Teach English in Taiwan
The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Bushibans, the TFETP Program, and Life in the Heart of Asia.
Taiwan is widely considered the "hidden gem" of the TEFL world. It offers salaries comparable to Japan or Korea but with a significantly lower cost of living and a more relaxed, tropical island lifestyle.
In 2026, the government's "Bilingual 2030" initiative is in full swing, creating massive demand for qualified teachers in public schools (via the TFETP program). However, these government roles are strict: they typically require a state teaching license or a TEFL with documented experience.
For new teachers, the private sector—dominated by "Bushibans" (Cram Schools)—remains the primary entry point. These academies hire year-round, accept fresh graduates with a 120-hour myTEFL certificate, and offer high hourly rates that allow for a fantastic work-life balance.
Quick Facts
What’s in this guide?
Your roadmap to the Beautiful Isle (Formosa). From navigating the ARC visa process to choosing between Taipei's neon streets and Kaohsiung's harbor vibes.
- The TEFL jobs market in Taiwan
- Bushibans vs. Public Schools (TFETP)
- Teacher Salary in New Taiwan Dollars (TWD)
- Work Permits & The ARC Process
- Requirements for 2026
- Schedules & Chinese New Year
- Cost of living: Taipei vs. South
- Where to teach: Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung
- Getting hired: The Placement Route
- Taiwan TEFL FAQs
The TEFL jobs market in Taiwan
Taiwan offers a "Goldilocks" scenario for many teachers: salaries are high (similar to Japan), but the cost of living is low (closer to Southeast Asia). In 2026, the market is defined by the push for Bilingual 2030, a national policy aiming to make Taiwan English-fluent within the decade.
This has led to a surge in public school hiring via the TFETP (Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program). However, these are premium roles. To qualify as a "Foreign English Teacher" (FET), you generally need a state teaching license or significant formal experience. Fresh graduates usually start in the private sector.
"Bushibans" (Cram Schools) are the backbone of the market. They hire year-round, are open to new teachers with a degree and TEFL, and offer evening schedules that leave your mornings free to explore the island's incredible hiking trails and night markets.
- Population: 23 million
- Language(s): Mandarin & Hokkien
- Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
- Capital city: Taipei
- Estimated salary: 60,000 - 80,000 TWD
- Public Holidays: ~13 days (CNY is big)
- Climate: Subtropical (Humid)
- Main Transport: HSR & MRT (Subway)
- Internet: Excellent / Uncensored
Types of English teaching jobs in Taiwan
Choose between the evening energy of a Bushiban or the structured day-life of a Public School.
Bushibans (Cram Schools)
Private after-school academies. The most common job for new teachers. You teach children aged 5-15 in the afternoons and evenings. Pay is usually hourly.
Public Schools (TFETP)
Government positions (FET Role). Strict requirements: You need a State Teaching License OR a TEFL + 1 year of formal experience.
Kindergartens
Morning jobs teaching very young learners. High energy is required. Note: Ensure the school has the proper license to hire foreigners for this age group.
International Schools
Elite private schools following US/UK curriculum. These roles require a full teaching license from your home country and pay top dollar.
TEFL teacher salary in Taiwan
Salaries in Taiwan are generally quoted in monthly totals for public schools and hourly rates for Bushibans. In 2026, a typical monthly income falls between 60,000 and 80,000 TWD ($1,850 - $2,500 USD).
Unlike Korea, you usually pay for your own housing. However, rent is affordable. A nice studio in a major city (outside Taipei center) costs about 12,000 - 18,000 TWD ($370 - $550 USD). Food is incredibly cheap; a "Bientang" (lunchbox) is $3-4 USD.
Taxes are low (starting at 6% but dropping after 183 days of residency). Because of the low cost of living, it is very realistic to save $800 - $1,200 USD per month, especially if you live in cities like Taichung or Tainan.
Monthly Salary Range (TWD)
| Bushiban (Entry Level) | 50,000 - 65,000 |
| Public School (TFETP) | 62,720 - 90,000 |
| Hourly Rate (Avg) | 650 - 750 /hr |
| Rent (Studio) | 10,000 - 20,000 |
| Income Tax | 5% - 18% |
Work Permits & The ARC Process
To work legally, you need an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) sponsored by your employer. Working on a visa-exempt entry or tourist visa is illegal and risky.
In 2026, the process is streamlined. Once you sign a contract, your school applies for your Work Permit. Once approved, you apply for a Resident Visa (often possible to do within Taiwan if you entered on a visitor visa, though regulations fluctuate). Finally, you visit the immigration office to get your plastic ARC card.
Essential: The Health Check
To get your ARC, you must pass a hospital health check in Taiwan. This includes a chest X-ray (for TB), a blood test (for Syphilis), and a check for Measles/Rubella antibodies.
Criminal Record Check: You must provide a nationwide criminal background check (e.g., FBI check for Americans) from your home country. It usually needs to be less than 6 months old.
Requirements to teach English in Taiwan
Taiwan has strict government regulations for issuing Work Permits. Note the distinction between private Bushibans and the public TFETP program.
- Bachelor’s Degree Mandatory. You must have a physical copy of your diploma (or a notarized copy). Can be in any subject.
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Qualifications (Private vs. Public)
Bushibans: Degree + 120-Hour TEFL.
Public Schools (FET): Degree + State Teaching License OR Degree + TEFL + 1 Year Exp. - Native English Speaker You must hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.
- Clean Criminal Background A national-level background check (FBI/RCMP/etc.) issued within the last 6 months is required for the Work Permit.
Schedules & Chinese New Year
Hiring Season: Peak hiring is June-August (for the fall semester) and January-February (after Chinese New Year). However, Bushibans hire year-round.
Chinese New Year (CNY)
The biggest holiday of the year (usually Jan or Feb). Most schools close for about a week. It is a time of family reunions and, for teachers, a great opportunity to travel around Asia.
Bushiban Hours: You will typically work 20-25 teaching hours a week, mostly between 2 PM and 9 PM on weekdays, and sometimes on Saturday mornings.
Public School Hours: Standard 8 AM to 4/5 PM, Monday to Friday. Weekends are always off.
Cost of living & Savings in Taiwan
Taiwan is incredibly affordable. While Taipei is more expensive (especially rent), it is still cheaper than Seoul or Tokyo. Outside Taipei, prices drop significantly.
Food: This is the highlight of living in Taiwan. Street food is safe, delicious, and cheap. A bowl of Beef Noodle Soup is $4-5. Bubble tea is $2. You can eat out for every meal and still save money.
Transport: The Taipei MRT is world-class and cheap ($1-$2 per ride). The High-Speed Rail (HSR) can get you from Taipei (North) to Kaohsiung (South) in 90 minutes for about $45 USD.
Monthly Budget (Single Teacher)
| Rent (Studio - Taipei) | $450 - $650 |
| Rent (Studio - South) | $250 - $400 |
| Utilities & Phone | $50 - $80 |
| Food & Dining | $300 - $450 |
| Transport (MRT/YouBike) | $40 - $60 |
Where to teach English in Taiwan?
Taiwan is small but diverse. The High-Speed Rail makes it easy to travel from the capital to the tropical south in under two hours.
Taipei (The Capital)
A bustling metropolis nestled in a basin of mountains. Incredible nightlife, world-class food, and the most job opportunities. Higher rent, but higher pay.
Kaohsiung (The Harbor)
The main city of the south. Wide streets, palm trees, and a massive harbor. Much cheaper than Taipei with a warmer, sunnier climate.
Taichung (Middle Kingdom)
Located in central Taiwan. Known for having the best weather (less rain than Taipei) and a thriving arts scene. A favorite for long-term expats.
Hualien (Nature's Edge)
On the rugged east coast. The gateway to Taroko Gorge. Perfect for nature lovers who want to surf, hike, and escape the big city crowds.
How to get a job in Taiwan
The visa process (Work Permit) requires a job offer first. You can start your journey with myTEFL in two ways:
The Independent Route
For the adventurer. Get your 120-hour certificate and apply directly to Bushibans or fly to Taiwan and interview in person (a common tactic).
- Flexibility: See the school before you sign.
- Recognition: myTEFL is accepted by Taiwan MoE.
- Logistics: You handle the Work Permit application steps.
myTEFL Job Placement
Exclusive for our grads. We connect you with vetted Bushibans and Public School recruiters to secure a job before you fly.
- Vetted Schools: We check contracts for fair hours.
- Visa Support: Guidance on the Health Check & ARC.
- Arrival Help: Assistance finding housing in Taipei/Kaohsiung.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crucial data for the 2026 Taiwan teaching landscape.