Requirements to teach English in Hong Kong
- A degree. The employment visa normally needs a first degree; learning centres and kindergartens ask for one too.
- A TEFL certificate — learning centres usually ask for an accredited 100-hour+ course.
- For the NET Scheme (new joiners from 2025/26): a relevant English degree (or any degree plus a higher degree in English), a PGDE majoring in English or equivalent, and a TEFL/TESL certificate, with native-speaker competence. Overseas qualifications are assessed by HKCAAVQ.
How much do English teachers earn in Hong Kong?
| Job type | Monthly pay (HKD) | ≈ USD |
|---|---|---|
| NET Scheme (government schools) | HK$35,080–67,850 | US$4,470–8,650 |
| + NET special allowance | HK$20,989 | US$2,675 |
| Learning centres & kindergartens | HK$22,000–25,000 | US$2,800–3,190 |
NET pay is capped at HK$44,765 without a locally recognised teacher-training qualification. NETs also get flights, baggage allowances and a 10% contract gratuity. Learning-centre listings commonly include visa sponsorship and a completion bonus. USD at 30 October 2026 rates (US$1 ≈ HK$7.85).
The legal route: employment visa
- Get a full-time job offer that matches your qualifications.
- Your employer supports an employment visa under the General Employment Policy (GEP). The package must be broadly in line with market pay for professionals.
- Wait for approval before you start work, then register for a Hong Kong identity card.
NET teachers: the offer depends on getting the visa yourself, and visa costs are borne by the teacher. NET contracts run two years from mid-August; the 2026/27 deadline was 24 April 2026.
Non-native speakers and no degree
Non-native English speakers
Possible. There is no passport list. The NET Scheme asks for native-speaker competence, not nationality, and learning centres decide for themselves.
No degree
Very unlikely. The GEP normally requires a first degree; exceptions need strong technical qualifications or documented professional experience.
When do schools in Hong Kong hire?
The school year starts in September. NET applications close in spring for an August start; learning centres and kindergartens hire all year, with many contracts starting in September.
Cost of living
We could not find a reliable, dated 2026 source for typical rents, so we have not published figures. Rent is by far the biggest cost in Hong Kong — ask whether accommodation or a housing allowance is included before you accept a HK$22,000–25,000 offer.
Sources checked
- Education Bureau, Recruitment of NETs for primary schools 2026/27, and Memorandum on Conditions of Service (June 2026).
- Immigration Department, Guidebook for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong (revised 2 June 2026).
- Learning-centre and kindergarten listings via The TEFL Academy (4 Aug and 23 Sept 2026).
- Exchange rate: open.er-api.com, 30 Oct 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the NET Scheme pay?
HK$35,080–67,850 a month on the government pay scale, plus a HK$20,989 monthly special allowance for teachers recruited from overseas.
Do I need a PGDE for the NET Scheme?
Yes, for new joiners from 2025/26: a relevant degree, a PGDE majoring in English or equivalent, and a TEFL/TESL certificate.
Can non-native speakers teach in Hong Kong?
Yes. There is no passport rule; the NET Scheme asks for native-speaker competence and centres decide for themselves.
How much do learning centres pay in Hong Kong?
Recent 2026 listings offer about HK$22,000–25,000 a month, usually with visa sponsorship.
Updated October 2026 by Teacher Francois. Salaries and visa rules are typical ranges reported for 2025–2026 and can change — always confirm with your employer and the official embassy or immigration website before you pay for anything.
Photo: Wilfredor, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).
