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You are here: Home / Work & Money / Do You Need a Degree to Teach in Thailand?

Do You Need a Degree to Teach in Thailand?

This question deserves its own post because there's a lot of misinformation surrounding it.

I have answered this question in reply to various comments around the blog, but think it's important to clear this up so that people wanting to teach in Thailand, who don't have a degree, know where they stand.

The short answer is yes, you can teach in Thailand without a degree.

Over the years I have met numerous teachers, many who have been teaching for 10, 15 and even 20 years in Thailand without a degree. And they have no trouble staying employed.

So why do people say it is illegal to teach in Thailand without a degree?

Why do people say that to do so you would have to work for a school without a work permit or proper paperwork?

teaching-in-thailand-no-degree

What the Law Says About Degrees

It is true that the law states that schools are not allowed to sponsor the work permits of foreign nationals who do not have a degree.

So then, how are all these teachers teaching without a degree?

Well, like many areas of law, there are a number of loopholes that can be exploited.

1. The first loophole is that a school can classify a teacher as a “classroom assistant”.

In many cases this is not technically untrue, because although the teacher is working full-time, he/she is part of an English program that is assisting the other teachers in teaching children English.

So, for example, an English teacher may be employed to teach English to a number of form classes belonging to other teachers, and therefore the foreign English teacher can be classified as an assistant.

Even if this is not absolutely the case, it is unlikely that a government official is ever going to visit the school and investigate this matter. The point here is that the word assistant is broad and can be interpreted in a number of ways.

2. The second loophole is that teachers without a degree can find employment through agencies. Indeed, a large majority of those who end up teaching in Thailand do go through agencies.

Agencies actively advertise and recruit teachers, often through job boards  such as my own. The reason an agency can recruit the teacher without a degree is because an agency is a non-formal school.

The law only stipulates that a formal, government school cannot sponsor the work permit of a foreign English teacher without a degree.

So the agency can provide the  job offer letter required to obtain the non-immigrant B Visa, and the subsequent work permit. The agency then subcontracts the teacher out to a formal school.

A Lack of Teachers

The reality is that Thailand cannot afford to be picky and solely employ teachers with degrees. The reason for this is because the demand for foreign English teachers is very high.

In the big cities of Bangkok, Chang Mai, Phuket, and Khon Kaen, parents are willing to pay extra to get their children into classrooms led by foreign English teachers and schools that provide an English program.

There simply isn't enough teachers to meet the demand.

Thailand has a very immediate need to better its overall grasp of the English language to compete in the worldwide economy.

So if you don't have a degree, you might have to go through an agency, but this is not going to prevent you from getting a job.

If you have a TEFL certificate, and you are polite and enthusiastic and want a job, the likelihood is you are going to get one.

every single week there are jobs published on my job board seeking English teachers, particularly for native speakers from the UK, US, Australia, and New Zealand.

If you meet the requirements and the school has an urgent need, then you will get the job.

In many cases one of the requirements is a degree, but this is often waived if the school is hiring for an agency and thinks the candidate is suitable.

=> Your Next Read: The Beginner's Guide to Teaching in Thailand

Is a Degree Really Necessary?

I think a degree serves as a good barrier for entry, so that you don't just get any Tom, Dick, or Harry applying for a position, but at the same time I don't think it's really necessary.

If a person isn't up to the job and is a bad teacher, the school will replace that person. A problematic person won't last long in a Thai school.

Moreover, a degree from a western country doesn't necessarily prepare you in anyway to teach children in a classroom setting in rural Thailand.

Okay, if you have a teaching degree, or some other degree relating to working with children, that's a different story.

Me, I have a degree in commercial music. This is not going to help me teach grammar rules to children. I would still need to do a TEFL certification and have some pre-job and on-the-job training to ensure that I am delivering the correct lessons in a way that is optimal for the children.

There are TEFL courses held in Thailand that not only provide a TEFL certification but also provide in-class training to prepare teachers for teaching children in Thailand.

So before you enter the classroom you have a grasp on the environment, the culture, the kind of children you can expect to interact with and their level of understanding of English.

It's my opinion that the government is well aware of the loopholes and help people get around teaching without a degree, but they don't bother challenging this with the agencies and the schools because they understand that the demand outstrips the supply and that they would risk losing a lot of good teachers who don't have degrees.

Glad we have cleared that up.

=> Now go here to get your TEFL certification

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Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. Diogo Rabelo says

    May 13, 2022 at 1:02 am

    What about not having a bacherlors and not being a native? Can I still be able to find a job?
    Reply

    May 13, 2022 at 1:02 am

  2. Ian says

    May 11, 2022 at 7:25 pm

    Hi John

    Many thanks for this article. I am a native English speaker from the UK and have just recently gained a CELTA certification, however I do not possess a degree and during the lead up and duration of the course I was unaware of how much of a barrier this would present itself to be when looking for work.

    Could you tell me what my next course of action should be please? Should I apply for jobs in Thailand here in the UK despite all the vacancies I have seen advertised explicitly state the need for a degree, or should I head over to Thailand CELTA in hand and look for work in person?

    Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Reply

    May 11, 2022 at 7:25 pm

    • john says

      May 13, 2022 at 2:32 am

      Hello Ian

      Have you been to Thailand before?
      If not, you need information about living in Thailand.
      Try SEE TEFL in Chiangmai, they can give you more information.
      Reply

      May 13, 2022 at 2:32 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      May 13, 2022 at 2:45 am

      Hi Ian,There are agencies you can go through to get a job without a degree. It's great that you have the CELTA. Check through the comments here as topic this is well covered.
      Reply

      May 13, 2022 at 2:45 am

  3. Kristina says

    May 4, 2022 at 6:31 pm

    Hello,

    I'm from South African and I have a few years of experience in teaching but I don't have a degree. Can you recommend any agencies that could help me?
    Thank you.
    Reply

    May 04, 2022 at 6:31 pm

    • john says

      May 5, 2022 at 12:02 am

      hi Kristina

      You don't need a degree, from South Africa, as an English native speaker .
      But you will need a TEFL certificate.

      Try this agency: gino.educatefirst @ gmail.com
      Reply

      May 05, 2022 at 12:02 am

  4. john says

    March 16, 2022 at 5:57 pm

    Hello (not an answer)

    I am a non native speaker with a tefl/tesol certificate only.
    Teaching experience in China , Thailand.
    Planning on moving to Thailand again.
    Can somebody recommend agencies .
    Reply

    Mar 16, 2022 at 5:57 pm

  5. Sam says

    March 13, 2022 at 4:59 pm

    A very helpful article. I have a High School diploma and a CELTA, and like others have mentioned I was wondering if you had the names of a couple of agencies I could try please?
    Reply

    Mar 13, 2022 at 4:59 pm

  6. Nancy Russell says

    January 20, 2022 at 1:15 am

    I taught ESL at AUA in Bangkok 25 years ago. And, even though I had only a BA in Art, I was in Thailand for only 3 days when they hired me fulltime teaching adults. They gave all the new hires training. Within a few months they transferred me to Bhurapa University to teach English to students and professors. I worked 7 days a week!
    It did help that I had lived in Thailand for half a year twenty years earlier, I think. I don't speak more than a several dozen Thai words but I just love Thia people!!!
    Reply

    Jan 20, 2022 at 1:15 am

    • Nancy Russell says

      March 14, 2022 at 8:11 pm

      One thing I forgot to mention...I never was given a contract or a work permit. Every 3 months I traveled to a nearby country to renew my tourist visa. But I was able to experience Malayasia and Cambodia. A plus for me.
      Reply

      Mar 14, 2022 at 8:11 pm

  7. Will says

    January 5, 2022 at 12:43 am

    Hi thank you so much for providing this information! I'm curious, would a Bachelors from a University that is Nationally Accredited in the U.S. but not Regionally Accredited be a problem at all? Also, if you were to travel to Thailand and apply for a job with an agency without a degree, would the agency use that as leverage to give you a lower salary? Do you know what kind of salary someone without a Bachelors or someone with only an Associates + TEFL Cert. can expect from an agency? Appreciate any help you can offer!
    Reply

    Jan 05, 2022 at 12:43 am

  8. Daniel Buka says

    November 21, 2021 at 8:58 pm

    Can you assist me about possible arrangement on contacting a school where I can teach first ,please?
    Reply

    Nov 21, 2021 at 8:58 pm

  9. Carl says

    November 1, 2021 at 3:17 pm

    I work for a private school in Khon Kaen and I am currently studying towards a degree. My school would like to get me a work permit, any ideas on how it could be done?
    Reply

    Nov 01, 2021 at 3:17 pm

    • Charlie Brown says

      November 16, 2021 at 12:13 pm

      Yes.There is a little street in Bangkok that can move your degree along at a very fast pace. Answering for a friend.
      Reply

      Nov 16, 2021 at 12:13 pm

      • Angelo says

        May 10, 2022 at 3:18 am

        Hey john
        Do you know a agency for teachers that aren’t from a native speaking country but the Netherlands. And no degree. That can find a job
        Reply

        May 10, 2022 at 3:18 am

  10. Pensri says

    October 13, 2021 at 4:10 am

    Hello ,
    I am a native English speaker from the US with a tefl/tesol certificate only with a high school diploma though . I am planning on moving to Chiang Mai and was wondering if there are any agencies that you can recommend ? Or also any places that would offer onsite training
    Reply

    Oct 13, 2021 at 4:10 am

    • Shevriano says

      February 17, 2022 at 3:26 pm

      Hey Pensri,
      (Not to answer your question . But i was hoping you'd answer mine )
      Did you end up moving to Chang Mai ?
      What was it like ?
      Did you find an Agency ?
      Im planning on moving to Thailand in 2023 . Fyi , just like you, I just hold a TEFL certificate and high school diploma.
      Reply

      Feb 17, 2022 at 3:26 pm

  11. Tariq says

    September 1, 2021 at 11:31 pm

    Hey. I don’t live in any of those countries but English is my official first language. I also have a masters degree. Can I get a teaching job?
    Reply

    Sep 01, 2021 at 11:31 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      September 2, 2021 at 12:21 am

      Yes. If you do a TEFL you will have no problem getting a job. See about courses here: https://www.thethailandlife.com/best-tefl-teaching-course
      Reply

      Sep 02, 2021 at 12:21 am

  12. Savannah says

    August 29, 2021 at 11:24 am

    Hi! I found this post very helpful. Do you mind emailing me agencies that you recommend working with? I have spoken with a few agencies and I am having similar issues as previously mentioned.
    Reply

    Aug 29, 2021 at 11:24 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      August 30, 2021 at 3:32 am

      I've just sent you the list of emails for agencies that can help. This list was provided to me by Charles, who commented previously.
      Reply

      Aug 30, 2021 at 3:32 am

      • Ryan says

        March 9, 2022 at 1:18 pm

        Hello, I am currently taking my online TEFL Course.
        Can you please send to me this list as well?
        Thank you very much.
        Reply

        Mar 09, 2022 at 1:18 pm

  13. Charles says

    August 3, 2021 at 12:06 am

    Hello, I’m currently in Thailand and applying for teaching jobs. I’ve had a number of interviews that have all been successful but the final question is “do you have a degree?”

    This is a huge problem for me as I’ve travelled during Covid and have been led a long by an agency to be hit with this question on arrival.

    Could you offer some advice or guidance on this please?

    I’ve only got 2 months left on my TR visa.

    Thanks,

    Charles
    Reply

    Aug 03, 2021 at 12:06 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      August 3, 2021 at 12:18 am

      Strange. They're crying out for teachers at the moment due to the COVID exodus. Have you tried contacting a different agency, like Arna: arnaeduc@gmail.com
      Reply

      Aug 03, 2021 at 12:18 am

      • Charles says

        August 3, 2021 at 12:30 am

        The worst part is I am actually studying a part time degree at the moment, I have my grades for the modules I’ve finished.

        But this is not enough. I 100% agree with you on the lack of foreigners available due to the pandemic.

        I’ve stayed in Thailand before for a year on 6 month TR visa’s.

        I’ve already emailed Ajarn before unfortunately.

        Thanks,

        CE
        Reply

        Aug 03, 2021 at 12:30 am

        • TheThailandLife says

          August 3, 2021 at 12:32 am

          Arna not Ajarn.Say you have a degree but the certificate is back home. You'll get it shipped :)
          Reply

          Aug 03, 2021 at 12:32 am

          • TheThailandLife says

            August 3, 2021 at 12:33 am

            Take a job in the provinces, something up North or North East. I've met so many teachers without degrees teaching upcountry.
            Reply

            Aug 03, 2021 at 12:33 am

        • Liya Maqubela says

          November 15, 2021 at 6:56 pm

          Hi Charles, I’m also currently in Thailand and a non degree holder. What agencies have you contacted and have you had any luck being employed legally ?
          Reply

          Nov 15, 2021 at 6:56 pm

      • Kasey says

        August 24, 2021 at 5:19 pm

        Hey I am also in a similar situation but I didn't manage to get a STV because I didn't have a contact in Thailand. So i'm just here for 45 days looking for a job desperately.

        Charles, Where are you based in Thailand? I'm currently in Phuket and there aren't any jobs on Ajarn and I have also emailed the Arna and haven't had a response.

        I think COVID times are proving harder to get a job without a degree. I've tried to reason saying I have a HND but I still get no response.
        Reply

        Aug 24, 2021 at 5:19 pm

        • Charles says

          August 24, 2021 at 7:20 pm

          I’m currently in Bangkok now.

          Yeah I think it’s a hard time for everyone!

          Do you have line I could send you some company emails.

          And see what we can do
          Reply

          Aug 24, 2021 at 7:20 pm

          • Kasey Redondo says

            August 25, 2021 at 2:58 pm

            That would be great but I'm not sure it's wise to post my contact details on this blog. So I'm not sure how to go about this.
            Reply

            Aug 25, 2021 at 2:58 pm

            • TheThailandLife says

              August 25, 2021 at 5:31 pm

              If you want me to I can email Charles your email address or vice versa, and that way no one will see your details. Let me know.
              Reply

              Aug 25, 2021 at 5:31 pm

              • Kasey Redondo says

                August 25, 2021 at 5:32 pm

                Yes that would be great! Thank you!
                Reply

                Aug 25, 2021 at 5:32 pm

                • TheThailandLife says

                  August 25, 2021 at 5:37 pm

                  I have just sent your email to Charles. Best of luck with the job search!
                  Reply

                  Aug 25, 2021 at 5:37 pm

                  • Charles says

                    August 25, 2021 at 5:52 pm

                    Yes I wasn’t 100% sure about sending contact details across here. Lol

                    I’ve sent you an email
                    (it may be in your junk folder)

                    Thanks
                    Reply

                    Aug 25, 2021 at 5:52 pm

  14. jamie mcc says

    March 6, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    I am currently considering becoming the latest ajarn to land in Thailand with big hopes and dreams, and have been doing my research on this and other similar websites but still have many questions!

    I am adding the finishing touches to my PhD dissertation in Anthropology. I do not have any specific TEFL or CELTA qualification, however I do have experience teaching university tutorial classes to undergrads over the past few years.

    I am not too concerned if the job would 'match' my qualifications, as I would be very happy to teach anywhere at any level, but I was wondering if my PhD would be sufficient to unlock any doors to a teaching job in Thailand.

    Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks
    Reply

    Mar 06, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      March 9, 2021 at 12:32 am

      It might, particularly for private schools or university openings. However, a TEFL would be a good idea, just to kick-start your career here with a public school or agency.
      Reply

      Mar 09, 2021 at 12:32 am

  15. Marilyn says

    February 8, 2021 at 2:51 pm

    Hi There, would a associates degree from an American university count at all?
    Reply

    Feb 08, 2021 at 2:51 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      February 8, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      I would assume so. I've never seen any literature stating otherwise. It's better than no degree, but even then you can still teach in Thailand, as I point out here: https://www.thethailandlife.com/degree-teach-thailand
      Reply

      Feb 08, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      • Daniel Buka says

        February 27, 2021 at 6:20 pm

        I have no degree but has diploma in primary school teaching and have 9 years experience of of teaching. I Completed two year college in primary school teaching job.Am currently teaching. I wish i come there and work to assist small children.
        Reply

        Feb 27, 2021 at 6:20 pm

  16. Monica says

    January 24, 2021 at 1:48 am

    Hi there!

    Would you say it's still true it's possible to get work and a visa that will allow you to stay longer than 90 days without a degree. I've got 5 years experience teaching ESL and TEFL certificate, but no degree, for reference. Secondly, would you say it's possible to work part time and sustain yourself in Thailand? Thirdly, is it possible to teach privately and stay on a tourist visa and just leave every 60 days?

    Many Thanks,

    Monica
    Reply

    Jan 24, 2021 at 1:48 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      January 24, 2021 at 3:48 am

      Hi Monica,1. Yes. If you get a job you will get a work permit. You can stay in the country but will have to report to immigration every 90 days.2. Not as a teacher I don't think. That would be half the money, around 15-17k Baht a month. It's doable but probably not sustainable long term.3. No. You can't work on a tourist visa. You would have a work permit.Hope this helps!
      Reply

      Jan 24, 2021 at 3:48 am

      • Monica says

        January 24, 2021 at 5:38 pm

        Thanks so much. I see so many people saying it's impossible to get a job without a degree, is that just because it's a preference for many companies? Do you think it's better to go to Thailand first, and look for work once I'm there? Thanks again!
        Reply

        Jan 24, 2021 at 5:38 pm

        • TheThailandLife says

          January 24, 2021 at 8:39 pm

          The reality is there aren't enough teachers to fill the positions, and as noted in the post it's easy to get around a teacher not having a degree. There are plenty of agencies who can place you in a job. You have teaching experience too, and that's a big plus point.Everything is always easier to do once you have boots on the ground, so yes I'd recommend moving there first, finding your feet, testing out a few different places to live, and then finding a job in the city/town you feel most at home in.
          Reply

          Jan 24, 2021 at 8:39 pm

          • Monica says

            January 25, 2021 at 2:01 am

            Thank you very much!!
            Reply

            Jan 25, 2021 at 2:01 am

  17. Kb says

    January 6, 2021 at 6:11 am

    Does it make sense to get your TEFL here (Canada) arrive on 90 day Visa and apply for the agencies when you get there?
    Reply

    Jan 06, 2021 at 6:11 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      January 6, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      It really depends on your plans. Some people want the experience of studying in Thailand and the work experience that is often provided with that, and others just want to hit the ground running and start looking for work immediately. In the current COVID climate you might find it easier to do the TEFL at home first. There are still courses running in Thailand, but like much of the world the situation is unpredictable at the moment.
      Reply

      Jan 06, 2021 at 4:37 pm

  18. Ryan says

    December 28, 2020 at 9:09 pm

    Have you heard of anyone using a "Life Experience" bachelors degree? I could get a visa on my own because my wife is Thai, but I would prefer to work at a government school without an agency. I'm just not sure how deeply into these degrees they actually check.
    Reply

    Dec 28, 2020 at 9:09 pm

  19. Swim Genius says

    November 16, 2020 at 1:54 pm

    Hi, so I am a coach and I have an offer to teach part time at an international school. I do not have a degree though but do have 11 years of experience and have certificates for coaching. would that suffice in getting a work permit? the school is the one who will be applying for my work permit.
    Reply

    Nov 16, 2020 at 1:54 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      November 17, 2020 at 10:17 pm

      I don’t think this would be a problem because a swimming coach requires coaching certificates not a degree. The degree is useless for the position without the coaching experience. I’m sure the school will apply for the work permit based on needing to bring in specific expertise outside of the standard teacher role.Go for it.
      Reply

      Nov 17, 2020 at 10:17 pm

  20. Ryan V says

    August 10, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    How about non-teaching profession? I'm an engineering graduate, what is the possibility to get a work their in Thailand?
    Reply

    Aug 10, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    • James E says

      August 10, 2020 at 10:58 pm

      Check out TTL's post: https://www.thethailandlife.com/jobs-thailand-expats. Right now I'd think you'd have some serious work to do to get any kind of employment in Thailand. Your best bet would be to look for a western company that's hiring for their Thailand operations. While you're working on that learn to speak and read Thai. That will increase your prospects about 10,000%
      Reply

      Aug 10, 2020 at 10:58 pm

      • TheThailandLife says

        August 10, 2020 at 11:03 pm

        There is a fair number of foreign engineers working in Thailand, but as James said under the current climate getting work isn't going to be easy. There's plenty you can do now though in terms of researching potential companies operating out of Thailand that employ foreign nationals. Jobs do occasionally come up on the job board but not much lately: https://www.thethailandlife.com/jobs
        Reply

        Aug 10, 2020 at 11:03 pm

  21. Joeid Llano says

    May 12, 2020 at 4:01 am

    How to get a teaching job in Thailand for a highschool graduate like me. Hope you can help.
    Reply

    May 12, 2020 at 4:01 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      May 15, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      You need a TEFL to start with. Then get yourself to Thailand and register with an agency for jobs :)
      Reply

      May 15, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      • MR SPENCER D HEALY says

        October 8, 2020 at 5:41 am

        Can you recommend any agencies?
        Reply

        Oct 08, 2020 at 5:41 am

        • TheThailandLife says

          October 12, 2020 at 2:38 am

          Hi, in which area? Bangkok, Chiang Mai?
          Reply

          Oct 12, 2020 at 2:38 am

          • SPENCER D HEALY says

            December 19, 2020 at 6:55 am

            I’d like to know about agencies in Bangkok
            Reply

            Dec 19, 2020 at 6:55 am

  22. Rose says

    February 29, 2020 at 10:05 pm

    Hi there, Fantastic article by the way! Its opened my eyes to what really goes on for people who want to become an English teacher here in Thailand. My story is that I moved to Thailand in july 2019 From Australia, I am a native Australian..my mother is Thai. I've been making my income through freelance one-on-one tutoring to Thais around my area but ever since I got to Bangkok I wanted to teach in a proper school but was told I couldnt unless I held a Bachelor degree or higher. Is there still hope for me to teach in a school? > what do you suggest I do? thanks!
    Reply

    Feb 29, 2020 at 10:05 pm

  23. Deus Nibyo says

    February 24, 2020 at 2:08 am

    Hello,

    If I am not a native English speaker and I have interest in teaching in Thailand . Do I face difficulties in searching for a teaching job? Guide me.
    Reply

    Feb 24, 2020 at 2:08 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      February 24, 2020 at 5:39 pm

      There are plenty of jobs for non native speakers, as you'll see posted on the job board: https://www.thethailandlife.com/jobs Have you got your TEFL? That's important. Please see this teaching guide for further information: https://www.thethailandlife.com/teaching-thailand-guide
      Reply

      Feb 24, 2020 at 5:39 pm

  24. Trent Stewart says

    December 27, 2019 at 6:43 pm

    Hello, thank you for the great article.

    Is it possible to get some names on good effective agencies that can assist with the above and I am particular interested in Chiang Rai area.

    Your help and input would be hugely appreciated.

    Regards.

    Trent .
    Reply

    Dec 27, 2019 at 6:43 pm

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