Updated June 2026.
Teaching is how a lot of people first arrive in Cambodia, and for many it turns into something longer. The market is open, the requirements are lighter than in most of Asia, and demand is steady.
What has changed is the paperwork. The Ministry of Labour has become considerably stricter, and that is worth understanding before you accept a job.
What can I teach in Cambodia?
English is the bulk of it, but not all of it. There is demand across:
- Private language centres, teaching English to children and adults
- International schools, teaching a full curriculum such as British, American or IB
- Universities, usually English or business subjects
- Private tutoring, often alongside a main job
- Subject teaching in maths, science and the humanities at international schools, where qualified teachers are genuinely scarce
Most of the work is in Phnom Penh, with Siem Reap second.
What qualifications do I need?
Less than most countries in the region, which is a large part of the appeal.
A 120 hour TEFL certificate is the practical baseline. Most private schools want a TEFL and a degree, but non-degree holders can still legally obtain work permits provided the TEFL certificate is from a reputable provider.
International schools are a different tier. The better ones expect a teaching licence, a relevant degree and at least two years of classroom experience, and they pay accordingly.
What do teaching jobs pay?
| Type of school | Typical monthly salary |
|---|---|
| Private language centre | USD 800 to 1,200 |
| International school, unqualified | USD 1,200 to 1,800 |
| International school, licensed and experienced | USD 2,500 to 4,000 and up |
Set that against a cost of living of roughly USD 780 to 1,250 a month for a single person, and even the entry tier is liveable. The upper tier is comfortable by any standard.
Look at the package as well as the salary. Established schools often add housing allowances, health insurance, an annual flight home and paid holidays, which can be worth several hundred dollars a month.
Where are the best paid teaching jobs?
The international schools, without question, and specifically the ones requiring a teaching licence. The gap between a language centre and a licensed international school post is roughly three times the salary for work that is more structured and better resourced.
If you are qualified, do not start at a language centre by default. Apply directly to the international schools.
Do I need a work permit?
Yes, and this is the part that has changed.
You need an E-class visa extended into an EB, plus a separate work permit. The visa lets you stay. The work permit lets you work. They are not the same thing.
Since 2026 the Ministry of Labour has been noticeably stricter, and your school is legally required to apply for your work permit. That obligation sits with them, not you.
Two consequences worth taking seriously:
- Six and twelve month visa extensions are being refused where there is no valid work permit
- Working without one risks fines, deportation and a re-entry ban, even at a completely legitimate school
Ask any prospective employer directly whether they will apply for and pay for your work permit, and get the answer before you accept. A school that is vague about this is telling you something.
Our visa guide covers the detail.
Is it easy to get a teaching job here?
Comparatively, yes. Demand is steady, requirements are lighter than in Korea, Japan or the Gulf, and hiring is often quick.
Two things are worth knowing. Schools frequently hire people already in the country, so arriving first and interviewing in person can work better than applying from abroad. And quality varies enormously between employers, from excellent international schools to language centres with high turnover and casual attitudes to contracts.
Can I teach online from Cambodia?
Plenty of people do, either as their main income or alongside classroom work. The cost of living makes an online salary go a long way, and the internet in Phnom Penh is reliable.
Be clear about your visa position though. Working online for a foreign employer sits in a grey area, and if you want long-term extensions you will need a proper visa basis.
What about volunteering?
There are volunteer teaching placements, particularly with NGOs and community schools in rural areas.
Choose carefully. Reputable organisations are transparent about where fees go and do not place untrained volunteers in charge of vulnerable children. Be sceptical of anything resembling orphanage volunteering, which has a poor record in Cambodia and is discouraged by serious child protection organisations.
What is teaching here actually like?
Class sizes are generally manageable and students are typically enthusiastic. Many families invest heavily in English, so motivation tends to be high.
Expect some flexibility on hours. Language centres run evening and weekend classes because that is when students are free, so a split shift is common.
The upside people mention most is responsibility. Teachers here often take on curriculum design, department leadership or training within a year or two, far sooner than they would at home.
How we can help
Nextstep places teachers and other professionals with employers across Cambodia and Southeast Asia, and we help with the visa, work permit and relocation side once the role is agreed.
We will also tell you honestly which employers are worth your time. Browse current opportunities, or get in touch.
