Can you teach English in South Korea without a degree?

South Korea is one of the most popular destinations for teaching English abroad—and it’s easy to see why. Between its world-class education system, modern cities, rich traditions, and strong salaries, the country offers a unique experience for teachers looking to live, work, and explore in Asia.

But what if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree?

Here’s the short answer: South Korea requires a degree to teach English legally.

That means if you want to get a proper work visa (called an E-2 visa), a four-year degree is part of the deal. But even if this closes the door on South Korea for now, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

There are other ways to start your teaching journey, gain experience, and explore the region—legally and safely.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Why South Korea requires a degree for English teachers
• The risks of teaching without one
• Working holiday options
• And most importantly: alternative destinations where you can teach without a degree, like Cambodia, Taiwan, or Thailand

If you’re dreaming of teaching and traveling in Asia but don’t have a degree, this guide will help you figure out your next move.

The Degree Requirement for Teaching in South Korea

If you want to teach English legally in South Korea, having a bachelor’s degree is non-negotiable. It’s not just something schools prefer—it’s a requirement set by the government for getting a legal teaching visa.

Why the Degree Matters

South Korea takes education seriously. The country has some of the highest academic standards in the world, and English is a major part of the school system—from kindergarten all the way through university.

To protect students and keep quality high, the South Korean government only issues teaching visas (E-2 visas) to candidates who:

• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Hold a valid passport from one of seven approved English-speaking countries
• Pass a national criminal background check
• Complete a health check once in Korea
• (In most cases) have a TEFL or TESOL certificate

That bachelor’s degree is the baseline—it’s what makes you eligible for the visa that lets you live and work in the country legally.

The E-2 Visa Explained

The E-2 visa is the standard visa for foreign language teachers in South Korea. Without it, you can’t legally be hired to teach in schools, hagwons (private academies), or other education centers.

To apply for this visa, you’ll need to submit:

• A copy of your diploma (apostilled or notarized)
• Your TEFL certification (if required by your employer)
• Background check results
• A signed contract from your school
• Various forms and medical checks

No degree? No visa. No visa? No legal job.

⚠️ Important: There are no legal teaching jobs in South Korea for people without a bachelor’s degree—regardless of your experience, certification, or fluency.

The Risks of Teaching Without the Proper Qualifications

Because teaching in South Korea offers good pay, free housing, and other perks, some people are tempted to find a workaround—especially if they don’t have a degree.

But here’s the reality: teaching without a degree or without the correct visa is illegal, and the risks are serious.

What Happens If You’re Caught?

If you're found teaching without the required E-2 visa—or worse, using a tourist or business visa instead—you could face:

• Fines
• Immediate deportation
• A ban on re-entering South Korea
• Loss of future teaching opportunities in the region
• No legal protection if your employer treats you unfairly or doesn’t pay you

South Korea has gotten much stricter about visa enforcement in recent years. Immigration offices regularly check schools and foreign teacher records. Even schools that once bent the rules are now under more pressure to follow the law.

Schools Are Also at Risk

It’s not just risky for teachers. Schools that hire unqualified or undocumented teachers can:

• Lose their license to hire foreigners
• Be fined heavily
• Face legal action from the government

Because of this, most legitimate schools won’t even consider hiring someone without a degree, no matter how good their English or how eager they are to teach.

Bottom Line

Trying to teach under the radar in South Korea isn’t worth it. The country is incredible, but it’s best experienced legally—either with a degree or through a different kind of visa (like working holiday, which we’ll cover next).

Legal Alternatives for Non-Degree Holders

If teaching in South Korea isn’t possible right now because you don’t have a degree, don’t worry—there are still great ways to get started.

Plenty of other countries in Asia (and beyond) offer more flexibility when it comes to qualifications, and many are ideal places to gain experience, build your teaching skills, and enjoy life abroad.

Cambodia: Open to Non-Degree Holders

Cambodia is one of the most accessible places in Asia for teachers without a degree. Here’s why:

• No degree required for most teaching jobs
• Demand for English teachers is high
• Many schools hire based on your TEFL certification and English ability
• Visas and work permits are relatively easy to arrange

If you’re looking to teach legally, live affordably, and dive into Southeast Asian culture, Cambodia is a top choice.

Thailand: A Bit of Flexibility

Thailand usually requires a bachelor’s degree for a formal teaching job and visa sponsorship. But in reality, some schools—especially in smaller towns or private language centers—may still hire non-degree holders.

Things to consider:

• Tourist or education visas are often used as workarounds (but these aren’t meant for employment)
• Jobs like private tutoring or online teaching are common among non-degree holders living in Thailand
• You’ll need to be flexible—and aware of the legal gray areas

👉 For more info, check out: Teach English in Thailand Without a Degree

Taiwan: A Pathway with an Associate’s Degree

Taiwan offers one of the few legal alternatives in East Asia for those without a full bachelor’s degree.

• If you have an Associate’s degree + TEFL certification, you may qualify for a teaching visa
• These jobs are mostly in private language schools, not public schools
• Taiwan has a high standard of living, reliable healthcare, and a welcoming expat community

👉 For more info, check out: Teach English in Taiwan Without a Degree

This makes it one of the best options for long-term teaching in a more structured and developed setting.

Working Holiday Visa Opportunities

If you’re between 18 and 30 (sometimes 35, depending on your nationality), a working holiday visa could be a great way to experience life abroad—even if you don’t have a degree.

While these visas aren't meant for full-time teaching jobs, they do allow you to live in the country and take on part-time or casual work, including things like tutoring or working at language cafes.

Countries That Offer Working Holiday Visas

Several popular destinations in Asia offer working holiday programs to citizens of specific countries:

• Japan
• South Korea
• Taiwan

Each country has its own list of eligible nationalities, but generally, these visas are open to young adults from countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and parts of Europe.

What You Can (and Can’t) Do

These programs are designed for cultural exchange, not long-term employment. So while you might not be eligible for a formal teaching contract, you can:

• Offer private tutoring
• Work at language cafes or do conversation practice
• Gain valuable teaching experience and test the waters
• Immerse yourself in the culture without needing a degree

⚠️ Important: You can’t legally work full-time as an English teacher under a working holiday visa in most cases, but it’s a great way to get experience, make local connections, and see if you want to pursue teaching more seriously later.

Use It as a Stepping Stone

A working holiday visa can be your way in—especially if you plan to:

• Build teaching experience
• Save money for a TEFL course
• Explore the country before committing to a full teaching contract

It’s a short-term option, but one that opens up long-term opportunities if you play it right.

Enhancing Your Qualifications

If you’re serious about teaching English abroad but don’t have a degree, the best thing you can do is strengthen your qualifications in other areas. With the right certifications and experience, you’ll stand out—even in competitive markets.

Get TEFL or TESOL Certified

A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate is essential for non-degree holders.

Most schools that accept teachers without a degree will still expect this—and many countries require it as a minimum for legal work.

Here’s what to look for:

• At least 120 hours of training
• A course that’s internationally recognized and accredited
• Options for practical teaching experience (even better if it includes a practicum)
• Specializations like young learners or online teaching can give you an extra edge

👉 Tip: Don’t just get any TEFL—invest in one that employers respect. It’ll pay off.

Volunteer to Gain Experience

If you’re new to teaching, volunteering can be a great way to build confidence and skills.

You can volunteer:

• Locally, in language programs or refugee centers
• Abroad, through NGOs and community schools
• Online, through tutoring platforms or conversation exchanges

This kind of experience shows initiative, adaptability, and real-world teaching ability—especially useful if you’re applying in countries with flexible rules like Cambodia or Colombia.

Keep Growing as a Teacher

Whether you’re teaching online or abroad, the best teachers are lifelong learners. To keep improving, you can:

• Take additional TEFL modules or advanced courses
• Specialize in business English, exam prep, or young learners
• Attend webinars, join ESL forums, or follow teaching blogs
• Learn the local language to connect better with your students

The more you invest in yourself, the more confident and qualified you’ll become—and the more doors will open down the line.

Making Informed Decisions

Teaching abroad without a degree isn’t always easy—but it’s definitely possible. The key is to understand the realities, weigh the risks, and be smart about the opportunities you pursue.

Here are some things to think about before you make the leap.

Weigh the Risks and Rewards

There are a lot of upsides to teaching abroad—travel, cultural immersion, making a difference in students’ lives—but if you don’t have a degree, it’s important to be realistic about the challenges too.

Potential rewards:

• Personal growth and unforgettable experiences
• Building a career you care about
• Becoming more confident, adaptable, and resourceful

Potential challenges:

• Limited job markets in certain countries
• Legal risks if you work without the right visa
• Lower pay or fewer benefits compared to degree-holding teachers

Ask yourself: What kind of experience am I looking for? What’s my long-term goal? Do I want to teach for a year, or build a teaching career?

Smart Strategies for Non-Degree Holders

To set yourself up for success:

1. Research country requirements carefully
   Know which places are open to non-degree holders, and which aren’t. Don’t waste time chasing jobs that will never legally work out.

2. Get certified
   A 120-hour TEFL course is your golden ticket.

3. Start where the rules are flexible
   Cambodia, parts of Latin America, or volunteer programs are great places to begin.

4. Use working holiday visas (if eligible)
   These let you live abroad legally and get part-time experience, which can lead to bigger opportunities later.

5. Network with other teachers
   Forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit threads are full of advice, job leads, and honest feedback from people who’ve done it.

Being informed, adaptable, and intentional with your choices will go a long way in making your teaching journey a good one.

Conclusion: Teaching in South Korea (and Beyond) Without a Degree

If you’ve been dreaming of teaching English in South Korea but don’t have a degree, it can feel discouraging. And the truth is, without that degree, a legal teaching job in Korea just isn’t an option right now.

But that’s not the end of the road—it’s just the beginning of a different path.

There are still plenty of ways to get started, from countries like Cambodia and Thailand, where the rules are more relaxed, to Taiwan, where an Associate’s degree may be enough, to working holiday visas and online teaching gigs that help you build real experience.

With a solid TEFL certificate, a good attitude, and a willingness to adapt, you can absolutely start teaching abroad—legally, safely, and meaningfully.

And who knows? Teaching in Cambodia or Thailand today might lead to teaching in South Korea later on, once you’ve built your resume or completed your degree.

Final Thoughts

If teaching English abroad is something you’re passionate about:

• Start where you can
• Get certified
• Learn everything you can
• Keep an open mind

There’s more than one way to become a great teacher. Your journey might look different from someone else’s—but it can be just as fulfilling.

The world is still full of classrooms waiting for you. Go find yours.