Can you teach English in Japan without a degree?

Japan is one of the most iconic destinations for teaching English abroad. With its deep cultural roots, futuristic cities, high-tech lifestyle, and deep respect for education, it’s no surprise that so many people dream of teaching here.

But there’s one big hurdle: Japan requires a bachelor’s degree to teach English legally.

That doesn’t mean the dream is over if you don’t have one—but it does mean you’ll need to consider your options carefully. Working without the proper qualifications can lead to serious consequences, and Japan is very strict when it comes to immigration and work visas.

Still, for those who are drawn to Japan—or who want to start a teaching career in Asia—there are other ways to gain experience, build your qualifications, and explore the region legally and safely.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Why Japan requires a degree for English teachers
• What happens if you try to teach without one
• Legal workarounds (like Japan’s working holiday visa)
• Alternative destinations that welcome non-degree holders
• And how to start building your qualifications for the future

If you're passionate about teaching and curious about life abroad, this guide will help you map out your next move—even if Japan isn’t your starting point just yet.

The Degree Requirement in Japan

If you're hoping to teach English in Japan, a bachelor’s degree is a must. It’s not just a preference from schools—it’s built into the country’s immigration and visa system.

To get a legal teaching job, you’ll need to apply for a visa that allows you to work in education, and that visa requires a degree. No exceptions.

Why Japan Requires a Degree

Japan takes education seriously. The government wants to make sure that anyone teaching English in schools, language centers, or other programs has gone through a full academic program themselves. A bachelor’s degree shows that you’ve completed a structured, multi-year course of study—and that’s something Japan sees as essential for classroom credibility.

This rule applies across the board, including:

• Public school programs like JET
• Private language schools (eikaiwas)
• Kindergartens and international schools

Even if you have years of teaching experience, or an advanced TEFL certificate, you still need a degree to qualify for the visa.

The Visa You Need: “Specialist in Humanities” or Instructor Visa

To teach English in Japan legally, you’ll usually apply for one of these:

• Instructor Visa – for public school teachers (e.g. JET Program, dispatch companies)
• Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa – for private language schools and some international schools

Both of these require:

• A bachelor’s degree (in any subject)
• A job offer from a school or program willing to sponsor your visa
• Supporting documents like transcripts, a resume, and a clean criminal record

⚠️ No degree = no visa = no legal job in Japan.

If you’re serious about teaching in Japan, the degree requirement isn’t something you can work around. But don’t worry—there are still other legal options to explore, which we’ll get into next.

Navigating the Legal Framework

In Japan, teaching English without the proper visa isn’t just a gray area—it’s illegal. And while some people in the past may have found ways to bend the rules, the country has tightened up significantly in recent years.

If you don’t meet the visa requirements, including having a bachelor’s degree, you can’t be hired legally as a teacher. Period.

What Happens If You Teach Illegally?

Some people are tempted to try working on a tourist visa or a working holiday visa in a full-time teaching role. Others accept under-the-table jobs tutoring or teaching privately. But here’s the reality:

If you’re caught working illegally in Japan, you could face:

• Immediate deportation
• Fines
• A ban on re-entry
• A permanent mark on your immigration record (which can affect future travel or work abroad)

And if you don’t have a legal work visa, you’re also not protected:

• No labor rights
• No healthcare coverage
• No legal recourse if an employer refuses to pay you

Employers Are Also Held Accountable

Japan takes these rules seriously—not just for foreign workers, but for the schools that hire them. If a school hires someone without the proper visa:

• They can be fined
• They might lose their license to hire foreigners
• They’ll face greater scrutiny from immigration moving forward

So while you might find a school willing to take the risk, chances are they won’t back you up if anything goes wrong.

Alternatives to Teaching in Japan Without a Degree

Japan might be strict about its requirements—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’re passionate about teaching and eager to live abroad, there are plenty of other places where you can get started legally—even without a degree.

Here are a few of the best alternatives:

Cambodia: A Legal Starting Point

Cambodia is one of the most welcoming countries for English teachers without a degree.

• No degree required for most teaching jobs
• TEFL certification and English fluency are usually enough
• Private schools, NGOs, and language centers are hiring year-round
• Work permits and visas are relatively easy to secure

It’s a great place to build experience, explore Southeast Asia, and teach without jumping through impossible hoops.

Thailand: Some Options, But Be Cautious

Thailand technically requires a degree for a full teaching visa—but in reality, some schools (especially in rural areas) may still hire non-degree holders.

Things to know:

• You might work on a tourist or education visa, but this is a legal gray area
• These jobs often don’t offer benefits or long-term security
• Private tutoring and online teaching are common side hustles for people living in Thailand

If you go this route, do your research and understand the visa risks before committing.

👉 Learn more: Teaching in Thailand Without a Degree

Taiwan: Open to Associate’s Degree Holders

Taiwan is one of the few places in East Asia where you might still qualify to teach without a full bachelor’s degree.

• If you have an Associate’s degree + a TEFL certificate, you may be eligible
• Most opportunities are in private language schools
• Taiwan offers good pay, strong infrastructure, and a great quality of life

It’s a solid alternative if you’re looking for something structured and stable in the region.

👉 Learn more: Teaching in Taiwan Without a Degree

Working Holiday Visa as an Opportunity

If you're under 30 (or 35, depending on your country), a working holiday visa can be a great way to experience Japan without jumping straight into a full-time teaching role.

While it doesn’t allow for formal teaching jobs at schools, it does give you the legal freedom to live in Japan and take on part-time or casual work—including tutoring, conversation cafés, or informal language gigs.

Japan's Working Holiday Program

Japan has agreements with several countries—including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, Ireland, and a few others—that allow young travelers to stay for up to one year on a working holiday visa.

What you can do:

• Private tutoring or freelance English lessons
• Work at language cafés or cultural exchange centers
• Pick up short-term, casual jobs (not formal school teaching roles)

It’s a great way to build experience, improve your Japanese, and decide if you want to pursue a teaching career long-term.

Similar Programs in South Korea and Taiwan

If you’re not eligible for Japan’s program or want to explore more, both South Korea and Taiwan offer similar working holiday options.

Like Japan:

• You’ll be limited to part-time or casual work
• These visas are about cultural exchange first, work second
• It’s a perfect stepping stone into the region while you build experience or work toward your degree

Volunteering and Internship Opportunities

If you’re serious about teaching but don’t yet meet the qualifications for a paid job in Japan, volunteering or joining a teaching-related internship can be a great way to get started.

These opportunities don’t replace a full-time salary—but they do offer something just as valuable: real teaching experience, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

Why Volunteering Can Be Worth It

Volunteering gives you a chance to:

• Build classroom confidence in a real-world setting
• Gain teaching experience you can put on your resume
• Make meaningful contributions to students and communities
• Show future employers you’re serious about education

Many programs are based in countries with more flexible rules (like Cambodia or parts of Latin America), and some include housing, meals, or stipends.

You can also find local volunteering gigs in Japan through:

• Language exchanges
• Community centers
• NPOs or cultural education programs

⚠️ Just remember: Even as a volunteer, you still need the right visa (like a tourist visa or working holiday visa) if you’re volunteering in Japan. Always check the rules.

Internships in ESL and TEFL

Some TEFL providers and education companies offer internship programs that combine training with short-term teaching placements. These can be a good option if you want to:

• Get certified while teaching
• Ease into the profession before committing full-time
• Explore different cultures and teaching styles

Internships may take place in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Costa Rica, or Colombia—many of which are open to non-degree holders.

Enhancing Qualifications for the Future

If you’re dreaming of teaching in Japan—or anywhere with stricter requirements—but don’t have a degree yet, now’s the time to start building your path toward it.

The good news? You don’t have to do everything all at once. Even small steps now can open bigger doors later.

Work Toward a Degree (If That’s in Your Plans)

A bachelor’s degree is still the golden ticket for many teaching jobs around the world, especially in countries like Japan, South Korea, and the UAE.

If it’s something you’re considering:

• Look into online or part-time degree programs
• Consider distance learning or credit transfer options
• Explore affordable programs from accredited universities (there are more than you might think)

Even if you’re still a couple of years away, knowing that you’re working toward a degree can keep your options open—and motivate you to keep going.

Get TEFL/TESOL Certified (This One’s Non-Negotiable)

If you don’t already have one, getting a TEFL or TESOL certificate is the best first step—especially for non-degree holders.

Choose a course that’s:

• 120 hours minimum (this is the international standard)
• Accredited and recognized by schools
• Includes practical training or teaching components

This certificate alone can help you qualify for jobs in Cambodia, some parts of Latin America, and even online.

Specialize and Keep Growing

Once you have your basic TEFL, consider adding:

• Advanced TEFL modules (e.g. business English, young learners, IELTS prep)
• Online teaching training (especially if you want to work remotely)
• Workshops, webinars, and teacher forums to stay inspired and updated

The more you build your skills and experience, the stronger your profile becomes—regardless of whether you have a degree right now.

Making Informed Decisions

Teaching abroad without a degree isn’t impossible—but it does take planning, flexibility, and a realistic understanding of what’s possible right now (and what might take some time).

Here’s how to approach your journey with confidence and clarity.

Weigh the Risks and Rewards

The rewards of teaching abroad are huge:

• Cultural immersion
• Travel and adventure
• Making a real impact on students’ lives
• Personal and professional growth

But if you're trying to teach in a country that requires a degree—like Japan—the risks of working illegally are real:

• Deportation or fines
• No legal protections or benefits
• Future visa problems for other countries
• Financial instability or unreliable employers

If Japan is your long-term goal, it’s smart to start in a country where you can work legally, build experience, and work toward the qualifications you need.

Explore Countries That Welcome Non-Degree Holders

Your teaching career doesn’t have to begin in Japan to eventually get there. Start where the entry requirements match your current profile:

• Cambodia
• Thailand
• Taiwan (if you have an Associate’s degree)
• Volunteer programs
• Online teaching platforms
• Working holiday visa programs (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan)

Every job you take and every class you teach is a step forward.

Connect with Other Teachers

Don’t do this alone. There are tons of teaching communities out there that can help you:

• Facebook groups (e.g. “TEFL Teachers in Asia,” “Japan ALT Life”)
• Reddit (r/TEFL, r/movingtojapan)
• TEFL course forums and alumni networks

You’ll find advice, job leads, and honest stories from people who’ve been in your shoes.

Conclusion: Teaching in Japan Without a Degree—And What to Do Instead

If teaching English in Japan is your dream, it’s important to know the truth: you need a bachelor’s degree to do it legally. There’s no way around that rule—and working without the proper visa isn’t worth the risk.

But here’s the good news: this doesn’t have to be the end of the road.

There are real, rewarding ways to start teaching abroad without a degree. Whether you head to Cambodia, Thailand, or Taiwan (with an Associate’s), teach online, or take advantage of a working holiday visa, there’s a path for you to get started—legally, safely, and meaningfully.

Keep the Big Picture in Mind

Maybe Japan isn’t your first stop. That’s okay. Teaching in another country now can help you:

• Build experience and confidence
• Get certified and develop your skills
• Start earning and saving money
• Work toward a degree (if that’s your plan)
• Eventually qualify for bigger opportunities—maybe even in Japan later on

You Don’t Need a Degree to Make a Difference

What matters most is your passion, your willingness to learn, and your desire to connect with students from around the world. With those things in place, your journey as a teacher can start now.

The world of TEFL is bigger than yu think. You just need to choose your first step.