Published 22 March 2026 · 7 min read · Category: TEFL Advice
A bachelor's degree is not required to do a TEFL course, but it is required to legally work as an English teacher in most countries. Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, China, UAE, Philippines, and Taiwan all require a degree for a legal work permit.
| Country | Degree Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Yes | Required for work permit. Bachelor's minimum. |
| South Korea | Yes | Required for E-2 visa. Any subject. |
| Japan | Yes | Required for work visa. Any subject. |
| China | Yes | Required for Z visa. |
| UAE | Yes | Required for work visa. |
| Philippines | Yes (for 9G visa) | Required for work permit. |
| South Africa | Yes (for visa) | SA citizens exempt from visa requirement. |
| Cambodia | No | Lower market, less regulation. |
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