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Teach English in Brunei and explore a small, peaceful country on Borneo's north coast. Residents of this wealthy country enjoy a standard of living unlike any other: education and healthcare are free, and houses, cars, and even pilgrimages to Mecca are subsidised, because of the country's huge offshore oil and gas deposits. Brunei is a country of luxurious contrasts: the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), is a mix of opulent mosques and ancient stilted wooden dwellings. You can spend a weekend living like a king at one of Brunei's luxurious hotels before trekking through pure, virgin rainforest, exploring tropical and biodiverse natural surroundings. Take a look at our exciting teaching jobs in Brunei today.
Brunei is one of the best-paid and least-known places to teach English in Asia. A small, oil-rich sultanate on the north coast of Borneo, it runs a long-standing English language teaching programme in its government schools through CfBT Education Services, in partnership with the Ministry of Education. Salaries are tax free, housing is provided, and the cost of living is low, which is why teachers who go to Brunei tend to stay for several contracts.
Brunei's school day finishes at 12.30pm Monday to Thursday, with a shorter day on Saturday and Friday off, leaving afternoons free for preparation, co-curricular activities or the beach.
Brunei sets a higher bar than most TEFL destinations. For the government school programme you will need:
Because applicants are competing with experienced teachers from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the quality of your TEFL qualification matters. A regulated Level 5 certificate signals to CfBT and to international school recruiters that your English language teaching training sits at the same level on the UK qualifications framework as a CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL.
Our 168-hour Level 5 TEFL course is regulated by Ofqual, the UK government's qualifications regulator, and awarded through TQUK. It is the qualification we recommend to every teacher applying for Brunei, the Gulf and other competitive, well-paid destinations.
Already have QTS? Level 5 gives you the ESL methodology that a PGCE in another subject doesn't cover, and it is the fastest way to evidence English language teaching training on your CV.
With a tax-free salary, free housing and modest living costs, Brunei offers some of the highest savings potential of any TEFL destination, comparable to the Gulf but with rainforest, beaches and Borneo on your doorstep. Bandar Seri Begawan is small, safe and quiet: alcohol is not sold, the culture is conservative Malay Muslim, and dress codes apply in schools, so it suits teachers looking for a calm family-friendly posting rather than nightlife. Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Singapore are all a short flight away for weekends and school holidays.
Primary and secondary English teacher roles with CfBT Education Services, with a tax-free salary of BND 42,000–66,000, housing, medical cover and a completion bonus. Two-year contracts starting in January.
View the Brunei teaching jobStrengthen your Brunei application with a regulated TEFL qualification. Most teachers complete the 168-hour Level 5 course in 8–12 weeks alongside work, ready for the next January intake.
Start the Level 5 TEFL courseGovernment school English teachers employed through CfBT earn a tax-free salary of BND 42,000 to 66,000 a year (about £24,000 to £38,000), depending on qualifications and experience, plus a bonus of one-sixth of salary on completing the contract. Housing and medical insurance are provided on top.
Not in government schools: the CfBT programme requires Qualified Teacher Status and at least three years of classroom experience. A TEFL certificate is an important addition to that, particularly a regulated Level 5 qualification, and is the main teaching qualification asked for by private language centres.
We recommend the 168-hour Level 5 TEFL. It is regulated by Ofqual and sits at Level 5 on the UK qualifications framework, the same level as a CELTA, which is what a Ministry of Education contractor and international school recruiters expect to see from a competitive applicant.
Schools run from about 7.30am to 12.30pm Monday to Thursday and on Saturday, with Friday and Sunday off. Teachers typically have 14 to 18 contact hours a week plus co-curricular sessions and stay-back periods for planning and meetings.
Brunei suits qualified, experienced teachers who want a high tax-free salary, a calm and safe environment and a base for exploring Borneo and South East Asia. If you are newly qualified or without QTS, destinations such as Vietnam, Thailand or Uzbekistan are more accessible first postings.
