Can you teach English in Vietnam without a degree?

Vietnam is a beautiful and exciting place to live. From busy cities to peaceful countryside, it’s full of culture, great food, and friendly people. Many travelers and teachers are drawn to Vietnam because of its growing demand for English education and the chance to explore a new way of life.

But if you’ve looked into teaching English here, you may have noticed an important rule: to work legally as an English teacher in Vietnam, you need to have a bachelor’s degree.

This requirement can be a challenge for some people. However, the situation is not always simple. While the law is clear, the reality on the ground can be more flexible. Some people explore informal work, others teach online, and many look at nearby countries with more flexible rules—like Cambodia or Thailand.

In this guide, we’ll explain how the legal system works, what the risks are, and what other options you might consider if you want to teach in Vietnam without a degree. Whether you’re looking for a new adventure or a long-term career abroad, it’s important to understand both the opportunities and the challenges.

The Legal Requirements for Teaching in Vietnam

Vietnam has clear rules for hiring foreign English teachers. These rules are meant to protect students and make sure that schools hire qualified, professional teachers. Two of the most important requirements are having a bachelor’s degree and getting a work permit.

Why a Bachelor’s Degree Is Required

To teach English legally in Vietnam, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree. This is a national requirement for foreign teachers. The degree can be in any subject—it doesn’t need to be in English or education—but it must come from a recognized university.

The goal of this rule is to ensure that teachers are serious about their work and have completed a level of higher education. A degree shows that you’ve studied at a certain level and are likely to have the knowledge and skills to teach in a classroom.

Many schools, parents, and students also see a degree as a sign of quality and trust. It helps schools follow government rules, and it can make you more competitive when applying for jobs.

How the Work Permit Process Works

If you want to teach English legally in Vietnam, you’ll also need a work permit. This is an official document that allows you to work in the country.

To get a work permit, you usually need:

• A bachelor’s degree
• A criminal background check
• A health check from a local clinic or hospital
• A TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate (often required by employers)
• A job offer from a school (they usually help with the application)

The work permit process can take some time, but it is important. Without a permit, you are not legally allowed to work in Vietnam, even if you have a job.

Having a valid work permit also helps in daily life. It allows you to open a bank account, sign a lease, and get other official documents. It also gives you legal protection in case of problems at work.

The Realities of Teaching Without a Degree in Vietnam

Even though the law requires a bachelor’s degree, some people still teach English in Vietnam without one. This happens mostly in private or informal settings, where the rules are not always followed as strictly. However, it is important to understand the risks and limitations of this path before making any decisions.

Informal and Unofficial Teaching Jobs

Some teachers without degrees find work in small language centers, cafes, or as private tutors. These positions may not require a work permit, especially if the employer is willing to take the risk. In these cases, the school or individual may pay in cash, and the teacher works without an official contract.

Other teachers use tourist or business visas to stay in the country while teaching. This is not legal, but it does happen. Some people also use student visas by enrolling in local courses (such as Vietnamese language classes), then teach on the side to support themselves.

These types of jobs can sometimes offer flexibility and fast income, but they are not stable. There is no legal protection if something goes wrong, and the job offers may come and go quickly.

Risks of Teaching Without a Degree

Teaching without a degree in Vietnam can be risky. These are the most common concerns:

• Legal consequences: Working without a proper visa or work permit can lead to fines, deportation, or even being banned from re-entering the country.
• Job insecurity: Without a legal contract, it’s easier for schools to change the terms of the job, reduce pay, or cancel the position with little notice.
• No legal protection: If you have a problem with your employer—such as unpaid wages or unfair treatment—you may not have any legal way to solve it.
• Limited options: Most well-known schools and programs will not consider teachers who do not meet the legal requirements. Without a degree, it can be harder to build a stable teaching career.

For some people, these risks are not worth it. For others, the chance to live in Vietnam and gain teaching experience makes it worthwhile for a short period. Either way, it’s important to be honest with yourself about your goals and what you’re comfortable with.

Navigating the Grey Areas: Visas and Online Teaching

If you don’t have a degree but still want to live and teach in Vietnam, there are some alternative paths to consider. These options are not always simple, and they come with legal and practical challenges, but they can offer a way forward for some people.

Visa Options (and Their Limits)

Vietnam offers different types of visas, but not all of them allow you to work legally. Here are the most common ones that people use when trying to stay in the country without a degree:

• Tourist Visa: This is meant for travel, not work. Some people use it to stay in Vietnam while doing informal teaching, such as private tutoring. However, working on a tourist visa is illegal. If caught, you could face fines, deportation, or a ban from returning.

• Business Visa: This visa is for business visits or meetings, not for being employed. In some cases, people use a business visa to stay longer in Vietnam while doing freelance work. Like the tourist visa, it does not give you the legal right to work as a teacher.

• Student Visa: Some people enroll in a Vietnamese language school or other course to get a student visa. This allows them to stay in the country for a longer time. While studying, some people teach informally to support themselves, but this still isn’t legal employment.

Each of these visas may help you stay in the country, but none of them are designed for teaching. It’s important to understand the legal risks before choosing one of these paths.

Online and Remote Teaching

If your goal is to live in Vietnam, but you’re not able to teach legally in-person, one of the best alternatives is online teaching.

• Work for an Online School: Many companies around the world hire online English teachers. If the company is based in another country, and you are paid through foreign banks, you may not need a work permit in Vietnam. This allows you to live in Vietnam while working online.

• Freelance Teaching: You can also work as an independent tutor online. You might find your own students or use websites that connect teachers with learners. This gives you freedom, but also requires more effort in finding students and managing your schedule.

• Create Your Own Content: Some people earn money by making English lessons, courses, or educational videos. This type of work can be done from anywhere and does not depend on local teaching laws.

If you choose to live in Vietnam while working online, you’ll still need a visa that allows you to stay in the country. Some people use tourist or business visas for this, but you may need to renew them regularly. It’s also a good idea to look into Vietnam’s rules about paying taxes or declaring income, especially if you stay long-term.

Ethical and Professional Considerations

If you are thinking about teaching in Vietnam without a degree, it’s important to consider more than just the legal rules. Teaching is not only a job—it’s a responsibility. Your actions can affect your students, other teachers, and the reputation of English education in Vietnam.

Impact on the Teaching Profession

When schools hire teachers who do not meet the legal requirements, it can affect the overall quality of education. This also has an impact on the teaching community in general.

• Lowering Standards: If schools regularly hire unqualified teachers, it can make the profession seem less serious. This may lead to lower expectations for teachers and weaker support for training and development.

• Unfair to Qualified Teachers: Many teachers have spent years studying and getting certified. When others work without meeting those requirements, it can feel unfair and create competition that doesn’t support quality education.

• Inconsistent Quality for Students: Students deserve well-prepared teachers. Without training or qualifications, it can be hard to provide lessons that truly help students learn and grow.

Responsibility to Students

As a teacher, your first responsibility is to your students. Whether you are in a classroom, a language center, or teaching online, students are trusting you to help them succeed.

• Be Honest About Your Experience: If you do not have a degree or formal training, it’s important to be honest with yourself and others about what you can offer. Look for ways to keep learning and improving your teaching skills.

• Focus on Student Needs: Always try to give students your best. That means preparing well, being patient, and finding ways to help them grow—even if your path into teaching was non-traditional.

• Be a Positive Example: Students often look up to their teachers. Showing that you care about learning, honesty, and doing the right thing can have a strong impact on the people you teach.

Teaching abroad can be an amazing experience, but it also comes with responsibilities. Taking time to think about the ethical side of your choices can help you become a better teacher—and a better traveler.

Looking Beyond Vietnam: Other Countries Without a Degree Requirement

If you don’t have a degree but still want to teach English abroad, Vietnam might not be the best fit. But don’t worry—there are other countries in Southeast Asia and beyond that are more flexible with their requirements. Some places may offer legal teaching jobs without a degree, or at least have more informal opportunities that are safer and easier to find.

Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the most popular choices for people who want to teach without a degree. The rules are more relaxed, and there is a steady demand for English teachers in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Many schools in Cambodia are happy to hire teachers based on their teaching ability, communication skills, and TEFL certification. While a degree can still be helpful, it is not required in many cases.

Thailand

Thailand usually requires a degree for teaching jobs and work permits. However, there are some exceptions. Certain programs may accept teachers without a degree. These positions may not offer high salaries or long-term contracts, but they can be a good way to get experience.

Myanmar

Myanmar has also welcomed foreign English teachers in the past, especially in areas where local access to English education is limited. Schools in smaller cities or rural areas may be more open to hiring teachers without degrees.

However, Myanmar’s political situation has changed in recent years. If you’re thinking about teaching there, it’s very important to stay updated on travel advice, safety conditions, and visa rules.

Taiwan

In East Asia, Taiwan has some unique opportunities. Most teaching jobs require a bachelor’s degree, but there are exceptions for people with an associate degree plus a TEFL or TESOL certificate.

These roles are often in private language centers or after-school programs. They may not be as common, but if you have some teaching experience or strong communication skills, it’s worth exploring.

Assessing Personal Goals and Risks

Before deciding to teach English without a degree—whether in Vietnam or somewhere else—it’s important to think carefully about your goals, your comfort level with risk, and your long-term plans. Teaching abroad can be life-changing, but the experience will be different depending on your situation.

Think About Your Career Goals

Ask yourself what you hope to gain from teaching English abroad:

• Do you want to try it for a short time while traveling?
• Are you hoping to build a long-term career in education?
• Is this a way to experience a new culture, or a first step toward living abroad more permanently?

If you want to teach for a longer time or move into better jobs, getting a degree (or finishing one) might be worth considering. Many teaching positions, especially in higher-paying schools or international programs, require one.

Understand the Legal and Financial Risks

Working without a degree in a country where it’s required can come with serious risks:

• Legal problems: Without a work permit, you may be fined, deported, or denied future visas.
• No job security: Informal jobs can end suddenly, and you may not be paid fairly or treated well.
• Visa problems: Using tourist or business visas while working is not legal and can be hard to maintain long-term.
• Financial instability: Without legal work, it may be harder to save money, sign contracts, or access services like health care and banking.

If you’re planning to stay for a short time and are okay with the risks, some of these challenges might be manageable. But if you want more stability, it’s better to look for legal work or choose a country with more flexible rules.

Think About Your Impact

Teaching isn’t just about travel—it’s also about helping students learn and grow. Ask yourself:

• Can I offer students a quality learning experience?
• Am I prepared to improve my skills and take teaching seriously?
• Will my decision to work without qualifications affect other teachers or schools?

You don’t have to be perfect to be a good teacher, but it’s important to act responsibly. Students deserve the best you can offer, and teaching abroad should be a positive experience for everyone involved.

Cultural and Personal Growth

Living abroad can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life. You’ll learn about new cultures, meet people from around the world, and grow in ways you never expected.

Whether or not you have a degree, try to choose a place and a path that matches your values, supports your growth, and respects the community you’re living in.

Conclusion

Teaching English in Vietnam without a degree is possible—but it comes with important challenges and risks. The law is clear: to work legally, you need a bachelor’s degree and a work permit. Some people still find informal ways to teach, but those paths are not always safe, stable, or ethical.

If you're serious about teaching abroad, it's important to know what you're getting into. Think carefully about your goals, how long you want to stay, and what kind of experience you're hoping for. Some travelers choose short-term or online options, while others look to nearby countries like Cambodia or Myanmar, where the rules are more flexible.

No matter what path you take, try to approach it with care and responsibility. Students deserve dedicated teachers, and the experience will be more rewarding if you're well-prepared, respectful, and honest about your qualifications.

Teaching abroad is about more than just earning money or living in a new country—it’s about making a positive impact, building connections, and learning from the world around you. Whether you have a degree or not, there are ways to explore this path while staying true to your values and goals.

If you're not quite ready now, remember that you can always work toward the requirements—like completing a degree, earning a TEFL certificate, or gaining more experience online. The world of teaching is big, and there’s more than one way to begin the journey.