What are the requirements to teach English in Asia?

Teaching English in Asia is one of the most popular and rewarding ways to live, work, and explore another part of the world. With incredible cultural diversity, great food, and an abundance of job opportunities, it’s easy to see why so many people set their sights on Asia. But what does it actually take to get hired?

In this guide, we’ll break down the common requirements to teach English in Asia—including degrees, certifications, experience, and more—so you can confidently plan your adventure.

✍️ Basic Requirements You’ll Likely Need

While each country is different, here are the core qualifications that most schools and governments in Asia look for when hiring foreign English teachers.

✅ A Bachelor’s Degree (In Most Countries)

In many parts of Asia, a bachelor’s degree is required to obtain a work visa. This is true even if the degree isn’t in English or education. Common destinations like Japan, South Korea, China, and Vietnam have firm degree requirements for visa purposes.

• Degree in any subject is usually fine
• Exceptions: Countries like Cambodia and some schools in Taiwan may allow teachers with an associates degree

If you don’t have a degree, your best bet is Southeast Asia—more on that later.

📜 A TEFL / TESOL Certification

A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL certificate is either strongly preferred or outright required in nearly every Asian country. It shows that you’ve been trained to teach English and understand how to manage a classroom.

• Most employers look for a 120-hour course
• In-person or online courses are accepted, as long as they’re reputable
• Hands-on practicum is a plus, but not always necessary

Even if it’s not legally required, having a TEFL certificate makes you much more competitive, especially if you don’t have teaching experience.

🛂 Work Visa Eligibility

To work legally as an English teacher in Asia, you’ll need a proper work visa—and the requirements vary significantly by country. Most schools will sponsor your visa, but you’re still responsible for providing the right documents and meeting the eligibility criteria.

Here’s a quick overview of what’s required in some of Asia’s top teaching destinations:

• 🇰🇷 South Korea: Requires the E-2 visa, which is only available to citizens from seven native English-speaking countries (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa). You’ll also need a bachelor’s degree, an national background check, a TEFL certification (for public school jobs), and a medical exam after arrival.

• 🇯🇵 Japan: Requires a university degree and sponsorship from a school for a teaching-related work visa. A TEFL certificate is not mandatory but helps, especially for private language schools. A clean background check is typically required, and you'll need to secure a job before applying.

• 🇨🇳 China: Requires a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certificate (or two years of documented teaching experience), a clean, authenticated background check, and often a medical exam. Requirements can vary slightly depending on the province.

• 🇹🇼 Taiwan: Requires at least an associate’s degree (though a bachelor’s is preferred), and a TEFL certificate if you don’t have teaching experience. You must have a job offer in hand before applying for the work permit.

• 🇻🇳 Vietnam: Requires a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification for most legal teaching jobs. A criminal background check and medical check are often part of the visa process.

• 🇹🇭 Thailand: Generally requires a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate to qualify for a Non-B Visa and work permit. However, some rural schools and volunteer programs may offer flexibility for those without a degree. A criminal background check and medical exam are also part of the process.

Most employers in Asia will assist with the visa process, but you’ll still need to prepare authenticated documents, such as your diploma and background check, and meet the health and legal requirements specific to each country. Starting this process early will save you time—and headaches—later on.

🌍 Country-Specific Requirements Across Asia

Asia is incredibly diverse, and so are the requirements to teach English across its different countries. Let’s break down what you’ll typically need by region and destination.

🇯🇵 Japan

Japan is one of the most structured countries when it comes to hiring foreign teachers.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required for the work visa.
• TEFL Certification: Not legally required, but highly recommended—especially for private language schools.
• Experience: Not mandatory, but the JET Program is competitive, so experience helps.
• Visa Restrictions: Open to native English speakers with a degree. Non-native speakers face more hurdles but can sometimes get hired privately with strong qualifications.

🇰🇷 South Korea

South Korea is known for generous benefits and structured government programs like EPIK.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required for the E-2 visa.
• TEFL Certification: Mandatory for public school jobs, and often preferred at hagwons (private academies).
• Citizenship Requirement: You must hold a passport from a designated native English-speaking country (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa).
• Background Check: Apostilled national criminal background check is required.

🇨🇳 China

China has a massive demand for English teachers and a wide range of job options—from kindergartens to universities.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required for a Z visa (work visa).
• TEFL Certification: Required unless you have two years of prior teaching experience.
• Background Check: Mandatory and must be authenticated.
• Age Limit: Typically 18–60, though some provinces are stricter.

Non-native speakers are often hired, especially in smaller cities or for subject-specific roles. To teach English, teachers need to be from a native English speaking country.

🇹🇼 Taiwan

Taiwan offers a strong job market, decent pay, and a high quality of life.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required for most jobs (Associates degree accepted in some cases).
• TEFL Certification: Required if you don’t have teaching experience.
• Non-Native Speakers: Must show high English fluency and usually need a degree in English or related field.
• Visa Rules: Teachers need to secure a job offer before applying for a work permit.

Taiwan is more flexible than South Korea or Japan and is especially welcoming to teachers with associate’s degrees + TEFL.

🇹🇭 Thailand

Thailand is a top destination for lifestyle and cultural immersion.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Usually required, though some rural schools and programs may be flexible.
• TEFL Certification: Required for most work permits.
• Work Visa: Non-B visa + work permit needed (usually arranged by the employer).
• Non-Native Speakers: Widely accepted if you’re fluent and hold a TEFL certificate.

Thailand is a great choice for newer teachers or those without traditional qualifications.

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the most accessible and fast-growing TEFL markets in Asia.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Usually required, though some private centers may be flexible.
• TEFL Certification: Required for most teaching jobs and work permits.
• Experience: Not required.
• Non-Native Speakers: Commonly hired with strong English skills and a TEFL.

Vietnam offers strong earning potential and a low cost of living—great for both newbies and seasoned teachers.

🌏 Special Considerations — Non-Native Speakers, Age, and Alternative Pathways

Not every aspiring teacher fits the traditional mold of a native English-speaking graduate with teaching experience. Luckily, Asia offers options for a wide range of backgrounds—if you know where to look. Let’s break down some common questions about eligibility and flexibility across the region.

🌍 Can Non-Native English Speakers Teach in Asia?

Yes—but it depends on the country. While some nations restrict teaching visas to passport holders from native English-speaking countries, others are more open.

Most Welcoming Countries for Non-Native Speakers:

• Vietnam – Very open, especially in private language centers. A TEFL certificate and strong spoken English are key.
• Cambodia – One of the easiest countries to enter without restrictions based on nationality.
• Thailand – Many schools hire non-native speakers with fluent English and a TEFL certification.

More Challenging Countries:

• South Korea – Restricted to passport holders from 7 designated native-speaking countries for E-2 teaching visas.
• China – Some schools (especially outside big cities) hire non-native speakers as subject teachers, but english teachers are required to be from the 7 native-speaking countries.
• Japan – Government programs like JET require native status, but some private schools will consider qualified non-native speakers.
• Taiwan – Possible, especially if you have an English-related degree and a high level of fluency, but more competitive.

💡 Pro Tip: Boost your profile by scoring high on English proficiency exams (like IELTS or TOEFL) and choosing a TEFL course that includes teaching practice.

👵 Is There an Age Limit to Teach in Asia?

Yes—most countries in Asia have general age guidelines for work visas, though exceptions exist.

Typical Age Ranges:

• China – 22 to 60 (mandatory retirement age applies)
• South Korea – 21 to 62, but younger teachers are preferred
• Japan – No official upper limit, but hiring tends to favor younger candidates
• Vietnam & Thailand – More flexible; teachers in their 50s and 60s can find jobs, especially in rural areas
• Cambodia – Very flexible with age, ideal for older teachers

Older teachers often bring life experience and professionalism that schools value, especially in higher education or adult learning programs. Be sure to highlight your maturity and adaptability in your application.

🎓 Can You Teach in Asia Without a Degree?

Yes—in a few countries.

Countries That May Not Require a Bachelor’s Degree:

• Cambodia – Widely known for accepting teachers without a degree if they have a TEFL certification.
• Myanmar – Offers opportunities for teachers without a degree, particularly in private language centers.
• Thailand – While a degree is typically required, some programs can hire teachers without degrees.
• Taiwan – Some schools in Taiwan can hire teachers if they have an Associates degree and TEFL certificate.
• Some parts of Laos – Rare exceptions, more likely in rural areas or volunteer roles.

That said, most countries (like South Korea, China, Japan, and Vietnam) require a degree for visa purposes. If you don’t have one, your best bet is to focus on Southeast Asia, consider volunteer teaching, or teach online while gaining experience.

👶 Can You Teach in Asia with No Experience?

Absolutely. Asia is one of the best regions for new teachers.

• Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Cambodia often hire first-time teachers.
• Programs like EPIK (Korea) and JET (Japan) offer training and support for newcomers.
• A strong TEFL certificate with teaching practice can help offset a lack of experience.

💡 Tip: Consider starting with an internship or volunteer position if you’re nervous about jumping straight into a full-time classroom.

📄 Documents, Visas, and How to Land the Right Job

Once you’ve figured out where you want to teach and whether you meet the requirements, the next step is preparing your documents, applying for jobs, and understanding the visa process. Here's how to make your application stand out and navigate the legal side of teaching English in Asia.

🧾 What Documents Do You Need to Teach English in Asia?

While exact requirements vary by country and employer, these are the core documents most schools and immigration offices ask for:

• Passport – Valid for at least 6–12 months beyond your planned stay.
• Bachelor’s Degree – Original diploma and transcripts (unless you’re applying in a country like Cambodia where it’s not required).
• TEFL/TESOL Certificate – Especially important in countries where it’s mandatory for a visa or employment.
• Criminal Background Check – Often from your home country; may need to be apostilled or notarized.
• Resume/CV – Tailored to highlight teaching, tutoring, leadership, or education-related experience.
• Professional Photo – A passport-style photo is standard in many Asian job applications.
• Health Check Report – Required in some countries for the work visa process (e.g., China, South Korea, Vietnam).

💡 Pro Tip: Scan all documents and keep digital copies ready to send—many schools will ask for PDFs during the application process.

🛂 How Does the Visa Process Work?

Each country has its own type of work visa or teaching visa, often tied directly to your employer. Here's a general overview:

Typical Steps:

1. Receive a Job Offer – Most schools will issue you an official job offer and contract.
2. Submit Required Documents – You’ll often send degree, TEFL, background check, and passport scans.
3. Get Visa Approval Letter – Your school submits paperwork to their government and sends you an invitation letter or visa authorization.
4. Apply at a Local Embassy – You’ll take the invitation letter and documents to your nearest embassy or consulate to apply for your visa.
5. Enter the Country and Finalize – Some countries finalize your work permit and residency once you arrive.

🌟 How to Stand Out as a Candidate

Whether you’re applying from abroad or already in Asia, here are some ways to boost your chances:

• Customize Every Application – Mention the specific school, city, or program you’re applying for and why it appeals to you.
• Highlight Soft Skills – Schools love teachers who are enthusiastic, adaptable, culturally aware, and good with kids.
• Include a Short Video Introduction – Especially popular with schools in China, South Korea, and Vietnam. A 1–2 minute intro showing your energy and English fluency can make a huge difference.
• Follow Up – Don’t be afraid to politely follow up after submitting your application. It shows initiative.

🔎 Where to Find Teaching Jobs in Asia

• ✅ Teast – Regularly updated with new openings across Asia.
• ✅ Facebook groups like “ESL Jobs in Korea,” “Teaching in Vietnam,” or “Thailand Teaching Jobs.”
• ✅ Recruiters (especially for South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Thailand).
• ✅ Government programs like:
  • JET (Japan)
  • EPIK (South Korea)
  • TAPIF (France – for those open to Europe too!)

✈️ Final Thoughts

The process of teaching English in Asia may seem paperwork-heavy at first, but once you're in the classroom and experiencing life abroad, it's all worth it. Whether you're chasing savings, adventure, or purpose, there's a place in Asia that fits your teaching style and personal goals.

Do your research, get certified, stay flexible, and most importantly—enjoy the journey. Asia is calling.

👉 Ready to find your first job? Start here.