How to Teach English in Vietnam as a South African: The Complete 2026 Guide
Published 12 May 2026 · 9 min read · Category: Teaching Destinations
Why Vietnam Is the Top Destination for South African TEFL Teachers
Vietnam is consistently ranked as the best country in Southeast Asia for first-time TEFL teachers, and South Africans are among the most in-demand nationalities. The country's booming private English education sector, combined with salaries of $1,200–$2,000/month and a very low cost of living, makes it an exceptional destination for anyone willing to take the leap.
Requirements to Teach English in Vietnam
Bachelor's degree (any subject) — required for a legal work permit
Medical certificate — issued in Vietnam by an approved medical facility (easily arranged on arrival)
English Teacher Salaries in Vietnam (2026)
Vung Tau: $1,200–$1,600/month — excellent value given the low cost of living (~$400–600/month)
Ho Chi Minh City: $1,400–$2,000/month — highest salaries, higher cost of living
Hanoi: $1,300–$1,800/month — strong market, very popular with expats
Da Nang: $1,100–$1,500/month — growing market, beautiful beach city
The Document Legalisation Process for South Africans
Apply for your SAPS police clearance certificate (4–8 weeks)
Get the SAPS certificate apostilled by DIRCO in Pretoria (1–3 weeks)
Get the apostilled certificate authenticated by the Vietnamese Embassy in Pretoria (1–2 weeks)
Repeat steps 2–3 for your degree certificate
The entire process takes 8–16 weeks. Start the SAPS application before or during your TEFL course — not after. The View TEFL Academy manages this entire process for our Cape Town graduates.
Why Vung Tau Is the Best Entry Point for South Africans
Vung Tau is a coastal city two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City with a large Western expat community, beautiful beaches, and a booming English education market. Our TEFL campus is based here — most graduates receive job offers before their course ends.