Set on the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries with a population of around 176 million. Bengali is the national language, and while Bangladesh has around 10 million English speakers, they’re just a fraction of the population. While there is huge demand for English teachers, as a developing nation hit by political unrest, environmental issues, and poverty, wages here are generally low.

Read on for The TEFL Org’s guide on teaching English in Bangladesh, from the requirements, job types, visas, salary, and more.

Key Takeaways

• The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali, while English is a compulsory language at school. 
• High availability of local English teachers means that most positions are voluntary, but teachers can find paid jobs at private language centres and international schools.
• Most teaching jobs are voluntary, but teaching salaries at private language centres range from around ৳35,000–৳45,000 ($285–$365 / £210–£270), and potentially more at top-tier international schools.
• Top locations to teach in Bangladesh include Dhaka, the capital city. 
• Teachers need to work in Bangladesh on an Employment Visa (also known as the E Visa), whereas volunteer teachers need an NGO Visa.

Requirements for Teaching English in Bangladesh

You may think that a developing country in South Asia has low entry requirements for English teachers, but keep in mind that Bangladesh has an availability of local English teachers. While many local teachers may not meet the standard of native English speaking teachers, schools struggle to afford foreign teachers. Many jobs are voluntary, making the paid teaching jobs competitive. 

Here are the requirements for foreign English teachers in Bangladesh.

Do I need a TEFL certification to teach English in Bangladesh?

Yes, you need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Bangladesh. 120 hours of TEFL training is the minimum requirement at most positions, as you’ll compete with not only other foreign teachers but also local teachers. 

Tip: Consider specialising! In addition to your 120 hour course, a business English or exam preparation course can help you find jobs teaching students with a specific goal in mind.

Can I teach English in Bangladesh without a degree??

Generally, you need a bachelor’s degree to teach English in Bangladesh. While not a mandatory visa requirement, a degree is often listed by employers as a requirement. If you don’t have a degree, you can teach English as a volunteer.

Tip: You can teach English without a degree in Bangladesh by volunteering, or, consider other countries such as Cambodia if you want to get paid to teach without a degree!

Do I need teaching experience to teach in Bangladesh?

Yes, you can teach English in Bangladesh without experience if you have a TEFL certificate. However, some teaching jobs require 2–3 years of experience, especially at international schools. Teachers without experience are most likely to find positions at private language centres or on volunteer programmes.

Tip: Don’t have teaching experience yet? Enroll in TEFL Org’s 40-hour Observed Teaching Practice to gain real experience and valuable feedback before you land your first teaching job.

Visa requirements for teaching in Bangladesh

To teach English in Bangladesh legally, you’ll need to get the Employment Visa, also known as the E Visa. This visa is valid for 90 days, but can be extended for up to 3 years as long as it’s sponsored by your in-country employer.

Volunteer teachers will need an NGO Visa to enter Bangladesh. This visa allows volunteers to stay in Bangladesh for up to 90 days.

Paid teachers and volunteers need to complete the application (online or in-person depending on nationality) before scheduling an appointment with the Bangladesh Embassy / High Commission to provide essential documents and pay visa fees. You can also arrange to send your documents and visa fee via postage.

Once approved, a printed copy of the visa sticker will be attached to a page in your passport, allowing you to enter Bangladesh as a worker.

To apply for the these visas, you’ll need the following:

• Proof of employment
• Clear criminal background check
• Original passport for at least 6 months and two blank pages
• Application fee varying depending on nationality, single/multiple entry

Important: The information above isn’t intended as legal or visa advice. Immigration rules can change; be sure to check the official government website for updated rules.

Salary and Cost of Living

Bangladesh offers low costs of living, but with low paying and even unpaid teaching roles, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending habits.

How much can you earn teaching English in Bangladesh?

Many teaching positions in Bangladesh are voluntary, but most, if not all, salaried teaching jobs for foreign English teachers in Bangladesh take place in the private sector in language centres and international schools. The average salary for English teachers in paid positions ranges from ৳35,000–৳45,000 ($285–$365 / £210–£270).

Teachers at international schools earn more than the average teaching salary depending on the unique institution. 

Want to find out how teaching salaries in Bangladesh compare with other countries? Download the TEFL Org Salary Guide!

How much does it cost to live in Bangladesh?

The average monthly living cost in Bangladesh ranges from ৳35,000–৳50,000 ($280–$405 / £205–£300) excluding rent. 

Rent for a 1-bed apartment in popular cities like Dhaka, Chittagong, and Khulna range from ৳7,500–৳19,000 ($60–$155 / £45–£115). While the monthly cost of living is low, it can actually exceed the teacher salary in some cases. 

It’s important to remember these cost of living figures are largely made up of what locals spend, and foreign teachers don’t always “live like a local” to its fullest extent. If you want to live in a more modern apartment or indulge in western comfort food, for example, you may need to anticipate spending more than the average cost.