6 Countries in Asia Where You Can Teach English Without a Degree

When searching for TEFL jobs abroad, it’s common to see a bachelor’s degree as a requirement – especially in Asia. However, it is definitely possible to teach abroad in Asia without a 4-year degree! If you know the right countries, research and plan ahead of time, you can be on your way to a new teaching career overseas.

Read on to find out the best countries in Asia to teach English without a degree, from the requirements, TEFL jobs, salary expectations, and more! 

While the requirements vary from one country or region to another, you can generally expect employers to seek the following from TEFL teachers: 

• TEFL certification: A TEFL certificate or teacher training isn’t always essential to finding a TEFL job. However, non-degree holders should become TEFL certified to optimize their employability and job prospects across Asia.
• Near-native proficiency: While some countries require teachers whose first language is English, it’s possible to teach abroad as non-native English speaker. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll likely need to provide proof of English fluency such as an IELTS certificate.
• Visa: It’s essential to get a legal working visa when teaching abroad as a paid profession. Some countries may allow you to engage in volunteer teaching on a student or a tourist visa, but this varies from one country to another and is always subject to change.

Now you know the requirements for teaching abroad, read on to find out the best countries to teach English in Asia as a non-degree holder! 

The following salaries are estimates for non-degree holders, and vary according to teaching experience, TEFL training, and job locations. 

• Cost of living: $700-$1,100
• Average monthly salary: $700-$1,200
• Requirements: TEFL/TESOL certification, near-native English fluency 
• Visa type: Business Visa (E-class)

Cambodia is a popular country in Asia to find a job teaching English with and without a degree! Cities such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, and Sihanoukville will offer greater TEFL job opportunities. 

As a non-degree holder, you can expect to find positions teaching English in private language schools and also private tutoring. Despite a lower teaching salary than in other Asian countries, the cost of living is very low in Cambodia, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle for teachers without 4-year degrees. 

• Cost of living: $300-$500
• Average monthly salary: $100-$600
• Requirements: TEFL certificate, near-native English fluency
• Visa type: Employment visa (E-Visa)

Teaching English in India is an excellent opportunity for new TEFL teachers to gain experience and build their resumes. Starting with a short-term volunteer placement can help you test the waters, while more qualified or experienced teachers can  find higher paying opportunities in larger cities like Mumbai and Delhi.

Teaching jobs in India are often volunteer-based, though some may offer a modest stipend of $100-$300 USD plus accommodation and meals - enough to cover basic needs. It’s best to secure a position before arriving and consider location carefully. 

• Cost of living: $600-$1,000
• Average monthly salary: $500-$1,000
• Requirements: TEFL certificate, near-native English fluency
• Visa type: Work Visa (LA-B2)

If you’re looking for a more immersive local experience, head to the small landlocked nation of Laos in the heart of Southeast Asia. While international schools in Laos tend to hire teachers with degrees and experience, there are schools in and around Vientiane that only require a TEFL qualification. 

It can be tough to find paid work outside of the capital and you may have to gain experience by volunteering over there first. TEFL jobs are more scarce in Laos than its neighbor Cambodia. However, networking is important, and it’s beneficial to seek work while in-country, as there aren’t many teaching jobs posted online. 

• Cost of living: $500-$800
• Average monthly salary: $200-$800
• Requirements: TEFL certificate, near-native English speaker
• Visa type: Residence/Work Visa 

As a popular surf spot with dense jungles and stunning sceneries, it’s no wonder why Sri Lanka is often called “the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Beyond its natural beauty, Sri Lanka can offer a rewarding lifestyle for TEFL teachers. 

Government initiatives to expand language education mean teachers are needed, and as the country continues to grow as a tourist destination, English has become an increasingly important part of its education system. While most opportunities are volunteer-based, having a bachelor’s degree isn’t a legal requirement for TEFL teachers. Some TEFL jobs consider non-degree holders as long as they have the qualifications,such as a TEFL or CELTA, or teaching experience. 

• Cost of living: $400-$600
• Average monthly salary: $300-$500
• Requirements: TEFL certificate, near-native English fluency 
• Visa type: Working Visa

English teaching positions in Nepal are largely voluntary but if you’re a new teacher, it can be a fantastic place to start your TEFL career and gain experience. Nepal has a lot to offer by way of trekking and cultural immersion and its low cost of living makes it ideal for teachers craving adventure in addition to teaching experience. 

Most volunteer teaching programs in Nepal ask for a program fee but usually include room and board, which can be less than what you’d pay for rent back home. If you find paid work at a language school in a city such as Kathmandu or Pokhara, your salary can go a long way in Nepal!

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering in Nepal

• Cost of living: $1,000-$1,400
• Average monthly salary: $1,200-$2,000
• Requirements: TEFL certificate, native English fluency 
• Visa type: Working visa 

While some countries are a little strict about only hiring English teachers with 4-year qualifications, a few countries only require evidence of further education but not necessarily a full bachelor's degree. Surprisingly, Taiwan is one of those! 

Having a two-year associate’s degree and a TEFL certificate may allow you to find a job teaching in Taiwan, particularly at a language school or a “Buxiban”. However, despite the high salaries, it’s important to know that Taiwan also has a relatively high cost of living.

Read more: What Salary Will You Earn Teaching Abroad in Taiwan?

Depending on your budget and personal goals, earning your TEFL certificate abroad in Asia could be a strategic move. Many TEFL providers who offer in-person courses have links to local job markets and can assist you in securing a position.

Online TEFL courses are accepted across Asia, though. They are usually cheaper than in-person courses and are more convenient for people who are working while they study. If you earn your TEFL/TESOL certificate online online, you can take advantage of job search assistance from the provider or look for your own opportunities online.

TEFL courses come in many forms, from 30 specialty courses to 300+ hour courses. Generally, employers require that teachers have a minimum of 120 hours TEFL training. 

Popular TEFL countries in Asia like South Korea, Japan, and China require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for those who want to teach English abroad. This is because to get a visa to work legally, you need to present paperwork verifying you’ve earned a degree. The job markets in these countries are more highly regulated and offer higher salaries.

If you want to stay in the TEFL industry and have higher-paying countries in your sights, you could always earn your bachelor’s online part-time while you teach abroad in one of the following countries.

Whether earning a degree is something you have planned for your future or not, teaching abroad with just a TEFL and your talent is possible. While you may not earn as much as in other Asian countries, you’ll gain priceless experience to move up the TEFL ladder in the future. That coupled with the excitement of living abroad makes teaching English in these destinations a no-brainer! 

Learn more about teaching English in Asia:

• Packing List Essentials for Teaching Abroad in Asia
• What Teaching English in Asia is like for BIPOC Teachers
• How to Get Started Teaching English Abroad
• The 12 Best Online TEFL Courses