verified graduate reviews. Schools were sorted by average rating first, then by review count when ratings were similar. Where available, we included each school’s Net Promoter Score (NPS), a measure of graduate satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
To make the results easier to navigate, we organized schools into tiers:
- In-Person Schools
- Tier 1: 500+ reviews (Most Reviewed & Trusted)
- Tier 2: 100–400 reviews (Emerging Trusted Schools)
- Tier 3: Under 100 reviews (Smaller, Specialized Programs)
- Online Schools
- Tier 1: 500+ reviews (Most Reviewed & Trusted Online)
- Tier 2: 100–400 reviews (Emerging Trusted Online Schools)
This tiered approach ensures the list balances quality, reach, and student experience, while giving visibility to both large, established institutions and boutique, high-touch programs.
⭐ Ratings and reviews current as of September 2, 2025.
🌍 Top Yoga Teacher Training Schools Worldwide (2025)
Soma Yoga Institute (Costa Rica, Greece, California, Online)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.89/5 | Reviews: 587 | NPS: 9.5/10
Soma Yoga Institute consistently ranks among the best yoga teacher trainings worldwide. With a therapeutic and alignment-based approach, Soma integrates Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, and Restorative yoga through a biomechanically sound framework designed for all bodies, ages, and abilities. Every training emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and safe practice, blending ancient wisdom with modern science. Programs run as 14–18 day immersions in Costa Rica, Greece, and California, as well as interactive online trainings.
💡 Best for: Yogis of all ages and abilities seeking a safe, inclusive, and transformative immersion.
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (Massachusetts, USA)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.87/5 | Reviews: 1,551
Kripalu offers yoga teacher trainings in a retreat-style environment with a focus on mindfulness, compassion, and self-discovery. Its Berkshires setting allows students to immerse in both yoga and holistic wellness practices, creating a deeply restorative training experience.
💡 Best for: Students seeking a therapeutic and retreat-centered training in the U.S.
Yandara Yoga Institute (Baja, Mexico)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.81/5 | Reviews: 1,249
Set along the beaches of Baja, Yandara blends Vinyasa and Hatha yoga with meditation, personal growth, and teaching methodology. Known for its strong community and nurturing environment, Yandara provides both immersive training and transformational retreats.
💡 Best for: Yogis looking for a supportive, community-oriented immersion.
YogaWorks (U.S. & International)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.76/5 | Reviews: 3,220
YogaWorks is a long-standing leader in yoga education, known for its alignment-focused methodology and rigorous curriculum. With thousands of graduates worldwide, its legacy and network make it one of the most recognized programs globally.
💡 Best for: Students who value legacy, consistency, and global recognition.
School Yoga Institute (Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, Portugal)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.68/5 | Reviews: 900+
School Yoga Institute stands out for integrating indigenous wisdom and ritual into its yoga teacher trainings. With ceremonies like cacao circles and fire rituals woven into the curriculum, the program offers a deeply spiritual and culturally rich immersion.
💡 Best for: Students drawn to spiritual, ritual-infused training experiences.
Nexus Institute Yoga & Wellness (Nosara, Costa Rica)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.89/5 | Reviews: 278 | NPS: 9.4/10
Nexus provides a therapeutic, alignment-based training in the peaceful setting of Nosara. With smaller groups, personalized mentorship, and an emphasis on inclusivity, it offers one of the most intimate immersive experiences in Costa Rica.
💡 Best for: Yogis who want individualized guidance in a boutique retreat setting.
All Yoga Bali
⭐ YA Rating: 4.72/5 | Reviews: 358
All Yoga Training is one of Bali’s longest-running Yoga Alliance–certified schools (since 2009),
with 2,300+ graduates worldwide. Set on Nusa Lembongan—just a 30-minute boat from
mainland Bali—the program trains in an exclusive beachfront shala, where students roll out
mats for 6:30 am sunrise practice before breakfast. The 23-day, 200-hour immersion blends
Ashtanga Vinyasa discipline with the creative freedom of Rocket Yoga, plus daily meditation,
pranayama, philosophy, anatomy, and extensive practice-teaching so graduates leave confident
and classroom-ready.
Cohorts average ~22 students, ensuring personal mentorship and frequent feedback. An
international faculty leads the course, with guest educators (e.g., Dr. Ganesh Rao, Mumbai)
contributing depth in philosophy and applied anatomy. The vibe is immersive, challenging, and
supportive—ideal for students who want Bali’s retreat energy without sacrificing rigor.
Certification: Yoga Alliance 200-Hour (RYS-200). Styles: Ashtanga Vinyasa, Rocket Yoga.
Location: Nusa Lembongan, Bali.
💡 Best for: Driven learners who want a sunrise-by-the-sea immersion with strong
Ashtanga/Rocket foundations, small-group mentorship, and lots of practice-teaching.
Sacred Paths Yoga School (Costa Rica, Guatemala)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.75/5 | Reviews: 316 | NPS: 8.4/10
Sacred Paths is known for its blend of yoga with indigenous traditions, community sharing, and spiritual ceremony. Its programs balance asana and philosophy with deep cultural and personal exploration.
💡 Best for: Yogis seeking transformative, spiritually rooted immersion.
East+West Yoga (Bali, Costa Rica, Thailand)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.66/5 | Reviews: 344 | NPS: 7.9/10
East+West unites Indian master teachers with Western educators, offering destination-based YTTs in luxury settings. The trainings emphasize both personal transformation and professional teaching readiness.
💡 Best for: Students seeking a cross-cultural, globally connected training.
Ananda School of Yoga & Meditation (California, USA)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.90/5 | Reviews: 181
Ananda offers devotional, spiritually centered trainings inspired by Paramhansa Yogananda. The program integrates asana, meditation, and pranayama with a strong emphasis on energy and devotion.
💡 Best for: Students wanting a heart-centered, spiritually focused training.
Mount Madonna Center (California, USA)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.90/5 | Reviews: 194
Mount Madonna is a traditional yoga ashram with a curriculum steeped in philosophy, pranayama, and Sanskrit study. Students live in community while training, experiencing yoga as a way of life.
💡 Best for: Students seeking authentic ashram-style education in the U.S.
Blue Osa Yoga Retreat & Spa (Costa Rica)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.77/5 | Reviews: 165
Blue Osa combines jungle and ocean living with a spiritually focused training. Its programs highlight eco-living, meditation, and self-inquiry in a retreat-style environment.
💡 Best for: Yogis looking for a transformational immersion in nature.
World Peace Yoga School (Rishikesh, India)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.44/5 | Reviews: 581 | NPS: 6.1/10
Located in Rishikesh, World Peace Yoga School offers traditional Hatha and Ashtanga trainings in an ashram environment. With added studies in mantra and Ayurveda, it’s a full immersion into Indian yoga culture.
💡 Best for: Students wanting a traditional Indian yoga teacher training.
Marianne Wells Yoga School (Costa Rica)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.44/5 | Reviews: 542
Marianne Wells offers Costa Rica-based trainings grounded in functional alignment and accessibility. Her decades of experience and supportive teaching style create a personalized training environment.
💡 Best for: Students who value experienced instruction in a smaller-group setting.
💻 Top Online Yoga Teacher Training Schools (2025)
Soma Yoga Institute (Online + Global)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.89/5 | Reviews: 587 | NPS: 9.5/10
Soma Yoga Institute brings its therapeutic, alignment-based approach online with the same level of excellence as its immersions. Programs combine interactive modules, personalized mentorship, and inclusivity designed for all bodies and levels. Students can train fully online while still benefiting from Soma’s emphasis on biomechanics, safety, and community.
💡 Best for: Yogis seeking a safe, inclusive, and therapeutic online training with global recognition.
Yoga Farm Ithaca (Online, U.S.)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.85/5 | Reviews: 1108
Yoga Farm Ithaca is a nonprofit school offering online trainings with a strong emphasis on community and connection. Programs include live online classrooms, mentorship, and mindfulness-based curricula.
💡 Best for: Students who value community support and live, interactive learning online.
Uplifted by Brett Larkin (Online)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.84/5 | Reviews: 200+
One of the first fully online trainings, Uplifted combines live cohorts, business training, and trauma-informed modules. It blends accessibility with professional preparation.
💡 Best for: Students wanting live support, community, and business-building guidance.Siddhi Yoga International (India-Based Online)
Siddhi Yoga International (India-Based Online)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.81/5 | Reviews: 602 | NPS: 8.9/10
Siddhi Yoga is one of the highest-rated online schools, offering multi-style trainings rooted in authentic Indian philosophy. Programs are affordable, flexible, and include live support with teachers based in India.
💡 Best for: Students seeking authentic Indian teachings in an accessible online format.
YogaRenew (Online)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.79/5 | Reviews: 5,346 | NPS: 8.8/10
YogaRenew has become one of the most popular online YTTs worldwide, with thousands of graduates. Its self-paced 200-, 300-, and 500-hour certifications come with lifetime access, frequent updates, and optional live support.
💡 Best for: Students looking for affordability, flexibility, and lifetime access to materials.
My Vinyasa Practice (Online)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.77/5 | Reviews: 4,527 | NPS: 8.6/10
My Vinyasa Practice is a leader in Vinyasa-focused online training. With affordable tuition, lifetime access, and job placement support, MVP blends strong sequencing, philosophy, and inclusivity into a self-paced model.
💡 Best for: Yogis wanting a structured, Vinyasa-based online yoga teacher training.
YogaWorks (Online)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.76/5 | Reviews: 3,220
YogaWorks extends its long-standing legacy into the online world, offering structured, alignment-focused certifications with the credibility of one of the most recognized names in yoga education.
💡 Best for: Students who want the credibility of a legacy yoga school in an online format.
Akasha Yoga Academy (Online, Bali-Based)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.72/5 | Reviews: 378
Akasha focuses on breath-based Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, combining video modules with daily live Zoom sessions. Known for its depth in philosophy and mindfulness practices.
💡 Best for: Yogis seeking a breath-centered and meditative online training.
Drishti Beats (Online)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.75/5 | Reviews: 100+
Drishti Beats offers a creative, music-infused online YTT. The program combines Vinyasa yoga with storytelling, anatomy, and meditation for a unique and modern approach.
💡 Best for: Students wanting a fresh, creative take on online yoga teacher training.
Full Circle Yoga School (Online)
⭐ YA Rating: 4.70/5 | Reviews: 80+
Full Circle emphasizes holistic learning, combining yoga practice with energy work, meditation, and healing traditions. Its online programs are smaller and more spiritually focused.
💡 Best for: Students seeking a holistic and spiritual online education.
🧘 Yoga Teacher Training FAQs
Absolutely. Yoga teacher training is open to all ages, from young adults to seniors. Look for programs known for teaching safe, biomechanically sound practices that support longevity in yoga for every life stage.
Yes. The best yoga teacher trainings for beginners emphasize alignment, safety, and inclusivity. Schools like Soma Yoga Institute are known for their therapeutic, all-bodies approach, making the program accessible even for students with injuries or limited experience. Other beginner-friendly options include Kripalu and Yoga Garden SF.
Yes, but it depends on the trimester and your doctor’s approval. Some schools can modify practices, though an immersion format may be physically demanding. Always consult your healthcare provider first.
Yes — it is often described as life-changing. Yoga teacher training deepens your practice, builds resilience, and provides tools to navigate a complex world with clarity. At Soma Yoga Institute, about half of students attend primarily to expand their personal practice, while others come with the goal of teaching — and both paths are equally supported.
Most 200-hour immersions run for 2–4 weeks, with shorter courses sometimes including a home-study component. Part-time and online formats may last 2–6 months. Soma Yoga Institute offers both immersive retreats and interactive online options, giving students flexibility to choose their pace.
It’s an intensive but rewarding journey. Students study asana, philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methods. Supportive schools like Soma Yoga Institute focus on mentorship and therapeutic alignment, making the process transformative rather than overwhelming.
It’s rare. Most programs provide mentorship and ongoing support to help you succeed. At Soma Yoga Institute, small group settings and faculty guidance ensure students are prepared and confident to graduate.
A 200-hour yoga teacher training is the foundational course for those who want to deepen their personal practice and/or become certified to teach. It includes asana, anatomy, philosophy, pranayama, meditation, and teaching methodology. When completed through a registered Yoga Alliance school, graduates are eligible to register as RYT 200.
Immersions typically cost $3,000–$6,000 including tuition, meals, and lodging. Online trainings range from $500–$2,500. Soma Yoga Institute offers scholarships and payment plans, making their highly rated therapeutic programs more accessible worldwide. View Soma Scholarships »
Costs reflect retreat venues, faculty expertise, food, lodging, and student support. Programs like Soma Yoga Institute keep value high with C-IAYT Yoga Therapists as faculty, robust graduate reviews, and scholarships that make training more affordable. Learn More »
The best yoga teacher training program depends on your goals. Based on Yoga Alliance reviews, Soma Yoga Institute leads globally (4.89/5, NPS 9.5/10), offering therapeutic immersions in Costa Rica, Greece, and California, plus online formats. Kripalu, Yandara, and YogaWorks are also highly rated.
The best yoga teacher training program depends on your goals. Based on Yoga Alliance reviews, Soma Yoga Institute leads globally (4.89/5, NPS 9.5/10), offering therapeutic immersions in Costa Rica, Greece, and California, plus online formats. Kripalu, Yandara, and YogaWorks are also highly rated.
Highly reviewed online schools include Soma Yoga Institute, Siddhi Yoga, YogaRenew, and My Vinyasa Practice. Soma stands out for blending live mentorship with a therapeutic, all-bodies approach, making it both flexible and transformative.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Soma Yoga Institute leads as one of the highest-rated and best yoga teacher training schools on Yoga Alliance (4.89/5, NPS 9.5/10), with therapeutic and alignment-based trainings designed for all bodies — offered both in immersive retreats and online.
- Kripalu and Yandara are top choices for immersive, retreat-style training with community and holistic growth.
- YogaWorks stands out for its legacy, scale, and global alumni network.
- School Yoga Institute, East+West, Lakshmi Rising, and Sacred Paths integrate spirituality, ritual, and cultural traditions.
- Mount Madonna and Ananda preserve authentic ashram traditions in California, while Blue Osa, World Peace, and Marianne Wells add diverse retreat options.
- For online training, top picks include Soma Yoga Institute, Siddhi Yoga, YogaRenew, My Vinyasa Practice, and YogaWorks.
👉 The best yoga teacher training for you depends on your goals — whether that’s spiritual immersion, therapeutic focus, flexibility, or academic rigor.
