Teach English in Malaysia

You can teach English in Malaysia at international schools, private language centres, universities and with private students, mainly in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru. International schools are the biggest employer of foreign teachers and pay the best, usually wanting a teaching licence. Foreign teachers need an employer-sponsored Employment Pass, and from 1 June 2026 the lowest category requires a salary of at least RM5,000 a month, which many entry-level language centre jobs do not meet. Malaysia’s minimum wage is RM1,700 a month.

Teaching English in Malaysia at a glance

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in Malaysia?

International schools. Malaysia has one of the largest international school sectors in Asia, especially in the Klang Valley around Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru. They follow British, Australian, American or IB curricula, want qualified teachers with a teaching licence and experience, and offer the strongest packages.

Private language centres. Teach children, students and adults general, exam and business English, often in the evenings and at weekends. Many focus on IELTS and Cambridge exams.

Universities and colleges. Private universities and foundation programmes hire English lecturers, usually wanting a master’s degree.

Government and exchange programmes. US graduates can apply for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant programme, which places assistants in Malaysian secondary schools.

Private tutoring and online teaching. Only legal if your pass allows it, so check before taking on outside work.

How much do English teachers earn in Malaysia?

International schools pay the most, and packages for qualified teachers commonly include housing or a housing allowance, flights and medical insurance. Language centres pay less, and many entry-level roles fall below the new Employment Pass salary floor. From 1 June 2026, an Employment Pass in Category III requires a monthly salary of at least RM5,000, up from RM3,000, for new applications and renewals. Malaysia’s national minimum wage is RM1,700 a month. Living costs are moderate, especially outside central Kuala Lumpur. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index, or read how much TEFL teachers make.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Malaysia?

Most employers expect a bachelor’s degree, which is also needed for the Employment Pass. Language centres usually want a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours, and IELTS or Cambridge exam training is a strong advantage. International schools want a teaching licence such as a PGCE and classroom experience. An Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma strengthens applications for the better paid centre and college roles, and it can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa do you need to teach English in Malaysia?

Many nationalities, including UK, Irish and US citizens, can visit Malaysia visa-free, but that does not allow work. To teach, your employer applies for an Employment Pass through the Immigration Department’s Expatriate Services Division. From 1 June 2026, the minimum salary is RM5,000 a month for Category III, RM10,000 for Category II and RM20,000 for Category I, with a maximum of five years in Category III and a succession plan required. Because of the higher salary floor, international schools and established colleges are now the most realistic sponsors for foreign teachers. Check current rules with your employer and our Visa Desk before you accept an offer.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Malaysia?

Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding Klang Valley have most international schools, language centres and universities. Penang has a large international school community and a famous food scene. Johor Bahru, next to Singapore, has fast-growing international schools in the Iskandar region, and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah has a smaller market close to stunning nature.

What is it like teaching and living in Malaysia?

Malaysia is a multicultural country of Malay, Chinese and Indian communities, with English widely spoken, outstanding food and easy travel across Southeast Asia. Students are generally polite and motivated, especially exam candidates. It is hot and humid all year, with monsoon rains that vary by region. Malaysia is a Muslim majority country, so dress modestly in many settings and respect Ramadan.

Last updated: 3 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate, not quotes. Employment Pass rules and salary thresholds change, so confirm current requirements with Malaysia’s Immigration Department and your employer before you accept an offer.