How to Work and Immigrate to Malaysia as a Teacher in 2024?

English Teaching Jobs in Malaysia for Foreigners

Some common types of English teaching jobs in Malaysia that foreigners often pursue:

• English Language Teacher (ESL/EFL)
• English Teacher in International Schools
• English Lecturer in Universities/Colleges
• English Conversation Instructor
• Business English Trainer
• Online English Tutor
• Exam Preparation Teacher
• Private English Tutor
• English Curriculum Developer
• English Language Consultant

How Do I Qualify as a Teacher in Malaysia?

To qualify as a teacher in Malaysia, you typically need to fulfill the following requirements:

• Educational qualifications. Obtain the academic credentials required for teaching. It is typical to need at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a closely related field.
• Teaching certification. You may need to obtain the proper teaching certification or diploma depending on the educational level you wish to teach (for example, primary, secondary, or higher education).
• Teaching experience (optional). Even though it’s not always required, having prior teaching experience can help you get hired as a teacher, especially at reputable institutions.
• Language ability. Show that you are proficient in the language of instruction at the school, typically Malay or English.
• Work visa. If you are a foreigner intending to teach in Malaysia, you will need a valid work visa sponsored by a recognized educational institution. This requires securing a job offer from the institution.
• Health and character requirements. Satisfy Malaysian authorities’ morality and physical fitness standards, which may include submitting to a medical exam and a police clearance certificate.
• Employment approval. If you are a foreigner, your potential employer must ask the Malaysian government for permission before hiring you as a foreign teacher.

Eligibility Criteria to Immigrate to Malaysia as a Teacher

Depending on the type of teaching position and the particular requirements established by Malaysian authorities, the eligibility requirements a foreigner needs to immigrate to Malaysia as a teacher may change.

Here are some typical eligibility requirements:

• Teaching qualifications. You should have the required academic credentials and certifications to teach in your subject area. A bachelor’s degree in education or a closely related field is needed in most cases.
• Teaching experience. The majority of institutions favor teachers with previous classroom experience. Depending on the institution and the teaching level, a different experience level may be required.
• Employment offer. A job offer from a reputable educational institution in Malaysia is required. To sponsor your work visa and help with the immigration process, your employer must be ready to do so.
• Work visa. In order to teach in Malaysia, foreigners must have a valid work visa sponsored by an accredited educational institution. To do this, you must receive a job offer from the organization.
• Good health. You may need to submit to a medical examination to demonstrate that you are fit to work and live in Malaysia.
• No history of criminal activity. You shouldn’t have a history of serious offenses or a criminal record. To confirm this, Malaysian authorities might request a police clearance certificate from your home nation.
• Language ability. Depending on the educational institution’s preferred medium of instruction, you might need to prove your fluency in English or another pertinent language.
• Age restrictions. Even though there is no set age restriction for teachers entering Malaysia, some institutions might have their preferences or requirements.
• Employer sponsorship. Your employer in Malaysia will typically be the one to start applying for a work visa and other necessary permits.

Eligibility Criteria to Immigrate to Malaysia as an English teachers

Aside from the mentioned requirements, to qualify as an English teacher in Malaysia, you generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Educational qualifications. Get your bachelor’s in English or a closely related field. A specific degree or certification in teaching English as a foreign language or teaching English to speakers of other languages, such as a TEFL or TESOL certificate, may be required by some institutions.
• Teaching certification. You might need to get the necessary teaching certification or diploma for teaching the English language, depending on the level of education you want to work in (for example, primary, secondary, or higher education).
• English proficiency. Native English speakers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa are typically the only candidates accepted to teach English in Malaysia. If you speak English fluently and are from another country, you can pass for a native speaker, but keep in mind that native English speakers are given preference.

How to Immigrate to Malaysia as a Teacher?

To immigrate to Malaysia as a teacher, you need to follow specific steps and requirements. Here’s a general outline of the process:

Step 1. Check Eligibility Criteria

Make sure you meet the requirements established by the Malaysian government before beginning the immigration process. Common prerequisites include having the appropriate teaching degree, enough teaching experience, good health, and a clean criminal record.

Step 2. Secure a Job Offer

Obtaining a job offer from a Malaysian educational institution is the most popular way to immigrate to Malaysia as a teacher. Start by looking up Malaysian colleges, universities, and schools hiring foreign instructors for your subject area.

Step 3. Work Visa Application

Once you’ve received a job offer, your potential employer will use the Malaysia Expatriate Talent Service Centre to submit an application on your behalf for a work permit. You must provide the required paperwork, including your passport, academic transcripts, and a medical report.

Step 4. Medical Examination

You might be required to undergo a medical exam in your home country as part of the visa application process to ensure you meet the health requirements.

Step 5. Background Check

To immigrate to Malaysia as a teacher, you must confirm that you have no criminal history; Malaysian authorities may request a police clearance certificate or comparable document from your home country.

Step 6. Wait for Approval

To immigrate to Malaysia as a teacher, you must be patient while you wait for the results because the processing time for work visa applications can vary. Keep in touch with your employer so you can follow the development.

Step 7. Travel to Malaysia

You can plan your trip to Malaysia once your work visa is approved. You can get advice on this process from your employer or the organization that hired you.

Step 8. Apply for Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP)

To immigrate to Malaysia as a teacher, you must change your work visa into a Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP), which enables you to stay in Malaysia for an extended period after you arrive. Usually, your employer will help you with this procedure.

Step 9. Residence Permit (if applicable)

You might need to apply for a residence permit if you intend to stay in Malaysia for an extended period. You can get advice from your employer or the immigration authorities.

Teaching English in Malaysia Without a Degree

To immigrate to Malaysia as a teacher, the government typically requires candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.

In Malaysia, having a degree is frequently regarded as a requirement for English teaching positions, and educational institutions frequently give candidates with more education preference. A degree shows a certain level of subject-matter expertise and knowledge, which is crucial in the teaching profession.

Suppose you don’t have a degree but are still interested in teaching English in Malaysia. In that case, you may want to look into other possibilities, like volunteering to teach English or looking into different job opportunities in language schools or informal language learning environments. However, these positions might not offer the same advantages and chances as official teaching positions.

Teaching in Malaysia International Schools

A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is necessary to teach in international schools in Malaysia, in addition to a teaching certification. English language proficiency is required, and prior international work experience is advantageous. Examine course offerings, submit an application with a CV and cover letter, and be ready for interviews. Schools typically offer professional development opportunities and help foreign teachers with work visas.

Notes:

• In Malaysia, international schools serve a diverse student body, so teachers must be accepting of other cultures and sensitive to their needs.
• Send your resume, cover letter, and any pertinent certifications when applying for teaching positions in international schools. Whether they take place in person or online, prepare for interviews.
• If you accept a teaching position, carefully review the job requirements, such as pay, insurance, and other benefits.

Ways to Find Teacher Jobs in Malaysia as a Foreigner:

• Use websites like JobsMalaysia, Indeed Malaysia, and JobStreet.
• Check international schools’ “Careers” or “Join Us” sections for openings.
• Seek assistance from agencies like SeekTeachers and Footprints Recruiting.
• Join education-related groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Check the government websites like the Malaysian Ministry of Education website.
• Attend education-related job fairs and events.
• Use search engines with keywords like “foreign teacher jobs in Malaysia.”
• Visit platforms like Teach Away and International School Services.
• Contact schools directly via email.

Websites to Find English Teaching Jobs in Malaysia

Here are the most useful websites to find English teaching jobs and immigrate to Malaysia as a teacher:

• JobsMalaysia
• Indeed Malaysia
• JobStreet
• Teach Away
• SeekTeachers
• Footprints Recruiting
• ESL101
• TESall
• TotalESL
• ESL Employment
• Dave’s ESL Cafe
• LanguageCorps

Salary for Private School Teachers in Malaysia

The location of the school, the teacher’s training and experience, and the particular policies of the school itself are just a few of the variables that can affect the pay for private school teachers in Malaysia. In Malaysia, private school teachers can earn between RM 2,000 and RM 5,000 per month (roughly $480 and $1,200 USD).

Teaching English in Malaysia’s Salary

The typical monthly pay for an English teacher in Malaysia ranges from MYR 3,500 to MYR 6,000 (Malaysian Ringgit) or USD 870 to USD 1,500. This amount can differ significantly depending on the particular school or organization and your credentials and experience. Some colleges might provide extras like housing, travel expenses, and health insurance.

Popular Locations to Find English Teaching Jobs in Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur
• Penang
• Sabah
• Kota Kinabalu
• Johor Bahru

Highest Paying Cities for English Teachers in Malaysia

• Mont Kiara: RM 3,882 per month
• Klang: RM 3,348 per month
• Kuala Lumpur: RM 2,937 per month
• Puchong: RM 2,925 per month
• Johor Bahru: RM 2,905 per month
• Cheras: RM 2,797 per month
• Shah Alam: RM 2,731 per month
• Subang Jaya: RM 2,692 per month
• Petaling Jaya: RM 2,533 per month

What is the Cost of Living in Malaysia?

Depending on where and how you live, different areas of Malaysia have different living costs. Comparing Malaysia to many other nations in Asia and around the world, it is generally thought that it is a relatively inexpensive place to live.

Malaysia has a lower cost of living than many other nations in the region, including Singapore and Hong Kong. Additionally, Malaysia has a lower cost of living than many Western nations.

Here are some estimates for Malaysia’s typical cost of living:

• A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost between MYR 1,200 and MYR 2,000 (Malaysian Ringgit) per month to rent.
• RM 200 to RM 400 per month for utilities (electricity, heating, water, and garbage).
• Costs of transportation per month: RM 100 to RM 200
• Cost of groceries per month: RM 500 to RM 1000
• Meal at a restaurant: RM10 to RM30

Immigrate to Malaysia as a Teacher: Let’s Recap

Being a teacher immigrant to Malaysia can be a fulfilling and life-changing experience. You can succeed on all fronts by taking the suggested actions and embracing the nation’s cultural diversity. As you immerse yourself in Malaysia’s educational landscape, you’ll see your positive effect on your students’ lives and help the country’s future leaders grow.

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