Can you teach English in Indonesia without a degree (Including Bali)?

Indonesia is a dream destination for many people looking to teach English abroad—especially Bali. With its tropical climate, rich culture, friendly locals, and low cost of living, it’s easy to see why so many would-be teachers picture themselves living and working here.

But if you’ve been searching for answers about teaching in Indonesia without a degree, you’ve probably come across some mixed information.

Let’s clear things up:

✅ Yes, there’s a growing demand for English teachers in Indonesia.
🚫 But no, it’s not legal to teach full-time without a bachelor’s degree—and that applies across the entire country, including Bali.

Still, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What the legal requirements are for teaching in Indonesia
• What to know if you’re specifically hoping to teach in Bali
• The risks of working under the table
• And a few legal, beginner-friendly alternatives you can pursue instead

Whether you’re just exploring the idea or already planning a move, here’s what you need to know about teaching in Indonesia or Bali without a degree.

Can You Legally Teach English in Indonesia Without a Degree?

Let’s get right to it:
Indonesia requires a bachelor’s degree to legally work as an English teacher.

This isn’t just a preference from schools—it’s a visa requirement. To teach legally, you need a work visa (known as a KITAS), and one of the non-negotiable conditions for that visa is holding a university degree.

Here’s what’s typically required to get a legal English teaching job in Indonesia:

• A bachelor’s degree (in any subject)
• A TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification
• A clean criminal background check
• A sponsoring employer (school or language center)
• Often, teaching experience (though not always required)

This applies whether you want to work in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, or anywhere else in the country. There are no regional exceptions—so if you don’t have a degree, you won’t qualify for a teaching visa.

Can You Teach English in Bali Without a Degree?

Bali is by far the most searched and talked-about place in Indonesia when it comes to teaching English. And we get it—Bali feels like its own world. With beautiful beaches, yoga retreats, and a thriving digital nomad scene, many people think of it as a separate experience from the rest of Indonesia.

But here’s the key thing to understand:

👉 Bali follows the same visa and work laws as the rest of Indonesia.
So if you don’t have a degree, you can’t legally work as an English teacher in Bali, either.

So why do people say otherwise?

You might see posts online or hear stories of people “teaching in Bali without a degree.” That’s usually because:

• They’re working under the table, often without a visa or proper documents
• They’re doing private tutoring informally while staying on a tourist visa
• They’re working as volunteers or offering classes in exchange for accommodation
• They’re teaching online from Bali, but not working for a local school

While it’s true that people sometimes find unofficial work this way, it’s important to know that it’s not legal, and the risks include:

• Deportation
• Fines
• Getting blacklisted from reentering the country

⚠️ Immigration enforcement in Bali has become more strict in recent years, especially with digital nomads and foreign workers operating without proper permits.

That doesn’t mean you can’t experience life in Bali—just that teaching full-time in a school without a degree isn’t a legal path.

But there are other ways to get started abroad without breaking the rules.

Legal Alternatives to Teaching in Indonesia or Bali Without a Degree

Even though you can’t legally teach in Indonesian schools without a degree, that doesn’t mean your journey has to end. There are legal, realistic alternatives that still let you teach, travel, and gain experience abroad.

Here are a few of the most popular options:

1. Teach English Online (From Anywhere)

If you're dreaming of life in Bali but don’t meet the visa requirements to work locally, you can still live there on a tourist or business visa and teach English online.

• No degree needed for some platforms (especially for freelance tutoring)
• Work remotely and set your own schedule
• Live in Bali as a digital nomad (just don’t work for a local company)
• Be aware of tourist visa limits—this isn’t a loophole for full-time employment

It’s a great way to support yourself while enjoying the lifestyle Bali offers.

2. Volunteer Legally

Some NGOs and education programs accept volunteers without degrees.

• Teach in local schools, community centers, or rural villages
• Often includes accommodation and meals
• You’ll usually be on a tourist visa, and the positions are short-term
• Make sure the organization is reputable and transparent about the legal setup

This is a meaningful way to get experience and give back—just know that it’s not a paid job.

3. Teach in Other Countries That Don’t Require a Degree

If you’re serious about starting a TEFL career, your best bet may be to start in a country where you can teach legally without a degree—then build experience and come back to Indonesia later.

Top options include:

• Cambodia – No degree required; strong demand and legal work permits
• Thailand – Some flexibility depending on school type and visa
• Taiwan – An Associate’s degree + TEFL is sometimes enough for private institutes

Many teachers use these destinations to gain experience, save money, and get their foot in the door.

3. Teach in Other Countries That Don’t Require a Degree

If your long-term goal is to teach English in Indonesia or Bali, but you don’t have a degree yet, the smartest move might be to start where you're already eligible. Several nearby countries offer legal, beginner-friendly teaching opportunities that don't require a bachelor's degree.

Here are three of the most popular and realistic alternatives:

🇰🇭 Cambodia: No Degree Needed, Plenty of Demand

Cambodia is one of the most accessible countries in Asia for non-degree holders. You don’t need a degree to get a legal job or work visa—just a TEFL certificate and fluent English skills.

• Legal to teach with just a TEFL
• High demand in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
• Low cost of living and laid-back lifestyle
• Easy visa and work permit process
• Great place to build your first year of experience

More info: Teach English in Cambodia Without a Degree

🇹🇭 Thailand: Some Flexibility for the Right Situation

Thailand officially requires a degree to get a teaching visa—but there’s some wiggle room. Certain private language centers, rural schools, or volunteer programs may be open to hiring non-degree holders.

• You may be able to work on an education or volunteer visa
• Opportunities often exist under the radar, but risks vary
• Best for those already in the country or willing to go and apply in person
• Having a TEFL is essential, and some prior experience helps

More info: Teaching in Thailand Without a Degree

🇹🇼 Taiwan: Associate’s Degree = A Viable Path

Taiwan has stricter rules than Cambodia, but there’s a unique path: you can legally teach with an Associate’s degree plus a TEFL certificate.

• Work permits possible for certain private language schools
• Higher salaries and great healthcare
• Very structured, professional teaching environment
• Helpful expat community and lots of support for teachers

If you have a two-year degree, this is a fantastic stepping stone.

More info: Teach English in Taiwan Without a Degree

Getting TEFL Certified and Building Experience Without a Degree

If you don’t have a university degree, one of the best ways to boost your chances of getting hired abroad is by earning a TEFL certification.

Most schools that accept non-degree holders still expect some form of teaching preparation—and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is the most widely recognized option.

What to Look for in a TEFL Course

Not all TEFL courses are created equal. If you want your certification to actually help you get hired, here’s what to prioritize:

• ✅ 120 hours minimum – This is the standard requirement for most schools
• ✅ Internationally recognized – Make sure it’s accredited and widely accepted
• ✅ Includes practical training – Even better if it offers observed teaching practice
• ✅ Online or in-person options – Choose what fits your schedule and learning style

You don’t need a degree to enroll in TEFL, and you can complete it in just a few weeks.

Tip: If you’re aiming for Cambodia, Thailand, or Taiwan, some TEFL providers even include job placement support in those countries.

Ways to Build Experience Before You Go

If you’re new to teaching, here are a few ways to start gaining experience—even from home:

• Volunteer with ESL programs in your local area
• Tutor English online, either through platforms or independently
• Join conversation exchange groups to practice working with learners
• Offer free lessons to build confidence and gather student testimonials

This kind of experience not only strengthens your resume—it shows schools you’re committed and proactive.

Conclusion: Can You Teach English in Indonesia or Bali Without a Degree?

While Indonesia—Bali included—may be high on your wishlist, the truth is clear: you need a bachelor’s degree to legally teach English there. That applies whether you're eyeing a classroom in Jakarta or dreaming of a life near the beaches of Ubud.

But this isn’t the end of the road—it’s just the beginning of a different route.

If you’re serious about teaching abroad without a degree, there are real, legal options:

• Cambodia offers straightforward visas and legal work without a degree
• Thailand has some flexible programs and volunteer opportunities
• Taiwan allows teaching with an Associate’s degree plus TEFL
• Online teaching lets you work from anywhere—even Bali—on your own terms

By getting TEFL certified, building a little experience, and exploring countries where you can start legally, you’ll open the door to a global teaching career—and maybe even qualify for Indonesia later on.

Final Thought

The path might not be as direct, but it’s absolutely doable. With a smart plan, a good TEFL course, and a little courage, you can live and teach abroad—even without a degree.

And who knows? Bali might still be in your future.