Any bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is accepted for teaching in Vietnam. The Vietnamese government requires a 4-year bachelor’s degree (or 3-year for UK/Australia/New Zealand graduates) in any field—education degrees are not mandatory. You’ll also need a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate and clean background check for work permit approval. Alternative path: 5 years documented teaching experience can substitute for a degree under Vietnamese labor law, though approval rates for this exemption are low.
Understanding Vietnam’s degree requirements is critical for foreign teachers. The country’s booming English education market employs thousands of international educators, but legal work requires meeting specific qualification standards set by the Ministry of Education and Training. This guide covers exactly which degrees qualify, acceptable alternatives, and the complete work permit process.
Which Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Are Accepted for Teaching in Vietnam?
Vietnam accepts bachelor’s degrees in any academic field—Marketing, Psychology, Engineering, Arts, Business, or any other major. Education, English, or Linguistics degrees are not required to qualify legally. The key requirement is that your degree must be from an accredited institution recognized in your home country.
Duration Requirements by Country
Different education systems have different standard degree lengths, and Vietnam recognizes these variations:
| Country/Region | Required Degree Length | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 4 years | Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS) |
| Canada | 4 years | Any 4-year undergraduate degree |
| United Kingdom | 3 years | BA, BSc, BEng (Honours degrees accepted) |
| Australia | 3 years | Bachelor degrees from accredited universities |
| New Zealand | 3 years | Any accredited bachelor’s degree |
| South Africa | 4 years | National Qualifications Framework Level 7 |
| Ireland | 3-4 years | Ordinary (3 years) or Honours (4 years) degrees |
The 3-year UK/Australia/New Zealand degrees are fully equivalent to 4-year US/Canadian degrees for Vietnam work permit purposes due to differences in education systems.
Degree Field Examples That Qualify
Real examples of degrees successfully used for Vietnam teaching work permits:
- Business & Economics: Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Marketing
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics
- Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology
- Arts & Humanities: English Literature, History, Philosophy, Fine Arts, Music
- Engineering & Technology: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Information Technology
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Nutrition, Public Health (non-clinical)
The Vietnamese Department of Labor evaluates your degree based on accreditation and completion, not subject matter.
What About Master’s Degrees or PhDs—Do They Help?
Master’s degrees and PhDs provide significant advantages for teaching positions in Vietnam, though they’re not required for legal work permit approval. A bachelor’s degree meets the minimum legal threshold, but advanced degrees open doors to higher-paying positions.
Benefits of Advanced Degrees
University positions typically require master’s degrees and offer salaries in the range of $1,700-$2,500/month according to industry sources, with reduced teaching hours compared to language centers. International schools also strongly prefer candidates with master’s degrees in Education or subject-specific fields, offering salaries of $2,500-$5,000/month with comprehensive benefits packages.
Public schools and language centers accept bachelor’s degrees, but master’s degree holders generally command higher salaries due to increased qualifications. For long-term English teaching careers, a Master’s in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or Education significantly improves trajectory and earning potential.
Can You Teach in Vietnam Without a Degree?
Legally, you cannot obtain a work permit for teaching in Vietnam without either a bachelor’s degree or 5 years documented teaching experience. However, understanding the alternatives and legal exemptions is important.
The 5-Year Experience Alternative
Vietnamese labor law (Decree 152/2020/ND-CP) states that 5 years of documented teaching experience in a relevant field can substitute for a bachelor’s degree. Critical requirements include:
- Certified teaching experience from recognized educational institutions
- Notarized letters from employers confirming position, duration, and responsibilities
- Experience must be in teaching, not just communication-related roles
- Must be from overseas employers (Vietnamese experience doesn’t count for initial permit)
This exemption is rarely granted in practice. Immigration officials scrutinize these applications heavily, and most schools prefer hiring degree holders to avoid complications during the work permit process.
Illegal Teaching Realities
Some teachers work on tourist visas or unlicensed arrangements. This is illegal under Vietnamese immigration law and carries serious risks:
- Deportation and potential entry bans to Vietnam
- No legal recourse if employers don’t pay or violate contracts
- No health insurance or legal worker protections
- Fines under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP: VND 15-25 million for individuals working without permits
- Employer penalties of VND 5-10 million (confirmed in multiple regulatory sources), with maximum fines up to VND 75 million for serious violations
Post-2020 enforcement is significantly stricter than pre-COVID era. The “visa run every 90 days” strategy is no longer viable for long-term teaching.
Alternative: Online Teaching
If you lack a degree, consider teaching English online to Vietnamese students through platforms that don’t require work permits. You’ll work as an independent contractor for companies based outside Vietnam. Popular platforms include VIPKid, Cambly, and iTutorGroup—though requirements vary by platform.
For those interested in understanding the certification landscape better, check out Top 5 TEFL Certification Providers Accepted in Vietnam (2025 Guide).
What Additional Certifications Are Required Besides a Degree?
A 120-hour TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate is legally required for teaching work permits in Vietnam. Your bachelor’s degree alone is insufficient—you must also prove pedagogical training.
Accepted Teaching Certificates
The Vietnamese Department of Education recognizes several certifications:
1. CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
- Cambridge University-accredited
- Duration: 120+ hours (typically 4-5 weeks intensive)
- Highly regarded globally, especially in international schools
2. TEFL/TESOL Certificates
- Minimum 120 hours required
- Must be from recognized accrediting bodies (ACCET, TQUK, Trinity College London)
- Widely accepted by language centers and public schools
3. State Teaching Licenses
- US/UK/Canadian teaching licenses with classroom experience
- Highly valued for international school positions
- Command salary premiums in competitive job markets
Your certificate must include a practical teaching component (observed teaching practice with real students). Purely online certificates without practicum may be rejected during work permit application.
Certificate Legalization Requirements
All certificates must be:
- Notarized in your home country
- Apostilled by your state/national government authority (for Hague Convention countries)
- Translated into Vietnamese by certified translators (done in Vietnam)
What If My Degree Is From a Non-English Speaking Country?
Non-native English speakers can teach in Vietnam but face additional requirements for work permit approval. The key is proving English proficiency meets teaching standards.
Additional Requirements for Non-Native Speakers
1. English Proficiency Certification (Required)
Accepted certifications include:
- IELTS: Scores of 6.5 or higher are commonly requested
- TOEFL iBT: Strong scores demonstrating C1-level proficiency
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: Pass grade
- Must be recent: Test taken within 2 years of application
2. Degree Requirements
Vietnamese regulations for non-native speakers specify:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Linguistics, or Education, OR
- Bachelor’s in any field + English proficiency certificate + 120-hour TEFL
3. Practical Considerations
Most language centers prefer native speakers for marketing reasons, but qualified non-native teachers excel in:
- Public schools: Government schools value qualifications over accent
- University positions: Academic credentials outweigh native speaker status
- Business English: Corporate training values professionalism and teaching skill
- Online teaching: Platforms care about certification and teaching ability
If you’re a non-native speaker with strong qualifications, emphasize your formal English education, teaching methodology training, and international certification. Consider schools in smaller cities where competition is less intense.
For teachers looking to enhance their integration, Learning Vietnamese: Benefits for Foreign Teachers in 2025 offers valuable insights on cultural adaptation.
Do Associate Degrees or Diplomas Qualify?
Associate degrees (2-year) and diplomas are not sufficient for Vietnam teaching work permits. The legal requirement explicitly states bachelor’s degree or higher.
Why 2-Year Degrees Don’t Qualify
Vietnamese labor law categorizes foreign workers into skill tiers. Teaching positions require “Expert” classification, which mandates minimum 4-year bachelor’s degree (or 3-year for specific countries).
Associate degrees and vocational diplomas, even from accredited institutions, don’t meet the Department of Labor’s equivalency standards for educational professionals.
What If You’re Currently Pursuing a Degree?
If you’re mid-degree and want to teach in Vietnam:
- Option 1: Complete your bachelor’s degree first—incomplete degrees cause work permit rejection
- Option 2: Consider online teaching from your home country while finishing your degree
- Option 3: Investigate volunteer teaching programs in Vietnam that don’t require work permits (typically short-term, unpaid)
Falsified credentials or use of degree mills is illegal, carries criminal penalties, and results in permanent employment blacklisting when discovered.
What Happens If You’re Caught Teaching Without Proper Credentials?
Consequences are severe for both teachers and employers caught violating work permit regulations under Vietnamese immigration law.
Penalties for Teachers
According to Decree 219/2025/ND-CP and earlier regulations:
- Immediate deportation to home country
- Fines: VND 15-25 million for individuals working without permits
- Entry bans for serious violations
- Criminal record documented in Vietnamese immigration system
- No legal recourse for unpaid wages or contract disputes
Penalties for Employers
Schools hiring illegal workers face:
- Administrative fines: VND 5-10 million per violation (confirmed across multiple regulatory sources)
- Maximum penalties up to VND 75 million for serious violations under Decree 219/2025
- Business license suspension for repeat offenses
- Loss of foreign hiring privileges
Enforcement Reality
Post-2020 enforcement is significantly stricter. Immigration database systems flag patterns such as:
- Visa runs every 90 days
- Schools with disproportionate foreign staff ratios
- Anonymous tips from disgruntled employees
The risk of illegal teaching is substantial and not worth potential consequences.
Comparison: Bachelor’s Degree vs. Experience Exemption vs. Illegal Teaching
Understanding your options helps make informed decisions:
| Option | Legal Status | Salary Range | Requirements | Risk Level | Long-Term Viability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree + TEFL | Fully Legal | $1,500-$2,500/month | Degree (any field), 120-hour TEFL, background check | Low | High (renewable permits, career growth) |
| 5-Year Experience Exemption | Legal (rarely approved) | $1,500-$2,500/month | 5 years certified teaching experience, notarized proof, background check | Medium (approval uncertain) | Medium (if approved, same as degree holders) |
| Teaching Without Permit | Illegal | Varies (cash, no benefits) | None officially, but schools want some qualification | Very High (deportation, fines, ban) | None (constant risk, no stability) |
| Online Teaching (No Work Permit) | Legal (if teaching for overseas companies) | Platform-dependent | Platform-specific (often 120-hour TEFL, sometimes degree) | Low | Medium (income varies, no local benefits) |
FAQ: Common Questions About Degree Requirements for Teaching in Vietnam
Can I teach in Vietnam with a degree from an online university?
If the university is regionally accredited by recognized accrediting bodies in your home country. Vietnamese authorities evaluate accreditation status, not delivery method. However, degree mills and unaccredited institutions will be rejected. Verify your university’s accreditation through CHEA (US), UKNARIC (UK), or equivalent national database.
What if my degree certificate is in a language other than English?
You must provide certified translations into Vietnamese for work permit application. Process: (1) Get official translation from NAATI-certified translator (Australia), ATA-certified (US), or equivalent, (2) Notarize the translation, (3) Apostille if required by your country. Your employer’s HR department usually has preferred translation services in Vietnam.
Do I need to have my degree evaluated for equivalency?
Formal equivalency evaluation is not required for most cases. The Vietnamese Department of Labor directly assesses foreign degrees based on accreditation, duration, and official transcripts. However, if you have concerns about an unusual degree program, consider getting a credential evaluation from WES (World Education Services) or equivalent agency—this adds credibility to your application.
Can I use an incomplete degree if I’m close to finishing?
You must have completed your degree and received the official diploma before applying for a work permit. Some teachers attempt to teach on tourist visas while finishing their final semester, but this is illegal. Wait until you have official transcript showing degree conferral and diploma in hand before applying for teaching positions.
What if I have multiple degrees—can I choose which one to submit?
You can submit whichever degree is most convenient for legalization and notarization. If you have both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, submitting the master’s may provide advantages for higher-tier positions, but either satisfies the legal requirement. Use the degree easiest to legalize if you’re currently overseas and returning home for document processing is difficult.
Is a teaching degree better than other degrees for Vietnam teaching jobs?
For work permit approval, all bachelor’s degrees are equal. However, Education degrees and TESOL/Applied Linguistics degrees provide advantages when applying to international schools and university positions. Language centers and public schools treat all degrees equally. If you’re pursuing a degree now and plan to teach, consider Education or English for long-term career benefits.
How strict is the “accredited institution” requirement?
Very strict. Vietnamese authorities cross-reference your university with international accreditation databases. Regional accreditation (US), government-chartered (UK), or CAQH-recognized (Canada/Australia) universities are accepted. Degree mills, diploma mills, and unaccredited religious institutions are immediately rejected and may result in blacklisting. Use CHEA.org or national databases to verify your institution’s status.
Can I teach in Vietnam if I’m currently on a student visa in another country?
You must complete your degree and obtain official credentials before teaching legally. Some teachers have tried concurrent enrollment plus teaching illegally, which creates problems when: (1) Immigration discovers unauthorized work, (2) Student visa status is revoked, (3) Future work permit applications are denied due to violation history. Complete your studies first, then pursue teaching opportunities legally.
Any 4-year bachelor’s degree (or 3-year for UK/Australia/New Zealand) from an accredited institution qualifies you for legal teaching work in Vietnam. The subject doesn’t matter—Marketing, Engineering, Psychology, or any field works equally. You’ll also need a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate, clean background check, and health clearance for work permit approval.
Start document preparation well in advance of your intended move date, as background checks and apostilles take time. Work with reputable schools that sponsor proper work permits—avoid illegal arrangements. With the right credentials, you’ll access Vietnam’s thriving teaching market with legal protection and career growth opportunities.
The Vietnamese teaching market rewards properly qualified teachers with stable employment, renewable 2-year work permits, and paths to advanced positions. Your bachelor’s degree—regardless of major—is your ticket to this opportunity, as long as it’s legitimate, accredited, and properly legalized.
Explore More Legal & Visa Resources
Understanding degree requirements is just the first step. Vietnam’s teaching landscape involves complex visa regulations, work permit renewals, taxation, and legal compliance issues that every foreign teacher must navigate.
Want to dive deeper into Vietnam’s legal framework for teachers? Visit our comprehensive resource hub: Legal & Visa Requirements for Teachers in Vietnam
Our Legal & Visa Guide category covers:
- Work Permit Deep Dives: Step-by-step renewal processes, document checklists, troubleshooting rejections
- Visa Strategies: Tourist vs. business vs. work visas, border runs, visa on arrival procedures
- Tax Obligations: Understanding Vietnamese tax law for foreign teachers, exemptions, filing deadlines
- Healthcare & Insurance: Mandatory health checks, international insurance requirements, local healthcare navigation
- Labor Rights: Contract negotiation tips, dispute resolution, legal recourse for foreign workers
- Document Legalization: Complete guides for apostille processes by country, translation services, notarization requirements
Stay legally compliant and protect your teaching career in Vietnam by exploring our expert guides, updated regularly with 2025 regulatory changes.
