EPIK Program Requirements: Degree, TEFL, and Eligibility

One of the best things about the EPIK Program is that you don’t need to be a licensed teacher or have years of experience to qualify. As long as you meet a few core requirements — and you’re excited to live, work, and explore in South Korea — you might be a perfect fit.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a certified ESL instructor, or simply someone dreaming of teaching abroad, this guide will walk you through the exact qualifications you need for EPIK, including:

• 🎓 What kind of degree you need
• ✅ Who’s eligible based on nationality
• 📜 What kind of TEFL/TESOL certificate is accepted
• 📄 Which documents to prepare for the application

Let’s break it all down — and help you get one step closer to living and teaching in Korea.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the EPIK Program, you’ll need to meet a set of minimum eligibility requirements set by South Korea’s Ministry of Education. While EPIK is open to a wide range of applicants, there are a few non-negotiables you’ll need to check off first.

Here’s what’s required:

🌍 Citizenship

You must be a citizen of one of the following seven countries where English is the primary language:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa

📌 You must have completed your education (primary through university) in one of these countries.

🎓 Bachelor's Degree (or Higher)

You must hold at least a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) from an accredited university.

• A degree in education, English, or TESOL is a bonus — but not required
• If you’re currently finishing your degree, you can still apply — just submit proof of pending graduation

📜 TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certificate

If your degree is not in education or you don’t hold a teaching license, you’ll need a TEFL/TESOL certificate (minimum 100 hours). More on that in the next section.

🕵️‍♂️ Clean Criminal Background Check

EPIK requires a national-level criminal background check, issued within 6 months of your application date.

• Must be apostilled (or notarized/legalized if you're from Canada)
• Any convictions (even minor) may affect your eligibility

❤️ Health & Character

You’ll need to complete a self-assessed health statement as part of your application. A formal health check will be required upon arrival in Korea.

• EPIK looks for applicants in good physical and mental health
• Being honest on your forms is important — especially regarding medications or conditions

If you meet these baseline requirements, you’re off to a great start. Next, let’s look at what kind of TEFL/TESOL certificate you’ll need.

TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certificate Guidelines

Unless you have a degree in education or a valid teaching license, you’ll need to complete a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate to qualify for EPIK. This is one of the most common paths into the program — and it’s totally doable, even for first-time teachers.

✅ Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 100 hours
• EPIK recommends 120+ hours (which also helps your salary tier)
• Can be completed online or in-person
• If possible, include a practicum or teaching component (at least 20 hours) — especially helpful for more competitive placements

💡 Accepted Course Types

• Fully online TEFL courses (from reputable providers)
• Hybrid programs with in-person or virtual practicum
• CELTA courses (more intensive, classroom-based certification)
• University-affiliated TEFL programs

⚠️ What to Avoid

• Super cheap "instant" TEFLs under 100 hours
• Courses without feedback, assessments, or recognized accreditation
• Unclear or unverified providers

🏷️ Where to Get a TEFL Certificate for EPIK

There are plenty of online and in-person TEFL/TESOL courses that meet EPIK’s requirements — but not all programs are created equal. It's important to choose a course with at least 100–120 hours, proper accreditation, and ideally a teaching practicum component.

🔗 Not sure where to start?
Explore our full guides:
👉 Best Online TEFL/TESOL Courses for EPIK
👉 TEFL/TESOL Courses in South Korea

These guides break down your options based on budget, format (self-paced or live), certification hours, and whether you want to complete your training before or after arriving in Korea.

📌 Pro tip: If you're still working on your certificate, you can apply to EPIK early and submit your TEFL later — as long as it's completed before the final document deadline.

A good TEFL certificate not only helps you qualify — it also gives you the tools and confidence you’ll need once you’re in the classroom.

Next up: let’s look at other preferred qualifications that can strengthen your application.

Preferred Qualifications (Optional but Helpful)

While EPIK’s basic requirements are all you technically need to apply, having a few extra qualifications can help you stand out — especially for more competitive placements in cities or desirable regions like Seoul, Busan, or Jeju.

Here are a few things that can improve your chances or raise your starting salary level:

🧑‍🏫 Teaching License or Education Degree

• A state-issued teaching license (any subject) or a degree in education can qualify you for higher salary levels
• These applicants are also more likely to be placed in high school positions or receive urban placements

🧪 Classroom or Teaching Experience

• Experience as a teacher, tutor, camp counselor, or language assistant is always a plus
• Even informal teaching (volunteering, ESL clubs, mentoring) helps show your readiness for the classroom

🈶 Korean Language Ability

• Knowing Korean is not required — but it can help you:

  • Communicate with co-teachers and staff
  • Adjust to daily life faster
  • Stand out during your interview

• Official language test scores (like TOPIK) aren’t needed, but can be submitted if you have them

🎓 Master’s Degree or Higher

• A graduate degree isn’t required, but can move you up a salary tier
• It also shows maturity and dedication — which many schools value in rural placements

🌎 Cross-Cultural Experience

• Have you lived abroad before? Traveled solo? Volunteered internationally?
• These experiences demonstrate adaptability — a key trait for EPIK teachers

💡 You don’t need everything on this list — but if you have even one or two of these extras, it’s worth highlighting them in your application.

Document Requirements (Overview)

Getting into EPIK isn’t just about qualifications — it’s also about paperwork. The application process is document-heavy, so it’s smart to start preparing early. Some documents take weeks or even months to process.

Here’s what you’ll need to submit throughout the application and placement process:

📝 Required Documents

• Bachelor’s diploma (original + apostille)
• Official university transcripts (sealed in envelopes)
• TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate (photocopy; must show hours & accreditation)
• Passport scan (valid for at least 12 months beyond your contract start date)
• Two letters of recommendation (from professors, employers, or mentors)
• National-level criminal background check
  • Must be apostilled or legalized
  • Valid within 6 months of submission
• Personal essay and sample lesson plan
  • Submitted during initial application
• Health statement (self-check form; full medical check may be required later)

🔄 Optional Documents (If Applicable)

• Teaching license or certification
• Education or English-related degree
• Master’s degree
• TOPIK (Korean language proficiency) results
• Proof of teaching/tutoring experience (resume, letters)

📌 Need help timing these documents or knowing when to submit what?
Check out the full application guide here:
👉 EPIK Application Guide: Timeline & Documents (2025)

Can You Still Apply If…? (Common Questions)

Not sure if your situation qualifies? You’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from EPIK applicants — especially first-timers.

🎓 I'm still finishing my degree. Can I apply?

Yes — as long as your degree will be complete before final documents are due.
You can apply early with proof of pending graduation and submit your diploma later.

📜 I don’t have a TEFL certificate yet. Can I still apply?

Yes — but you must finish it before final placement.
Many applicants apply first and complete their TEFL during the process. Just don’t wait too long.

💼 My degree isn’t in education or English. Am I still eligible?

Yes — your major doesn't matter.
As long as you meet the citizenship, degree, and TEFL requirements, you’re good to go.

👴 I'm older than 35. Is that a problem?

Not at all.
There’s no official age limit. EPIK accepts applicants of all ages — many teachers are in their 30s, 40s, or even older.

🌎 I’ve never taught before or lived abroad. Can I still do this?

Absolutely.
EPIK is designed for first-time teachers and cultural explorers. If you're open-minded and ready to learn, you’ll thrive.

💡 Bottom line: EPIK is more flexible than many people expect — so if you meet the core requirements, don’t let small doubts hold you back.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

The EPIK Program is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to teach English abroad — and the qualifications are more attainable than you might think.

If you have a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certificate, and the motivation to live and work in South Korea, you’re already well on your way. Even if you're still finishing your TEFL or degree, it's worth starting the process early so you're ready when applications open.

📌 What to Do Next:

• ✅ Make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements
• 🎓 Research or enroll in a TEFL course if needed
• 📁 Start gathering documents — especially your criminal background check
• 💬 Learn more about the process in our full application guide

🌏 If you're ready to teach, travel, and experience life in South Korea — the EPIK Program could be your ticket to something amazing.