TEFL requirements by country
Almost every country expects a TEFL certificate, usually 120 hours. The bigger differences are the degree and nationality rules: most of East Asia and the Gulf require a bachelor's degree for a work visa, South Korea and China restrict visas to native-speaker nationalities, while parts of Latin America, Cambodia and online teaching are open to teachers without a degree.
Asia
- South Korea: bachelor's degree and citizenship of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or South Africa for the E-2 visa; TEFL widely expected.
- China: bachelor's degree, clean background check and a 120-hour TEFL or two years' experience; native-speaker nationality usually expected.
- Japan: bachelor's degree for the work visa; TEFL preferred.
- Vietnam: bachelor's degree and TEFL for the work permit; non-native speakers hired.
- Thailand: bachelor's degree and 120-hour TEFL; licence via the Teachers' Council of Thailand.
- Cambodia: degree often not required; 120-hour TEFL expected.
Middle East
- UAE: bachelor's degree (often education), TEFL and experience; school licensing through KHDA, ADEK, SPEA or the Ministry of Education.
- Saudi Arabia: bachelor's degree (often English, TESOL or linguistics), TEFL/TESOL or CELTA and experience.
- Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman: bachelor's degree and TEFL; master's and experience preferred for better roles.
Europe
- Spain: degree preferred, not always required; EU citizens have the easiest route.
- UK: TEFL does not give QTS; accredited language schools often want CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL.
- Turkey: 120-hour TEFL and fluency for language schools; degree for schools and universities.
Latin America
Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil commonly hire teachers with a 120-hour TEFL and good English; a degree helps with visas and better-paid jobs.
Africa
In Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, school teaching needs registration with the national teaching council (TRCN, TSC, NTC, SACE). TEFL is used for language teaching, online work and jobs abroad.
Check before you apply
Rules change. Treat this page as general guidance (checked October 2026, using the sources below) and confirm with the employer, the embassy or the education authority before you commit.
The three things every country checks
Almost every TEFL job abroad depends on three things. First, your degree: most work visas in East Asia and the Gulf need a bachelor's degree, in any subject. Second, your TEFL certificate: 120 hours is the usual minimum. Third, your nationality: a few visa systems are limited to citizens of specific English-speaking countries. Experience, age limits, health checks and background checks are common extra conditions.
South Asia
- India: private schools, language institutes, corporate trainers and online platforms set their own requirements and often ask for a 120-hour TEFL. Government school posts need B.Ed and CTET/TET.
- Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan: English-medium private schools and language institutes value TEFL; requirements are set by employers.
Africa in more detail
- Nigeria: school teaching needs TRCN registration; TEFL is used for online teaching and jobs abroad.
- Kenya: TSC registration for public schools; TEFL for online, NGO and overseas roles.
- Ghana: NTC licence for schools; TEFL for online and overseas roles.
- South Africa: SACE registration for schools; South Africans are on several native-speaker visa lists abroad.
- Egypt: language centres and international schools usually want a degree and a 120-hour TEFL.
How to check the current rules
- Read the visa page of the country's embassy or immigration department.
- Ask the employer for its written requirements before you apply.
- Check whether your degree needs an apostille or consular legalisation.
- Check age limits, which in some countries are between 55 and 65.
- Allow one to three months for documents and visa processing.
Which London College of Teachers course fits which country?
- Most countries: the 120-hour TEFL Certificate.
- East Asia's child-heavy markets (Korea, China, Vietnam): add Young Learners.
- Business hubs (Dubai, Riyadh, Mexico City, São Paulo): add Business English.
- Competitive Gulf roles for graduates: the PG Diploma or Master in TEFL.
- No degree yet: the Certificate, then Cambodia, Latin America or online teaching.
City guides
For local job markets, employers and fees, see our TEFL course locations, with guides for 52 cities including Dubai, Riyadh, Delhi, Lagos, Nairobi, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Tokyo, London and New York.
Degree rules at a glance
- Degree usually required for work visas: China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain.
- Degree often preferred but sometimes optional: Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Turkey (language schools), Brazil, Colombia.
- Degree often not required: Cambodia and many online platforms.
Nationality rules at a glance
South Korea's E-2 visa is limited to citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. China's foreign-teacher rules and Japan's JET programme usually expect native-speaker nationality. Many other countries hire fluent non-native teachers, especially in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Turkey and online.
Age limits
Some countries cap work-visa ages, often between 55 and 65 for teaching roles; others have no limit. Check before you apply.
Typical document checklist
- Passport with at least 12 months' validity
- Degree certificate and transcripts, often apostilled or legalised
- TEFL certificate
- Criminal background check, often recent and apostilled
- Medical check, in some countries
- CV, photos and references
Frequently asked questions
Which countries do not require a degree to teach English?
Commonly mentioned options include Cambodia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, some roles in Spain, and many online platforms.
Which countries require native speakers?
South Korea's E-2 visa and China's foreign-teacher rules usually require native-speaker nationality; many other countries hire fluent non-native teachers.
Do I need a degree to get a work visa for teaching?
In most of East Asia and the Gulf, yes. Some countries in Latin America and Cambodia are more flexible.
Which countries accept online TEFL certificates?
Most countries' language schools and online platforms accept online 120-hour TEFL certificates; some UK and European schools prefer CELTA.
Do I need to apostille my TEFL certificate?
Some countries ask for it during the visa process. Check with your employer and ask your provider in advance.
Is there an age limit for teaching English abroad?
Some countries cap visa ages, often between 55 and 65; others have no limit.
Which country is easiest to start teaching English?
Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and much of Latin America are often easiest for first-time teachers.