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Cambodia work permit and TEFL certification
Cambodia is one of the very few places in Asia where a degree isn't a legal requirement to teach English. What most employers do look for is a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours, and that's exactly what a StudyTEFL course gives you.
Why a StudyTEFL certificate works for Cambodia
Cambodia doesn't set a legal TEFL or degree requirement for its work permit, unlike most of its neighbours. In practice, most schools still look for a TEFL or TESOL certificate of at least 120 hours, since it's the clearest signal of real teaching preparation when a formal degree isn't part of the picture.
Cambodia is also not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, so where a specific employer does ask for a legalised document, it needs full embassy legalisation rather than a simple apostille. Since neither a degree nor a TEFL certificate is a legal requirement for your visa or work permit, many teachers won't need to go through this step at all, only confirm it if your specific employer asks.
Unlike Vietnam, South Korea, Japan and most of the region, a bachelor's degree is not a legal requirement to teach English in Cambodia. Degree holders do tend to access higher-paid positions, but plenty of schools hire based on your English and your TEFL certificate alone. Native or near-native English is generally still expected.
Cambodia work permit requirements at a glance
Most foreign English teachers applying for a work permit will be asked to provide the following.
Expectations vary a great deal between schools in Cambodia, more than in most of the destinations on this site. Some employers are relaxed about paperwork, especially for backpacker-style roles, while international schools and more established language centres expect a fuller set of documents. Always confirm exactly what your specific employer needs.
Choose your StudyTEFL route
Cambodia doesn't set a legal TEFL-hour requirement, but all three routes below give you well more than what most employers actually look for, plus a QR-verifiable certificate. The $39 Complete course is where most applicants start.
120-Hour Complete TEFL
Our main route, and the one most work permit applicants choose: the fuller 120-hour course with real classroom video and tutor support.
168-Hour Specialist TEFL
Everything in Complete TEFL, plus 40 hours on teaching young learners and 8 hours on teaching adults, useful if you may teach younger students.
120-Hour Practical TEFL
Everything in Complete TEFL, plus two assessed lesson plans and two recorded demo lessons with feedback from a real teacher.
Looking for the leanest option instead? The $29 Online Teacher TEFL also covers 120 hours, though it's built mainly for online teaching rather than in-person classroom work, so most work permit applicants choose Complete TEFL or above.
How to get a Cambodia work permit
Many teachers arrive in Cambodia on a tourist or E-class visa and apply for jobs in person, since some schools hire this way. Others secure an offer before travelling. Either route is common here, unlike most other destinations on this site.
This ordinary or business visa is what allows you to legally look for work, or begin work once hired, and is straightforward to obtain on arrival or in advance.
Once you're hired, your school helps convert your visa and apply for a work permit, usually valid for 6 or 12 months depending on your contract.
Not every school will ask for formally legalised documents, since neither a degree nor a TEFL certificate is a legal requirement here. Where one does, the process works differently to most of Asia.
Visa and work permit extensions typically run 6 or 12 months at a time, renewed in line with your contract.
Getting your documents ready, if your employer asks for them
Since neither a degree nor a TEFL certificate is a legal requirement here, not every school will ask you to have your documents formally legalised. Where a specific employer does ask, it's worth understanding how the process differs from most of Asia.
Unlike most of the destinations on this site, Cambodia doesn't accept a simple apostille. Where an employer specifically asks for a legalised document, it needs full legalisation through the Cambodian Embassy or Consulate covering your area, rather than a UK apostille alone. Confirm with your specific employer whether this is actually needed before you arrange anything.
A short travel guide for new teachers in Cambodia
Phnom Penh offers the most jobs and the biggest expat community. Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, draws teachers who want a smaller city with a strong tourism and hospitality scene. Sihanoukville and other coastal towns offer a slower pace, though with fewer teaching jobs.
Hiring runs largely year-round, and many schools are happy to interview and hire in person once you're already in the country. There's no fixed national intake to plan around the way there is in Japan or Korea, which suits teachers who prefer to travel first and decide later.
Telegram is widely used for messaging, including by some schools. Grab covers rides and food delivery in the bigger cities. Cash is still used more than in some neighbouring countries, so keep US dollars on hand, they're accepted everywhere alongside Cambodian riel.
The cost of living is among the lowest in the region, which offsets Cambodia's generally lower salaries. US dollars are used for most everyday transactions, with riel for smaller change. As with any relaxed hiring market, take the time to check a school's reputation before committing, since oversight varies more here than in more regulated destinations.
Frequently asked questions
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