TEFL Jobs in Cambodia
Make a positive impact and see the world with our exciting TEFL jobs.
Teach English in Cambodia and explore a country that ranks the number one friendliest in the world, based on results of a reader survey by the international "Rough Guides" website. From the famed Angkor Wat to the thousands of ancient temples and religious monuments that dot the nation, to traditional dance, music, arts, and culture, Cambodia offers the visitor a huge array of spectacular experiences. Take a look at our exciting teaching jobs in Cambodia today!
Teaching English in Cambodia: jobs, salaries and how to get hired
Cambodia is one of the easiest countries in the world to start a TEFL career. Schools hire all year round, a degree is not required, the visa is cheap and straightforward, and a 120-hour TEFL certificate is the standard qualification employers ask for.
Where the English teaching jobs in Cambodia are
Phnom Penh has by far the most jobs. Hundreds of private language centres, bilingual kindergartens and international schools recruit constantly, and it is where most new teachers land their first contract within a week or two of arriving.
Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor Wat, has a smaller but lively market of language schools, NGO-run education projects and hospitality English programmes, and a relaxed expat community.
Battambang, Kampot and Sihanoukville offer fewer roles but lower living costs and a slower pace. They suit teachers who want a more immersive experience away from the capital.
NGO and volunteer placements are a big part of Cambodia's education sector. Many teachers start with a supported placement such as our Cambodia TEFL Internship or Teach Cambodia (TJAP) programme and move into paid school work from there.
English teacher salary in Cambodia (2026)
| Role | Typical pay (USD) | Hours | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private language centre | $800–$1,500 per month | 20–30 hrs/week | New teachers with a 120hr TEFL; no degree needed |
| Bilingual / private primary school | $1,200–$1,800 per month | Full-time, weekdays | TEFL-certified teachers with some experience |
| International school | $1,800–$2,500+ per month | Full-time, weekdays | Degree plus TEFL or teaching licence |
| Private tutoring | $10–$25 per hour | Evenings and weekends | Anyone topping up a main contract |
Cambodia runs on US dollars, so there is no exchange-rate risk on your salary. A comfortable monthly budget in Phnom Penh is $700–$1,000, and considerably less outside the capital, which is why many teachers save on a language-centre wage. See our breakdown of salary vs cost of living in Cambodia.
Do you need a degree or TEFL to teach English in Cambodia?
A degree is not required. This is the single biggest reason Cambodia is so popular with first-time teachers: unlike Thailand, Vietnam, China or Korea, there is no legal degree requirement for a work permit, and most language centres hire on the strength of a TEFL certificate, a clean record and a good interview.
A TEFL certificate is expected. The vast majority of schools ask for a minimum 120-hour TEFL, and it is the qualification that separates you from the backpackers who turn up hoping to teach without training. It also gives you the lesson planning and classroom management skills you will need on day one, because Cambodian schools tend to hand new teachers a full timetable straight away.
The best TEFL course for teaching jobs in Cambodia
For Cambodia our recommendation is clear: the 120hr Professional TEFL. It is exactly the qualification schools in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap list in their adverts, it can be finished in three weeks, and at £99 it costs less than your first week's pay.
120hr Professional TEFL Course
Internationally accredited, FCDO-legalisable and built for first-time teachers. Thirteen modules cover the essentials Cambodian employers care about most: lesson planning, grammar awareness, teaching children, games and controlled practice, and classroom survival.
- Meets the 120-hour standard Cambodian schools ask for
- Dedicated module on teaching children – the majority of Cambodian TEFL roles
- QR-verified certificate, legalisable by the FCDO if a school or the Ministry requests it
- Free job placement support, lifetime access and a bonus video introduction unit for applications
- Pay in 3 interest-free instalments of £33
Why 120 hours is the right choice for Cambodia
Cambodian schools hire on attitude and basic classroom competence, not on qualification tier. A 120-hour certificate meets every language-centre requirement in the country, so paying for a longer course before you arrive rarely changes the job you get or the salary you are offered.
Where a higher qualification does matter is international schools, which pay the most and generally want a degree plus a TEFL or teaching licence. If that is your goal, see the upgrade options below.
Prefer to train in-country? Our Phnom Penh TEFL course combines classroom training with local job placement.
Cambodia visa and work permit for English teachers
Cambodia has one of the simplest visa systems in Asia. Most teachers arrive on an E-class (ordinary) visa, available on arrival or online for around $35, then extend it in-country to a 12-month EB extension once they have a job. Your school or a local agent normally handles the extension for a modest fee. Alongside the visa you need a work permit from the Ministry of Labour, which costs around $100 per year, and schools are increasingly strict about employing teachers who hold one. There is no degree requirement for either. For the step-by-step process, read our Cambodia visa and work permit guide.
How to get a teaching job in Cambodia
- Get your 120hr TEFL before you flySchools want to see the certificate at interview, and having it done means you can start work the week you arrive rather than studying in a guesthouse.
- Arrive on an E-class visaNot a tourist visa – the tourist visa cannot be converted for work. Pick up the ordinary visa at the airport or apply online in advance.
- Base yourself in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and apply in personMost language centres hire face-to-face. Drop CVs at schools, use the TEFL UK jobs board and local expat groups, and expect interviews within days. Hiring runs all year, with the biggest intakes in August–September and January.
- Or start with a supported placementThe Cambodia TEFL Internship and TJAP programme arrange your school, accommodation and orientation, which removes the guesswork for a first job abroad.
- Sort your work permit earlyAsk your school to process it in your first month. Our TEFL CV guide covers the documents to bring with you.
Teaching in Cambodia: frequently asked questions
Can I teach English in Cambodia without a degree?
Yes. Cambodia has no legal degree requirement for a teaching work permit, and most private language centres and bilingual schools hire teachers with a 120-hour TEFL certificate and no degree. International schools are the exception and usually require one.
How much do English teachers earn in Cambodia?
Language centres typically pay $800–$1,500 per month, bilingual schools $1,200–$1,800 and international schools $1,800–$2,500 or more. Salaries are paid in US dollars, and with living costs of $700–$1,000 a month in Phnom Penh, most teachers can save.
Is a 120-hour TEFL enough for Cambodia?
Yes. A 120-hour TEFL is the standard qualification requested by Cambodian language schools and is sufficient for the large majority of jobs in the country. Only international schools regularly ask for more, and there they usually want a degree or teaching licence rather than a longer TEFL.
What visa do I need to teach in Cambodia?
An E-class (ordinary) visa, available on arrival for around $35, which you then extend to a 12-month EB extension once employed. You also need a work permit from the Ministry of Labour, which your school will normally arrange. Tourist visas cannot be converted for work.
When is the best time to find a teaching job in Cambodia?
Cambodian schools hire all year round because of high turnover and rolling enrolment. The busiest hiring periods are August–September and January, but new teachers who arrive at any time of year usually find work within a couple of weeks.
Is Cambodia a good place to start a TEFL career?
It is one of the best. Low barriers to entry, fast hiring, a friendly expat teaching community and a low cost of living make it an ideal first country, and a year of experience in Cambodia is a strong stepping stone to higher-paying jobs in Vietnam, Thailand or China.
Ready to teach in Cambodia?
Get your 120hr TEFL in three weeks, then let our placement team match you with schools and programmes in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and beyond.
