TEFL Course · China
Online TEFL Course for Teaching in China
China remains one of the biggest English teaching markets in the world. Schools hire year-round across public schools, language centres, and private institutions, with salaries that often include housing or other benefits.
Why teach English in China?
- One of the largest TEFL job markets in the world
- Strong salaries compared with local living costs
- Housing, flights, and bonuses often included
- Wide range of cities, school types, and student age groups
What China schools expect
China is a major opportunity market, but it is more regulated than some South East Asian destinations. Schools and recruiters usually want applicants who clearly meet visa requirements and can step into the classroom confidently.
- 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate commonly required
- Bachelor's degree required for legal work visa routes
- Strong English proficiency
- Valid passport and clean background check
- Professional attitude and readiness for structured hiring
Can you teach English in China without a degree?
For legal mainstream teaching roles, no. China typically requires a bachelor's degree as part of the work visa process for foreign English teachers.
That is why a TEFL certificate should be paired with the right core qualifications. If you do have a degree, TEFL certification can help you access more roles, stronger offers, and better classroom readiness.
Visa requirements for China
China is one of the more document-driven TEFL markets. Teachers usually need a degree, background check, passport validity, and employer sponsorship. Rules can change, so schools and recruiters normally guide successful applicants through the process.
Best for: degree holders, teachers seeking higher salaries, and applicants who want a large and structured market.
Where do teachers work in China?
- Private language centres
- Public schools
- Bilingual schools
- International schools
Best cities to teach in China
- Beijing for prestige and strong demand
- Shanghai for salary and international exposure
- Shenzhen and Guangzhou for modern, fast-growing markets
- Second-tier cities for lower living costs and less competition
Ready to teach in China?
Build a stronger application with online TEFL training and prepare for one of the biggest teaching markets in Asia.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a degree to teach in China?
Yes, in most cases you need a bachelor's degree to qualify for a legal English teaching work visa in China.
What salary can I expect in China?
Many teachers earn between USD 1,500 and 3,500 per month, with some packages also including housing, flights, bonuses, or contract completion benefits.
Is China good for first-time teachers?
China can be good for first-time teachers who have the right documents and want a large market with structured hiring. It is less flexible than Laos or Cambodia, but often offers stronger packages.
Why take a TEFL course before applying to China?
A TEFL course helps meet school expectations, improves classroom confidence, and can strengthen your application in a competitive hiring market.