Can you teach English in Taiwan without a degree?

Taiwan is an amazing place to live and work. It’s known for its friendly people, modern cities, beautiful nature, and strong focus on education. Many people dream of teaching English here as a way to explore a new culture while building a meaningful career.

For most teaching jobs in Taiwan, the law requires you to have a bachelor’s degree. That’s the standard for getting a work permit and being hired at schools and language centers. But the full picture is more flexible than it may seem at first.

In some cases, people with an Associate’s degree can still qualify for a legal teaching job. Others explore part-time teaching through Taiwan’s Working Holiday Visa, or gain experience through tutoring and online teaching while living in Taiwan.

If you're open to similar experiences outside Taiwan, some countries in the region—like Thailand or Cambodia—have more relaxed rules and can be great options for teachers without a full degree.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• How the teaching visa system works in Taiwan
• What alternatives exist for people without a bachelor’s degree
• The role of Associate’s degrees, TEFL certification, and experience
• Legal and ethical things to keep in mind
• And how to explore other countries where the requirements are more flexible

Let’s take a closer look at how to start your teaching journey in Taiwan—and beyond.

Legal Requirements for Teaching English in Taiwan

Taiwan takes education seriously, and the government has clear rules about who can teach English in schools and language centers. If you want to work legally as a teacher, you’ll need a valid work permit and an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). These documents are usually only given to teachers who meet specific qualifications.

The Standard Requirement: A Bachelor’s Degree

To qualify for a teaching work permit in Taiwan, you usually need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The degree can be in any subject, and you’ll need to show official documents—like a diploma and transcripts—that prove your education.

The goal of this requirement is to make sure that students are learning from trained, capable teachers. It also helps Taiwan follow international standards for foreign teachers and makes sure that the hiring process is fair and professional.

In addition to a degree, most schools will expect you to have a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate, especially if you don’t have a background in education.

An Alternative Path: Teaching with an Associate’s Degree

Even though the bachelor’s degree is the standard, there is an exception. In some situations, Taiwan allows teachers with an Associate’s degree to apply for a work permit. This is a two-year college degree, and it can be accepted if the teacher also has:

• A TEFL or TESOL certificate
• Relevant experience in teaching English
• A job offer from a school that is willing to sponsor the visa

This path isn’t as common, and not every school will accept it. But for people who don’t have a four-year degree, it can be a real opportunity—especially if they are motivated, well-prepared, and have some teaching experience.

This more flexible approach shows that Taiwan is open to a wider range of teachers, especially those who are serious about education and have taken steps to build their skills.

The Reality of Teaching Without a Degree in Taiwan

For most people, teaching English in Taiwan without a bachelor’s degree is difficult—but not impossible. While the legal route requires a degree, some teachers find other ways to gain experience or live in Taiwan while teaching part-time or online.

Here are some of the most common paths people explore:

Working Holiday Visas

Taiwan offers Working Holiday Visas to young people (usually aged 18–30) from certain countries. These visas let you stay in Taiwan for up to one year and allow some short-term or part-time work.

For people without a degree, this can be a great way to get started. You might be able to tutor English informally, help at a private language center, or get involved in local schools through cultural exchange programs. It’s not a long-term solution, but it can help you get experience and make connections in the local education scene.

✅ Tip: Use your time on a working holiday visa to build your resume—get TEFL certified, volunteer, and improve your teaching skills. It could help you qualify for a full teaching job later on.

Private Tutoring and Language Centers

Some people without degrees work as private English tutors or take jobs in smaller language centers. These roles are usually not advertised publicly, and they often operate in a legal grey area. You may be paid in cash and work without a formal contract or work permit.

While some teachers choose this route, it’s important to understand the risks. Working without the correct visa or permit can lead to fines or deportation. You also don’t have the same legal protections if something goes wrong.

Online Teaching

Another option is to live in Taiwan while teaching English online. Many online platforms hire teachers based on fluency, experience, and certification—not on whether you live in the same country as your students. This can allow you to enjoy life in Taiwan while earning money legally (if your visa type allows it).

This is one of the safest and most flexible ways to get teaching experience in Taiwan without breaking any rules.

Building Experience Without a Degree

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree but still want to teach, the best thing you can do is start building your experience and qualifications. The more prepared and confident you are, the more opportunities you’ll have—whether in Taiwan or in other countries with more flexible rules.

Here are some practical ways to strengthen your teaching profile:

Get Certified

Most schools in Taiwan (and elsewhere) expect English teachers to have a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate. These training programs teach you how to plan lessons, manage a classroom, and help students learn effectively.

Even if you don’t have a degree, a solid TEFL course can make a big difference. It shows that you’re serious about teaching and gives you tools you can use right away.

Volunteer or Tutor

Teaching experience matters—even if it’s unpaid. Volunteering at a language school, community center, or online platform is a great way to gain confidence and build your resume. You can also offer private tutoring in-person or online to get real-world experience with students.

These early steps help you learn how to teach and also show future employers that you’ve already started your journey.

Teach English Online

Online teaching is one of the easiest ways to get started without a degree. Many companies and platforms accept teachers based on fluency, TEFL certification, and communication skills.

This option also gives you flexibility. You can work from anywhere—including Taiwan—while building teaching skills and earning money legally (as long as your visa allows remote work).

Keep Learning

If you're serious about teaching long-term, consider working toward a degree or continuing your education. Some people finish their bachelor’s degree online while teaching abroad or save money through online community college programs.

Even if it takes time, having a degree will open more doors and help you qualify for stable, legal jobs in more countries.

Exploring Other Countries with Flexible Requirements

If you’re excited about teaching abroad but don’t yet meet Taiwan’s requirements, you’re not out of options. In fact, some nearby countries in Southeast Asia offer more flexibility—and just as much opportunity for cultural exchange and adventure.

Two of the most popular alternatives in Asia are Thailand and Cambodia.

Teaching English in Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular countries in the world for teaching English. It’s welcoming, affordable, and has a strong demand for English teachers in schools, language centers, and private programs.

While most official jobs in Thailand require a bachelor’s degree, there are some exceptions:

• Certain private schools, language centers, or rural programs may accept teachers without degrees.
• Volunteer roles and cultural exchange programs may not have strict academic requirements.
• Some teachers work informally as tutors or teach English online while living in Thailand.

If you don’t have a degree but you’re TEFL certified, experienced, and confident in your teaching skills, you may still find opportunities. You can learn more in our full guide: Teach English in Thailand Without a Degree.

Teaching English in Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the easiest places in Asia to start teaching English without a degree. The demand for teachers is growing, especially in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and the visa process is generally more relaxed.

• A degree is not always required for private language schools or tutoring jobs.
• Schools often focus more on fluency, teaching ability, and having a TEFL or TESOL certificate.
• The cost of living is low, and Cambodia is a friendly, culturally rich place to live and work.

For new teachers or those without formal qualifications, Cambodia can be a great starting point to gain experience before applying elsewhere in the region.

Conclusion

Teaching English in Taiwan without a bachelor’s degree isn’t easy—but it’s not impossible. With an Associate’s degree, a strong TEFL certificate, and the right kind of job offer, you may still qualify for legal teaching work. And if you’re not quite there yet, Taiwan’s Working Holiday Visa or online teaching options can offer valuable experience while you explore life in the country.

At the same time, nearby countries like Cambodia and Thailand offer more flexible options for teachers who are just getting started or who don’t yet meet Taiwan’s official requirements. These countries can be excellent places to gain experience, build your skills, and begin your teaching journey abroad.

If teaching English is something you're passionate about, don’t be discouraged by rules and requirements. Focus on what you can do now—get certified, start tutoring, volunteer, and keep learning. Every step you take brings you closer to where you want to be.

With patience, preparation, and an open mind, you can create a path that works for you—whether that’s in Taiwan or somewhere else. The adventure of living and teaching abroad is still possible, even if your path looks a little different than others.