TEFL Without a Degree: What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions future teachers ask is: “Can I teach English abroad without a degree?” The answer is: Yes, you can, but with some limitations. While certain countries require a bachelor’s degree to issue a work visa, there are still plenty of places where you can teach English with just a TEFL certificate.

Here’s what you need to know.

Do you need a degree to teach English abroad?

The short answer is: not everywhere.

• Countries such as South Korea, Japan, China and the UAE often require a degree for visa purposes.

• But in Cambodia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Eastern Europe and much of South America, you can teach English without a university degree.

And don’t forget: online teaching platforms such as Preply, Cambly and iTalki accept non-degree holders (although higher-paying platforms may prefer teachers with degrees).

 

TEFL certification: your essential qualification

If you don’t have a degree, a TEFL certificate becomes even more important. It demonstrates that you have:

• The knowledge to plan engaging lessons

• An understanding of classroom management techniques

• Practical teaching strategies that actually work

Tip: Choose a TEFL course with at least 120 hours of training, and make sure it is from a recognised provider (such as us).

 

Where can you teach English without a degree?

Here are some of the most degree-friendly TEFL destinations:

• Cambodia – a booming TEFL market with high demand for teachers.

• Mexico and Costa Rica – popular with teachers looking for culture, sunshine and lifestyle.

• Spain and Italy – many private language schools hire teachers without degrees.

• Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary) – growing markets where experience often outweighs degrees.

• Online – teach students worldwide from the comfort of your home.

 

How to stand out as a non-degree TEFL teacher

Without a degree, you’ll need to shine in other ways:

• Highlight any previous work or volunteer experience, even outside education.

• Show flexibility, energy and enthusiasm for teaching abroad.

• Gain extra TEFL certifications (for example in Young Learners or Business English) to strengthen your CV.

 

Not having a degree may close some doors, but it opens others. With the right TEFL training, determination and creativity, you can still live and work abroad as an English teacher.

Want to boost your chances of getting hired? Enroll in my accredited online TEFL course and start your teaching journey, even without a degree.