Job Discussion Forums

katier · Joined: 19 Dec 2007 Posts: 6

Does anybody know if it's possible to teach in Hong Kong without a degree or do I need to have one to meet immigration requirements for a visa? What about a diploma? will that work? What about a TEFL certificate?

I realize this question has been posted on here a few times but there are no replies to previous posts on this topic so I'm hoping that somebody will be able to give me an answer or lead me in the direction to find the answer on my own.

Thanks!

Kaloi · Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 53

singles definitely need a degree in-hand in order to apply.

katier · Joined: 19 Dec 2007 Posts: 6

Hmmm??

Does that mean that immigration does require a degree? What I want to know is if there is any possibility at all that I can get a job without a degree, regardless of whether I"m a single or a couple. I realize that most employers are looking for degree holders but is it a requirement for the Z visa?

Thanks.

Kaloi · Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 53

I really can't offer any advice (because I myself am looking for a first job in Hong Kong - and it isn't nearly as scary as people make it out to be) - but at least try to apply to things in the private sector and see what happens..

Immigration does require a degree - but I would imagine that the tenacity with which they adhere to those standards varies depending on certain things.
Smile

BCinHK · Joined: 27 Oct 2005 Posts: 35 Location: Hong Kong

I think that's a hard question for most, if not all, of the readers of this forum who are already employed as teachers in HK to answer as I'm pretty sure we all have degrees - if you mean a basic undergraduate degree - BA or BSc. Some people also have a Masters or even a PhD or EdD, plus numerous certificates and diplomas. Or do you mean a teaching degree - BEd? Many people teach in HK without a BEd, including most local teachers.

If you are applying from outside HK with only secondary school education, without a HK ID card, permanent residency, or right of abode, probably there is no chance for teaching here legally.

If you are married to someone who has an employment visa, you can apply for any job you want with your dependent visa - whether you are hired is another issue.

If you are from Aus, NZ or Ireland and between 18 and 30, you may qualify for the working holiday visa. www.immd.gov.hk

But there is nothing to stop you from applying now for any job you like.

Charlesm_888 · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 48 Location: Hong Kong

katier · Joined: 19 Dec 2007 Posts: 6

i would like to work in hong kong (i guess i'm referring to the wrong visa when i said z visa)

i'm confused by all the different information that seems to be out there. some people say, yes - you can work in hong kong without a BA, others say no - you can't (at least not legally because you need to show your BA to get the visa), and others say you can do it legally but it's just hard to find someone who will hire you without a BA.

the immigration website for hong kong says that when employers apply for the work visa on your behalf they must show documents showing you are qualified for the position, however it does not clarify as to what documents those are.

my deal is this: I have a college diploma (2 years), I have completed 2 years of university and am now completing the remainder via distance education, I have 1 year teaching experience in Korea with great references (i got by the BA requirement by getting a working holiday visa - but it was a big pain in the but and i wouldn't want to do it that way again...major hassle), and I have 6 months tutoring experience in Spain which I may or may not be able to dig up references for (was quite a few years back).

So - does anybody know if I have any shot in hell to work in HK?...otherwise can anybody recommend somewhere (anywhere warm) where I could work legally without a BA and still be able to save around $1000 a month (and yes, i am willing to buy nothing and eat all local to save that).

thanks. i appreciate the help.

kowlooner · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 230 Location: HK, BCC (former)

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

A Degree is required for the Registered Teacher Status. This is what you require if you want stability and security.

The Permitted Teacher Status, is where a school can hire an unregistered teacher. Lots & lots of paper work and you are at the mercy of the school. Change jobs, you have to apply again.

At present, myself I hold; Dip.TESL, Dip.Ed., Cert. ELT Secondary, FTBE, LPAT-(E), and a number of lower ESL cert's, however the EMB will not grant me RT status.

So, my honest advice to save anyone who is considering coming to H.K., if you do not possess a 'valid', 'recognized' degree, then you will probably be running the gauntlet of the private sector, living hand to mouth unless you are lucky to get Permitted Teacher Status sponsorship from local school.

There aren't really any shortcuts. H.K. is probably the same as other countries in Asia except for stricter rules, higher start up cost of living.

Basically, I do not recommend H.K. as a starting point for ELT in H.K. to anyone without a degree.