| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach in Hong Kong | 28,000 HKD £2,786 GBP $3,585 USD | August | Not usually | Under 60 |
English Teaching Jobs in Hong
Kong
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Hong Kong has some of the best salaries and educational facilities worldwide. But where can teachers find the best opportunities?
Hong Kong is thriving as a modern leader in technology, business, and finance. Linguistically, this tiny part of Asia is ideal for today’s globalised economy. There's a well-established history of using English, Cantonese and Mandarin. This has left the people of Hong Kong with the language tools to thrive in international business – and they do. Hong Kong has the fifth most competitive economy in the world .
In Hong Kong, there are opportunities for English teachers in both the private and public sectors. English teachers can work in state schools, private schools, international schools, universities, and private tutoring.
This article will cover the TEFL job scene in Hong Kong. We'll tell you about salaries, where to find jobs, and everything else you need to know.
Where can I find TEFL jobs in Hong Kong?
Teaching positions are vast and varied, and you won't struggle to find opportunities to teach English in Hong Kong if you're TEFL certified and have a bachelor’s degree. The most popular routes to teaching in Hong Kong include working at private language schools, international schools, and government-funded programmes such as NET.
While some teachers secure jobs before arriving, others prefer to land in Hong Kong and hunt for English teacher jobs locally. Many schools expect teachers to be in Hong Kong already, so having your CV ready and being available for interviews locally can help.
Private tutoring is also popular, and some teachers transition to freelance teaching after gaining experience in schools or centres. Like students in mainland China, children in Hong Kong often have a range of after-school lessons to attend. Adults also make up a major student base in HK, with adult professionals eager to learn English to boost their economic opportunities.
Types of English teaching jobs in Hong Kong
There are many English teacher jobs in Hong Kong, but you must know where to look. ESL teachers have various exciting options, from working with young learners to language schools for adults.
Public schools
The English language is taught widely across Hong Kong's excellent education system. The best route to teaching in state primary or secondary schools is through the NET Scheme. NET is an initiative that aims to improve the (already high) levels of English language proficiency among children and teens by placing native English teachers (or native-level) in classrooms.
The qualifications to work in Hong Kong's state schools are as follows:
- Experience in education helps significantly
- You must be a degree holder (education or English, preferably)
- You must hold a TEFL certification of at least 120 hours.
Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) scheme
If you’re looking for a teaching programme to help you cut through and find work in Hong Kong, the NET (Native English Speakers) Scheme is what you need. Like JET in Japan and EPIK in South Korea, the NET programme helps to place teachers in local schools. The aim is to improve English proficiency among children and distribute quality teachers around state schools in Hong Kong.
NET English teachers will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate. English teachers with teaching experience will find it easier to secure a job initially.
Applying for the NET scheme
The NET Scheme application process in Hong Kong can seem complex, but it’s manageable with preparation and organisation. Here’s how it works:
Start by downloading and completing the NET application form. Submit it with your CV/Resume, degree, TEFL certificate, and other teaching qualifications. You can apply directly or through an English teacher recruiter. Applications typically close between February and March, but most schools confirm vacancies in May, with contracts starting in August.
If shortlisted, you’ll attend a 45–60-minute interview. The first part lasts about half an hour and focuses on your teaching philosophy, experience, and understanding of Hong Kong’s school curriculum.
Employers in Hong Kong
- Check out The TEFL Org Jobs Centre for opportunities to teach English in Hong Kong.
- The British Council regularly lists TEFL job opportunities in Hong Kong.
- The English Schools Foundation advertises a range of roles in kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools in Hong Kong.
- Little Cosmos Language & Art Centre requires degree holders with a TEFL certificate and at least one year of experience working with kids.
Monkey Tree has more than 40 centres where you can teach English in Hong Kong. You need a degree and a TEFL certificate. Monkey Tree offers one-year contracts with salaries of around HK$23,000 per month.
Requirements for English teaching jobs in Hong Kong
What do you need to start teaching English abroad in Hong Kong, one of the most exciting places in Asia? Here are the basic requirements:
- A bachelor's degree
- A TEFL certificate (minimum 120 hours). Advanced TEFL certification can be beneficial, specifically in Business English, exam preparation, or English for academic purposes.
- At least two years of teaching experience is preferred.
- Specific teaching jobs might prefer a "native" English teacher. However, ESL teachers who aren't from English-speaking countries shouldn't be put off.
Visa and work permit requirements
The General Employment Policy (GEP) visa is the most accessible visa for English teachers who want to work in Hong Kong. To get this type of visa, you’ll require:
- A degree (and a TEFL certificate)
- An offer of employment
- A salary that matches standard teaching wages in Hong Kong
- Evidence of specialised skills (specifically, details about your expertise in English language education)
This form of visa is valid for up to three years. If you’re on a temporary contract, the visa will last for the same time as the contract. GEP visas can be renewed upon request. Your workplace must sponsor your visa.
How to find jobs
Here are the best ways to find teaching work in Hong Kong:
- Online job boards: Job boards, including The TEFL Org Jobs Centre, are the best way to find the latest teaching jobs. Also, try LinkedIn, Serious Teachers and Dave’s ESL Cafe.
- Recruitment agencies: Agencies can put you into teaching positions and guide you through the GEP visa process.
- Networking: An online presence is vital in networking as a TEFL teacher. TEFL groups on Facebook and resources like LinkedIn and Reddit can help. Remember, Hong Kong has access to social media from China. This includes apps like WeChat and Sina Weibo, which can be useful.
- Applying directly: Schools and businesses may advertise their vacancies.
- Word of mouth: In Hong Kong, personal recommendations are priceless. Students can give reviews, too, so bear that in mind if you're an English teacher working as a tutor.
Common teacher benefits
What kind of lifestyle would you have if you taught English language classes in Hong Kong? Here's a quick guide to what to expect as an English teacher in Hong Kong.
Salary
So, what can you earn while teaching English abroad in Hong Kong? Some of the best salaries for teaching English abroad can be found there. The average salary for a teacher in Hong Kong is HK$28,000 ($3,595/£2,880) per month. Salaries depend on qualifications, experience, and the institution you teach in.
Other benefits
Bonuses and benefits are commonplace for ESL teachers working in Hong Kong. Accommodation is often offered across different institutions. This comes as a stipend, or an employer will provide you with furnished accommodation.
Some educational facilities will offer annual bonuses, free flights, health insurance, visa coverage, and even free meals. Take note, however: start-up costs in Hong Kong can be expensive. Be sure to know what you’re getting paid, what’s being offered free of charge, and what you’ll be paying for as soon as you arrive.
What you need to know about teaching English in Hong Kong
Here are our key takeaways about opportunities for teaching English in Hong Kong:
- Teaching opportunities: TEFL jobs are available in public schools (via the NET Scheme), language centres, international schools, universities, and private tutoring.
- Requirements: To teach English in Hong Kong, your qualifications must include a bachelor’s degree, a 120-hour TEFL certificate, and teaching experience.
- Salary: The average monthly wage for an English language teacher in Hong Kong is HK$28,000 (£2,880 / $3,595). Salaries depend on the job type, qualifications, experience, and institution.
- Benefits: Many English teacher jobs include housing allowances or provided accommodation, airfare, healthcare, visa sponsorship, and performance bonuses.
More on English teaching jobs in Hong Kong
Teach English in Hong Kong
From gleaming skyscrapers to lush national parks, every-flavour street food to Michelin-star restaurants, and ancient traditions to future-forward technology - if you choose to teach English in Hong Kong, you’ll discover a city packed with colourful contradictions.
What is the NET scheme in Hong Kong
Teaching English through the NET scheme in Hong Kong gives you the chance to explore, live and work in the Pearl of the Orient, with lucrative salaries and unbeatable benefits.
Teach English in Asia
With a huge demand for English teachers, great opportunities to make and save money and some of the world’s most beautiful destinations on your doorstep, it’s no wonder thousands flock to teach English in Asia each year.
Explore job opportunities in Hong Kong
Unfortunately we don't currently have any jobs available in hong kong. We update our job centre daily so check back soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are English teachers in demand in Hong Kong?
English education is massive in Hong Kong, so qualified, talented teachers are needed across different levels. Young learners, teens and adults alike all require English lessons.
Q. Do I need to speak Cantonese or Mandarin to teach English in Hong Kong?
No, you don't need fluent Cantonese or Mandarin to teach English in Hong Kong. However, it is always helpful to speak the local language. This way, you can communicate with locals and find teaching opportunities you might not have seen elsewhere.
Q. How competitive is it to get a job through the NET Scheme?
The NET scheme is very competitive, but it's one of the best ways to get into state education in Hong Kong. If you meet the requirements and you interview well, you should be able to find work through the NET scheme.