TEFL Jobs in Malaysia
Make a positive impact and see the world with our exciting TEFL jobs.
Teach English in Malaysia and experience a country of fascinating diversity. Explore lively, contemporary cities, colonial architecture, unwind on some of the world's most stunning beaches, and go hiking through verdant jungles. Take a look at our exciting teaching jobs in Malaysia today!
A career move, not a gap year
Malaysia combines skyscraper cities, UNESCO-listed colonial streets, Borneo rainforest and some of Asia's best islands, with a cost of living well below the UK. It's also a market for qualified teachers. English is widely spoken, so the best roles are in international schools that want a teaching qualification and experience. In return, they offer a salary you can save from, with housing and flights included.
- Penang
- George Town
- Kuala Lumpur
- Langkawi
- Sabah
What you need to teach in Malaysia
Our current Malaysia vacancy is a Computer Science teacher at an accredited international school in Penang. These are the requirements for that role, and they're typical of international school hiring across the country.
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A degree, ideally in your subject
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university is essential. For a subject role like Computer Science, a degree in a related field makes your application much stronger.
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A PGCE and two years' experience
You'll need a PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification and at least two years of relevant teaching experience. Experience with the British curriculum is expected.
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An employer-sponsored work pass
The school applies for your work pass and handles the process. The role lists an age range of 27 to 60 because of that visa process, and you'll need to be available to start in August.
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A TEFL to strengthen your CV
Not required for this role, but many international school students learn in English as an additional language. A TEFL shows you can support them in every lesson.
Not a qualified teacher yet? Malaysia has few TEFL-only roles, but you'll find far more openings in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and neighbouring Brunei. If a school asks for authenticated documents, see our guide on how to legalise your TEFL certificate.
Which TEFL course should you take for Malaysia?
International schools are hiring qualified teachers, so the TEFL that adds most to your application is a regulated qualification rather than a standard certificate. That's why our pick for Malaysia is our Ofqual-regulated Level 5.
168hr Level 5 TEFL
£269
Ofqual-regulated and awarded by TQUK, at the same level as a foundation degree. It carries weight with international schools and adds language teaching expertise to your subject specialism.
- Regulated, not just accredited
- Tutor-assessed assignments
- Recognised by international schools
150hr Advanced TEFL
£179
Our most popular course, with modules on exam classes, large groups, teaching children and assessment. A strong choice if you're building towards international school work.
- Exam classes and assessment
- Teaching children and large classes
- Free lesson plan bundle included
120hr Professional TEFL
£99
The internationally recognised standard, at our lowest price. The quickest way to add a TEFL to your CV if you already teach.
- The hours employers look for
- Finish in 2–4 weeks
- Lifetime access to materials
Not sure which suits you? Compare every package side by side.
What to expect teaching in Malaysia
Pay and package
International school packages in Malaysia are built to take the cost out of moving, so more of your salary stays in your pocket.
- Up to £27,000 a year (roughly RM12,000 a month)
- Accommodation provided
- Annual return flights
- Medical insurance
- Schooling support for dependants
- End-of-contract bonus
Your school
Our partner is a fully accredited international school in Penang, part of a global network with schools on five continents. See the vacancy.
- Over 450 students, aged 3 to 18
- British curriculum
- Computer Science teacher vacancy
- Two-year renewable contract
- School holidays plus 18 days of public holidays
Living in Penang
Penang is an island state on Malaysia's north-west coast, famous for its food and for George Town's heritage streets.
- George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Some of Malaysia's best-loved street food
- English widely spoken day to day
- Beaches and Penang Hill on your doorstep
- Warm, tropical weather all year
- Easy flights across Malaysia and Southeast Asia
| Place | Character | What it's like | From Penang |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penang | Heritage and food | Shophouses, street art, temples and hawker stalls in George Town, with beaches to the north | Home base for our current role |
| Kuala Lumpur | Capital city | The Petronas Towers, rooftop bars, huge malls and the country's biggest international school scene | A short flight, or a few hours by train |
| Langkawi | Island escape | Duty-free island of beaches, mangroves and rainforest-covered mountains | A ferry or short flight |
| Cameron Highlands | Cool hills | Tea plantations, jungle trails and a welcome break from the heat | A few hours by road |
| Sabah | Malaysian Borneo | Mount Kinabalu, orangutans, and world-class diving | A flight, best for longer holidays |
Teaching in Malaysia: your questions answered
How much do teachers earn in Malaysia?
Our current international school role in Penang pays up to £27,000 a year, roughly RM12,000 a month, with accommodation, annual return flights, medical insurance and an end-of-contract bonus on top. Because housing is provided and everyday costs are much lower than in the UK, a large share of that salary is yours to save or travel with. For how Malaysia compares, see our guide to how much you can earn as a TEFL teacher.
Can I teach English in Malaysia with just a TEFL certificate?
It's possible, but the openings are limited. English is widely spoken in Malaysia, so most roles for international teachers are in international schools, which ask for a degree, a teaching qualification such as a PGCE, and classroom experience. If you're starting out with a TEFL alone, you'll usually find more opportunities in Indonesia, Vietnam or Thailand, then move to Malaysia once you have experience.
Do international schools in Malaysia want a TEFL as well as a PGCE?
It isn't required for our Penang role, but it helps. International schools teach through English, and many students speak another language at home. A TEFL, especially the Ofqual-regulated 168hr Level 5 TEFL, shows you can support learners who use English as an additional language across every subject, including your own.
What work visa do teachers need in Malaysia?
Foreign teachers work on an employer-sponsored pass, and the school applies on your behalf. For Employment Pass applications submitted from 1 June 2026, Malaysia raised the minimum basic salary for every category, starting at RM5,000 a month. That's one reason most sponsored teaching roles are in well-funded international schools. Your school and our team will guide you through the paperwork.
Is there an age requirement to teach in Malaysia?
Our Penang role lists an age range of 27 to 60, which the school sets because of its visa process. Requirements vary between employers, so check each listing or ask our team.
Do I need to speak Malay?
No. You'll teach in English, and English is widely used in business, shops and daily life, especially in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Malay is the national language, and learning some goes down well with colleagues and families. Malaysia is also home to large Chinese and Indian communities, so you'll hear Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese and Tamil too.
Is accommodation provided for teachers in Malaysia?
Yes, for our current role. The Penang school provides accommodation, alongside annual return flights, medical insurance, schooling support for dependants, school holidays plus 18 days of public holidays, and a completion bonus. See the full package.
When do teaching contracts start in Malaysia?
Many international schools follow a British-style year starting in August, and our Penang role starts in August. Full-time, two-year renewable contracts are the standard, so schools often recruit well ahead. It's worth applying several months before you want to start.
Make your application stand out
Add a regulated TEFL to your teaching qualification, then let our placement team support you through the interview, your contract and the work pass.
