What You Need to Teach English in Cambodia
Cambodia has among the lowest barriers to entry of any TEFL destination in Asia. No degree required at most schools. No document authentication before you fly. Here's exactly what you do and don't need.
Requirements — required, preferred, and optional
Not everything on this list is mandatory. What's required depends on which type of school you want to teach at. We've been clear about what's legally necessary versus what simply improves your options.
TEFL / TESOL Certificate — 120 hours minimum
While it is technically possible to find teaching work without a TEFL certificate in Cambodia, nearly every reputable language centre, private school, and international school expects one. A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the baseline — it signals that you can manage a classroom, plan lessons, and teach English effectively. Online courses are widely accepted. A CELTA, though not required, will make you highly competitive for better-paying roles.
Native or near-native English proficiency
You must be able to communicate clearly and confidently in English. Schools prefer candidates from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa, but Cambodia is genuinely one of the few markets where non-native speakers with strong proficiency can find teaching work. Fluency is assessed informally through the in-person interview — which is how virtually all Cambodia hiring is done.
Valid passport — 6+ months remaining
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. You'll need it for the E-class Visa on arrival, the work permit application, and potentially FPCS registration. Bring the original and have digital scans ready.
Bachelor's degree (any subject)
Cambodia does not legally require a degree for a work permit — this is one of its key advantages over Thailand, South Korea, and China. However, a degree significantly expands your options. International schools — the highest-paying employers — almost always require one. Without a degree, you'll be limited to language centres and private schools, which is still a viable path, but a narrower one. If you have a degree, bring it.
Criminal background check
Not a legal requirement at most schools, but increasingly asked for — especially by NGOs, international schools, and any school working with children. Get this before you leave your home country. Obtaining one while abroad is significantly harder, slower, and more expensive. Even if the school you join doesn't require it, having one ready demonstrates professionalism and will not hurt your application.
Teaching experience
Prior teaching experience is valued but absolutely not essential for entry-level roles. Cambodia actively hires first-time teachers. If you have a TEFL certificate, good English, and the right attitude, most language centres and private schools will consider you. Experience does make a difference when competing for higher-paying positions or international school roles — but it's something you can build in Cambodia itself.
Subject-specialist qualifications
If you want to teach specific subjects — Science, Maths, PE, or Music — at an international school, a teaching qualification from your home country in that subject will be expected. For general English teaching, subject specialisms are not relevant.
Cambodia vs other TEFL markets — entry requirements
Context matters. Cambodia's low barriers to entry are genuinely unusual in Asia. Here's how it compares to the three other most popular TEFL destinations in the region.
✓ Cambodia
Most accessible in Asia
No degree required for work permit. TEFL certificate sufficient at most schools. Non-native speakers welcome. No pre-departure document authentication. Arrive, interview, start work within weeks.
~ Thailand
Moderate barriers, higher pay
Bachelor's degree required for Non-B Visa. Degree must be authenticated before departure. Native speaker preferred. Longer pre-departure preparation process. Higher salaries — $1,200–$2,000/month typical.
✗ South Korea / Japan
High barriers, highest pay
Degree strictly required by law. Native speaker passport required (specific countries only). Authenticated documents before entry. Complex visa process. Highest salaries in Asia — $2,000–$3,500/month.
✓ Cambodia's practical advantage for first-timers
The most common TEFL career path in Asia: start in Cambodia to build classroom experience and a teaching CV, then move to Thailand (or further) once you have 1–2 years of documented experience. The requirements you can't meet today become much easier to meet once you have a track record.
What to bring — full pre-departure checklist
Essential documents
Passport — original + scanned copies of all pages
TEFL certificate — original + digital copy. 120-hour minimum.
2–4 passport photos — white background, recent
Printed CV — bring at least 10 printed copies for school visits
$35 USD cash for E-class Visa on arrival
$1,000–$1,500 USD start-up fund for initial living costs before first paycheck
Bring if you have them
Degree certificate — original + certified copy. Opens international school doors.
Criminal background check — get this at home; very hard to obtain abroad
Teaching references — letters from previous schools, tutoring, or relevant work
Degree authentication / apostille — NOT required in Cambodia (unlike Thailand)
Embassy appointment before flying — NOT required. Get the visa on arrival.
Not sure if you qualify? Let's find out.
TEFL Heaven's coordinators will assess your current qualifications and tell you exactly which schools and programs you're eligible for right now.
Requirements — your questions answered
Can I teach in Cambodia without any qualifications at all?
Technically yes — Cambodia has no law requiring a TEFL certificate or degree for teaching work. In practice, reputable schools expect at least a 120-hour TEFL certification. Without it, you'll be limited to informal teaching, volunteer work, or less reputable employers that you should approach with caution. For anyone serious about a Cambodia teaching career, the TEFL certificate is the non-negotiable starting point.
Does my degree subject matter?
For general English teaching roles, no — a degree in any subject is sufficient, and many schools won't ask what you studied. The degree itself signals to employers (and the visa system) that you've completed higher education. Subject expertise only becomes relevant if you're applying to teach a specific curriculum subject at an international school.
Do I need to authenticate my degree before going to Cambodia?
No — Cambodia does not require degree apostilles or government authentication. This is a significant practical advantage over Thailand, where authentication is a mandatory and time-consuming pre-departure step. Bring your original degree certificate and a scanned copy. That's all schools need.
Does age affect hiring chances in Cambodia?
Cambodia is one of the most age-inclusive TEFL markets in Asia. Unlike some other countries where there are informal hiring preferences for younger teachers, Cambodia regularly places teachers in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. There is no upper age limit for visa applications or work permits. Life experience is often viewed positively by employers.