When searching for ESL jobs in China, you’ll often see familiar requirements: a TEFL or TESOL certification, a bachelor’s degree, and being a native English speaker. It might seem like these are the only paths to landing a teaching job in China. But here’s the truth—there’s more flexibility than you might think. Let’s discuss the possibilities and explore how you can teach in China without a TEFL certification. In this article, we will explore the following questions:
- Can I Teach English in China without a TEFL?
- Can Non-Native English Speakers Teach English or Teach in China?
- Can I Teach Other Subjects Without A TEFL?
- Can I Teach in China Without a bachelor’s degree
Can I Teach English in China Without a TEFL?
120 hours TEFL certificate
Yes, you can teach English in China without a TEFL, but it depends on the situation. To teach English legally in China, you’ll need a Z visa. To apply for a legal work visa (Z visa) to teach English in China, you’ll need a Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit. One of the supporting documents your employer will need to apply for this letter is a TEFL or other relevant teaching certificate. However, there are exceptions:
- Other teaching certificates: If you have certificates like TESOL, DELTA, or QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), you can teach English in China without a TEFL.
- BA/MA in English or Education: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in English or Education lets you teach without needing a TEFL.
- Two years of teaching experience: A recommendation letter that shows two years of teaching experience can substitute for a TEFL or similar certification.
Can Non-Native English Speakers Teach English or Teach in China?
Non-native English speakers can’t legally teach English in China, as you need to be from one of the seven native English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa) according to the government policy. While there have been some exceptions, like during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a shortage of teachers, these situations are rare now.
However, the requirements for subject teachers (not English) are more flexible. As long as you fulfill the specific requirements outlined by the school and pass the interview, you can teach in China as a subject teacher.
Teaching other subject in China
If someone claims they can help you get an English teaching job in China, even if you don’t hold a passport from one of the seven native English-speaking countries, we strongly recommend you think carefully. There’s a good chance this might be an illegal action or fraud, which may lead to legal penalties, deportation, and fines.
Can I Teach Other Subjects Without A TEFL?
Yes, you can teach other subjects without a TEFL. While teaching English in China requires a teaching certificate like TEFL, teaching roles in China aren’t limited to English alone. Possessing expertise in subjects like science, mathematics, arts, or vocational skills, can also give you opportunities to teach in China.
Below are the requirements to become a subject teacher in China:
- Bachelor’s degree in any major: Your degree doesn’t have to be directly related to the subject you’ll teach.
- Teaching experience: To qualify as a subject teacher, you usually need at least two years of teaching experience in the relevant subject. These two years of experience must come after you have earned your degree and must be gained outside of China.
Remember, different schools may have their variations of these requirements. So, it’s always wise to double-check with potential employers and the relevant Chinese authorities to ensure you meet the criteria.
Can I Teach in China Without a bachelor’s degree?
No, holding at least a bachelor’s degree is a basic requirement to obtain a work visa for teaching in China. Again, if schools or recruiters say you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to teach in China, it might be an illegal action or a scam. Always do a thorough research before making your decision.
To wrap it up, while having a TEFL, a bachelor’s degree, and a passport from a native English-speaking country is the usual way to teach in China, there are other options to teach English in China without a TEFL. Remember to follow the laws to avoid problems and have a great experience teaching in China.
Now that you have a good understanding of the requirements to teach in China, you’re ready to take the next step! For more detailed info about requirements to teach in China, check out our latest guide, Requirements to Teach in China 2025 – Complete Guide.
Looking for a school in China? You can easily search for schools here and even leave a review to help other teachers make informed decisions.
If you’re ready to jump in, browse our job board for the latest listings and start your journey today. Need help with visas or documents? Our visa help center is here to assist you every step of the way.
