TEFL Jobs in Vietnam: Job Market Overview
Last updated: 2026-08-05 · Data source: aggregated live research, see sources below
Strong, steady demand — mostly private language centres, concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, hiring year-round.
Get TEFL Certified for Vietnam
An accredited TEFL certificate is what most Vietnam employers and visa applications require. Compare 120-hour and 150-hour courses and get started online.
Get Started with TEFL Institute →Who's hiring in Vietnam
Private language centres
The largest employer category by far — chains like ILA, Apollo English, VUS and Wall Street English hire year-round and account for most of the open TEFL roles in the country.
International schools
Smaller in number and far more competitive. Usually want a bachelor's degree in education or a subject area, sometimes a teaching licence — but pay the most.
Public schools
Hired directly or via placement agencies, tied to the academic year (August–December is the main hiring push).
Private tutoring
A common cash-in-hand top-up to a main teaching job rather than a standalone career route.
Hiring seasons
Public schools hire heaviest from August to December, matching Vietnam's August–June school year. Language centres and private tutoring hire year-round, with a smaller secondary bump ahead of the new academic quarter.
Where the jobs are
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have by far the most jobs and the biggest expat communities. Da Nang is a smaller, fast-growing, noticeably cheaper second-tier market. Hai Phong, Can Tho and Bien Hoa see less competition for the jobs that do exist.
Typical contract length
Most language-centre and public-school contracts run 9.5–12 months and are usually renewable. Shorter 4–6 month contracts turn up for maternity cover or summer-intensive courses.
As an AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying sign-ups. Links on this page are affiliate links — see our affiliate disclosure.
Compare TEFL Institute Courses
120-hour and 150-hour options, online or with an in-person practicum — see which fits Vietnam's job requirements.
Get Started with TEFL Institute →FAQs
Where are most TEFL jobs in Vietnam located?
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have by far the most jobs and the biggest expat communities. Da Nang is a smaller, fast-growing, noticeably cheaper second-tier market. Hai Phong, Can Tho and Bien Hoa see less competition for the jobs that do exist.
What kind of employers hire TEFL teachers in Vietnam?
Private language centres: The largest employer category by far — chains like ILA, Apollo English, VUS and Wall Street English hire year-round and account for most of the open TEFL roles in the country. International schools: Smaller in number and far more competitive. Usually want a bachelor's degree in education or a subject area, sometimes a teaching licence — but pay the most.
When is the best time to apply for a TEFL job in Vietnam?
Public schools hire heaviest from August to December, matching Vietnam's August–June school year. Language centres and private tutoring hire year-round, with a smaller secondary bump ahead of the new academic quarter.
How long are typical TEFL contracts in Vietnam?
Most language-centre and public-school contracts run 9.5–12 months and are usually renewable. Shorter 4–6 month contracts turn up for maternity cover or summer-intensive courses.