What You Need to Teach English in Vietnam
To work legally and confidently as an English teacher in Vietnam, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree
The Vietnamese government, and therefore all employers require a bachelor’s degree in any subject. It’s not possible to work legally in Vietnam without a Bachelor’s degree.
- TEFL certificate
A properly accredited (minimum 120‑hour) TEFL or TESOL certificate is essential. Aim for a course that includes practical teaching experience, which employers value highly.
- English proficiency
If you don’t hold a passport from the UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa, you’ll need to be able to show that you have a certified English level of C1 or higher, an IELTS score of 7, or equivalent, as well as demonstrating excellent spoken and written English during your job interview. Non‑native speakers can strengthen their applications with a high‑quality TEFL certificate, references, and prior teaching experience.
- Background and health checks
You’ll need a clean police background check from your home country and you’ll also undergo a simple health check once in Vietnam (usually arranged and paid for by your employer).
- Age
Most employers follow Vietnam’s official retirement ages (currently 55 for women and 60 for men) when deciding who to sponsor for a visa.
- Experience
One of the reasons Vietnam is so attractive for new teachers is that prior teaching experience isn’t required for most jobs. If your TEFL course included a practical component, that’s normally enough to satisfy schools.
How to Choose the Right TEFL Course in Vietnam
Choosing the right TEFL course is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you start your teaching career – and it can make the difference between struggling to find a job and feeling confident in the classroom from day one.
For more about choosing a course, see our 6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a TEFL Course.
Schools in Vietnam quickly recognise whether a teacher has been properly trained. A quality TEFL course not only gets your CV noticed but also gives you the skills and confidence you’ll need to succeed in real classrooms.
When comparing courses, here’s what to look for:
- Accreditation and recognition
Your certificate should be fully accredited and widely recognised by schools in Vietnam and abroad.
- Observed teaching practice
With real students and feedback from experienced trainers, not just role‑playing with classmates.
- Lesson planning and classroom skills
Make sure the course teaches you how to plan and deliver engaging, effective lessons – not just theory.
- Job support
Look for a course that offers guidance on finding work after you qualify — from CV tips and interview practice to employer connections and ongoing advice.
For more about the importance of accreditation, see TEFL Accreditation: What is it and why is it important?
Both online and in‑person courses are accepted by schools here – but taking your TEFL course in Vietnam offers some big advantages:
- Many employers prefer candidates who are already in Vietnam and ready to start.
- You can start to build a network and maybe even meet employers during the course.
- You can settle in and adjust to life here while you train.
Many teachers who take our Vietnam course at School of TEFL have jobs lined up before they even finish training.
From Training to Teaching in Vietnam: Getting Your First Job
Once you’ve chosen the right course and completed your training, the next step is moving into the classroom – understanding what to expect from the job market, what employers are looking for, and how to land your first job with confidence.
Being in Vietnam when you apply can make things easier. Many schools prefer candidates who are already here and ready to start, and you’ll have the chance to meet employers face‑to‑face. But it’s not essential – plenty of teachers arrange jobs from abroad, especially if they’ve trained with a reputable provider and are flexible about where they work.
When you’re ready to apply, here’s how to give yourself the best chance:
- Update your CV – include your TEFL certification, any experience with children or teaching (even informal), and transferable skills like communication and organisation.
- Be ready to decide quickly – schools here often interview and make offers within a day or two.
- Line up several interviews – this gives you options and lets you choose the best fit.
Tip: Employers often use WhatsApp, Messenger or Zalo for a first contact after you apply. Be ready to respond quickly – a fast reply can make the difference between getting an offer and missing out.
For more about CVs and interviews, see TEFL Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.
If you take your TEFL course in Vietnam, the training centre can often connect you directly with trusted employers, taking much of the stress out of the process and helping you transition smoothly from trainee to teacher.
Visas and Work Permits: What You Need to Work Legally
Before you can work legally in Vietnam, you’ll need the right visa, work permit, and residence card – and understanding the process ahead of time will make everything much smoother. Most employers will guide you through the paperwork once you’re hired, but it’s worth knowing what to expect before you even arrive.
To work legally as a teacher in Vietnam, you’ll need to be sponsored by an employer – but the process starts before you even secure a job. Here’s how it usually works, step by step:
- Enter Vietnam on a tourist visa
Most teachers arrive in Vietnam on a tourist e‑visa, which costs around $25 and is valid for 90 days. This covers the time you need to complete your TEFL course and secure a job offer.
- Find a job and convert your visa
Once you’re hired, your employer will help you convert your tourist visa into a business visa so you can begin working legally. In rare cases where the process isn’t completed within 90 days, you may need to briefly leave Vietnam to renew your tourist visa – for example, by taking a visa‑run bus to the Cambodian border and back, which takes about half a day and costs around $115.
- Apply for your work permit
Your employer will sponsor your application and guide you through the paperwork, which typically includes your notarised degree certificate, TEFL certificate, police background check, and a simple medical exam (usually done locally).
- Get your temporary residence card
Once your work permit is approved, you’ll receive a residence card (valid up to two years) that replaces your visa and allows you to stay and work legally for the duration of your contract.
Tip: Make sure your degree certificate, background check, and IELTS/TOEFL certificate if you’re a non-native speaker, are notarised and legalised before you travel. It’s far easier to handle this at home than to arrange it from Vietnam once you’re here. Bring multiple copies if you can – both immigration authorities and individual employers may require them.
Some teachers work “under the table” on a tourist visa, but this is very risky – you could face fines, deportation, or find it harder to get proper documentation later. Schools and training centres that help you through the proper process will also assist with authenticating and translating your documents when needed.
Note: Visa regulations can change at short notice. Always check official government sources before making travel or work plans.
Teaching Jobs in Vietnam: Where You’ll Work and What You’ll Earn
Teaching jobs in Vietnam come in a variety of settings – each with its own typical schedule, class sizes, and pay. Most full-time contracts require 20–30 classroom hours per week, with schedules that can include daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. You’ll usually have at least one day off per week, and contracts can range from short-term (as little as three months) to two years, renewable. Paid holidays and sick leave vary by employer, so it’s worth asking about these details when you’re offered a job. Understanding your options will help you choose a role that fits your skills, lifestyle, and goals.
- Public schools
Large classes (often 40–50 students), a regular Monday–Friday schedule with long lunch breaks, and good work–life balance. Salaries are typically in the range of $1,200–$2,000/month.
- Language centres
The most common option for new teachers, with smaller classes (5–20 students) and schedules that include evenings and weekends. Salaries are usually $1,700–$2,000/month for full-time positions, or $17–$20/hour for part-time work.
- International schools
Highly competitive, with stricter hiring standards, often requiring a teaching license or master’s degree. Salaries can range from $2,000–$5,000/month and usually include benefits like housing and flights.
- Universities
Stable hours and generous holidays, though competition is strong and advanced qualifications are often required. Typical salaries are around $1,700–$2,000/month.
- Private tutoring
Flexible and potentially lucrative ($12–$25/hour), though you’ll need to build your own student base and make sure your visa and contract allow it.
When to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Vietnam
Language centres typically recruit year-round, as they have rolling student intake and an ongoing need to replace teachers who finish their contracts. Public schools, on the other hand, tend to have a peak hiring season from July/August to September/October, with some positions continuing to open throughout the semester.
Tip: Avoid job hunting during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday and the weeks just before it. Recruitment tends to slow down or pause altogether. Tet usually falls in late January or early February.
Living Costs & How Much You Can Save in Vietnam
Vietnam’s low cost of living is one of the main reasons teachers choose to work here – even in the largest cities, your expenses are modest compared to your income. A private one‑bedroom apartment costs anywhere from $200–$600/month, depending on the city, the neighbourhood, and whether you choose to share. In central areas of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, expect to pay closer to the higher end, while apartments outside the centre or in smaller cities are often much cheaper.
Daily meals are also inexpensive – a typical local dish like pho or banh mi costs just $1–$3, while a mid‑range restaurant or Western meal is around $8–$10. Groceries at local markets are very affordable, but imported items can be more expensive.
Monthly utilities – including electricity, water, and internet – usually run between $30–$80, depending on your use of air conditioning.
Most teachers get around by renting a motorbike for about $50–$100/month, with petrol costing just around $1/litre, or by using cheap local buses and Grab (ride‑sharing).
Tip: If you rent a motorbike, use a reputable company, and check the brakes, tyres, and lights before signing. In Vietnam, you’re responsible for repairs during your rental, even if the damage wasn’t your fault.
With careful budgeting – and possibly adding a few private tutoring hours – many teachers save up to half their salary per month. Before you arrive, it’s wise to have enough to cover your first few months, including visa fees, a rent deposit, and daily expenses until your first paycheck comes in.
Based on data from the following publicly available sources (Remember that actual costs may vary):
Where You Can Live and Teach in Vietnam
The majority of teaching jobs in Vietnam are concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but there are also opportunities in smaller cities and regional areas if you prefer a slower pace or more immersive experience. Here’s what to expect in each:
- Ho Chi Minh City
The country’s economic centre – modern, fast‑paced, and full of job opportunities. Ideal if you enjoy a vibrant, international environment.
- Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital – more traditional and historic, with a slower pace of life and plenty of teaching positions.
- Smaller cities
Places like Can Tho, Haiphong, Hue, or Bien Hoa offer a lower cost of living, fewer expats, and a chance to experience Vietnamese culture more deeply.
Tourist hotspots such as Da Nang and Hoi An, and some of the smaller cities mentioned above, have relatively few teaching opportunities compared to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. This is partly because these areas have smaller populations, fewer language centres, and lower overall demand for English teachers. In popular tourist towns especially, many available teaching positions are already filled by teachers who stay long‑term, making turnover rare. They’re great places to visit on holidays or weekends, but may not always be the best choice if you’re looking for steady, full‑time teaching work.
Cultural Tips for Teaching in Vietnam
- Vietnamese students are generally respectful and eager to learn. Primary school students can be lively, so games and interactive activities work well to keep them engaged.
- Dress modestly – business casual attire is expected in most schools, and looking professional helps you earn respect.
- Avoid making someone “lose face” – offer feedback privately and respectfully to maintain good relationships with students and colleagues.
- Take time to build relationships – showing genuine respect and interest in Vietnamese culture goes a long way in and out of the classroom.
Career Growth and Opportunities in Vietnam
Many teachers come to Vietnam planning to stay just a year, but end up building a longer‑term career here. As you gain experience, you’ll find opportunities to earn more, move into more competitive roles, and even specialise in areas with higher demand. Here are some of the career paths you can work toward:
- Earn higher hourly rates and move into better‑paying schools.
- Transition into management or academic coordinator roles, earning upwards of $2,500/month.
- Specialise in high‑demand areas like IELTS preparation or teacher training.
- Move into universities or even international schools if you gain additional qualifications.
Ready to Get Started?
Starting your teaching journey in Vietnam is exciting – and can be a little daunting. Taking the time to choose the right course and understand what to expect will make your move much smoother and help you feel more confident from day one. When you’re ready, here are some ways we can help:
We’ve been helping new teachers take their first steps in TEFL since 2005, and we’re here to help you when you’re ready.
Helpful Links
Sources & References
In addition to the cost of living sources, some information in this guide is based on publicly available data from the following official sources:
This guide also draws on over 20 years of experience supporting teachers and schools in Vietnam since 2005.
