Requirements to teach English in Malaysia
- A bachelor's degree — expected by employers and for the Employment Pass assessment.
- A 120-hour TEFL for language centres; a teaching licence (e.g. PGCE) for most international schools.
- A salary of at least RM5,000 a month — the Employment Pass Category III minimum from 1 June 2026 (up from RM3,000).
How much do English teachers earn in Malaysia?
| School type | Monthly pay (MYR) | ≈ USD |
|---|---|---|
| Language centres | ≈ RM5,500 | US$1,355 |
| International schools — entry | RM5,500–9,000 | US$1,355–2,215 |
| International schools — experienced | RM10,000–15,000 | US$2,460–3,700 |
| Universities | RM8,000–11,500 | US$1,970–2,830 |
Older data: these are the most recent teacher-specific figures we could find (The TEFL Academy, June 2024). Treat them as indicative — any job offered to a foreigner must now pay at least RM5,000. USD at 30 October 2026 rates (US$1 ≈ RM4.06).
The legal route: Employment Pass
- Get a job offer from an employer registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD).
- Your employer applies for an Employment Pass online. Category III (RM5,000–9,999) lasts up to five years, with a succession plan.
- Get your visa where your nationality needs one, enter Malaysia and complete the medical check and pass endorsement.
Non-native speakers and no degree
Non-native English speakers
Possible, but competitive. We found no legal passport rule for Employment Passes, but many employers advertise for the seven “native” countries. Strong qualifications and subject specialisms help most.
No degree
Very unlikely. Employers and the Employment Pass assessment expect a degree, and the RM5,000 floor rules out most entry-level jobs that might have accepted less.
When do schools in Malaysia hire?
International schools mostly start in August–September and recruit from October to March. Language centres hire all year.
Cost of living
| Monthly | MYR |
|---|---|
| 1-bed, Kuala Lumpur centre | ≈ RM1,600 |
| 1-bed, outside the centre | ≈ RM1,100 |
| Groceries | ≈ RM600 |
| Utilities · internet | ≈ RM195 · RM115 |
2024 figures — prices have likely risen since. The same source suggests RM6,000–12,000 in start-up money.
Sources checked
- Baker McKenzie, “Malaysia: Expatriate Services Division increases Employment Pass salary” (26 Jan 2026).
- The TEFL Academy, Malaysia TEFL factbook (7 Jun 2024).
- Exchange rate: open.er-api.com, 30 Oct 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for an Employment Pass in Malaysia?
From 1 June 2026, Category III requires at least RM5,000 a month (previously RM3,000).
Can I teach English in Malaysia without a degree?
Very unlikely. Employers and the Employment Pass process expect a degree.
Can non-native speakers teach English in Malaysia?
There is no legal passport rule we could find, but many employers prefer native-speaker passports.
Where are the English-teaching jobs in Malaysia?
Mostly in international schools and language centres in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru.
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: James Kerwin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).
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