1. Salary and Benefits

Salaries for foreign teachers can vary depending on the school, location, and level of experience, but in general, teachers can expect to earn between MYR 10,000 to MYR 17,000 per month. International schools and private institutions tend to offer salaries on the higher end of the scale, while public schools may offer lower salaries.

In addition to your monthly salary, many schools offer benefits such as health insurance, housing allowances, and end-of-contract bonuses. Some schools will also cover your airfare to and from Malaysia.

2. Living Costs

The cost of living in Malaysia is generally low. Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang are more expensive than rural areas, but even in these big cities, living costs remain affordable by international standards.

Accommodation: Renting an apartment or house in Kuala Lumpur typically costs between MYR 1,500 and MYR 3,000 per month, depending on the location and size. They usually offer good facilities too, such as pools, gyms, tennis courts and more, all free for residents to use!
Food: Local Malaysian food is delicious, affordable, and widely available. Street food can cost as little as MYR 5 to MYR 10 per meal, while dining at a mid-range restaurant might cost around MYR 30 to MYR 60 per person.
Transportation: Public transportation in Malaysia is also inexpensive, with monthly transport passes ranging from MYR 100 to MYR 200. Many teachers also opt to rent a car, which can cost between MYR 1,000 to MYR 2,000 per month. If you have your own car, a tank of petrol will set you back around MYR 60!

Overall, teachers in Malaysia can live comfortably on their salary, with room to save or travel.

3. Holidays and Vacation Time

One of the most attractive aspects of teaching in Malaysia is the number of holidays! Malaysia observes numerous public holidays, including cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya (Eid al-Fitr), and Deepavali, as well as national holidays such as Merdeka Day (Independence Day). International schools typically offer about 10-12 weeks of vacation each year, broken up into longer holidays like summer break and long weekends during the year. Between term breaks, national holidays and religious festivals, you could be looking at a holiday every month!

4. Nearby Travel

Living in Malaysia offers a fantastic base for exploring Southeast Asia. Destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam can all be reached by a short flight. Malaysia itself is also filled with interesting places to explore, from the beaches of Langkawi, to the cultural heritage of Penang and the rainforests of Borneo. Your new school might be organising their next excursion to a beautiful, tropical location!

With budget airlines operating out of major Malaysian airports, you can take advantage of low-cost flights to explore the region. It’s easy for teachers to take a weekend trip to nearby islands. Finish work at 4:30pm and feel the sand between your toes a few hours later!

5. Career Opportunities and Professional Development

The Malaysian education sector is growing rapidly, and opportunities for teachers are expanding. International schools in particular are always on the lookout for qualified, passionate educators, especially those in fields like English, Science, Maths, STEM, EDTech and Physical Education.

For those looking to grow professionally, Malaysia offers plentiful opportunities. Due to Malaysian work visa requirements, foreign educators here must hold a teaching qualification. This means the majority of international teachers will be well qualified and experienced, and the schools who hire them will also reflect this. Schools are also supportive of their teachers’ PD, and encourage teachers to share their additional skills, interests and passions.

6. Visa Requirements and Regulations

To teach in Malaysia, you’ll need a valid work visa, which is typically arranged by the school that hires you. The most common type of visa for international teachers is the Employment Pass (EP), which allows you to live and work in Malaysia for a set period (usually 1-2 years).

The process for obtaining a work visa involves submitting documents such as:

A valid passport
Proof of your qualifications (e.g., teaching certification or degree)
A confirmed employment contract
Medical health check (often required as part of the visa application)

The school usually handles most of the visa application process, but you’ll need to make sure your documents are in order before applying. It’s important to be aware that work visas are tied to your employer, so if you switch jobs, you’ll need to update your visa.

7. Who is the Ideal Teacher for Malaysia?

So, who would thrive in Malaysia? Teachers who are adaptable, open-minded, and passionate about experiencing a new culture will feel right at home in Malaysia. This diverse country offers a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous cultures, which means international teachers will be exposed to a rich mixture of traditions, food, and languages. An ideal candidate would have:

A passion for teaching and a drive to enhance their teaching career
An adaptable mindset, as living in Malaysia can sometimes feel like a mix of modern and traditional, especially in terms of infrastructure and local customs
An adventurous spirit, as Malaysia is a gateway to exploring Southeast Asia
The ability to work with students from various cultural backgrounds, as Malaysia is home to a multicultural society

Additionally, teachers who enjoy a laid-back lifestyle and appreciate nature will find Malaysia’s tropical climate and stunning landscapes appealing. Whether you’re hiking through rainforests, relaxing on a beach, or exploring vibrant city life, Malaysia offers a great work-life balance for those looking to blend career with adventure.

Like the sound of teaching in Malaysia? Join our incredible school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!

Vacancies available at the time of publication.

Each week, we use our extensive knowledge, experience and expertise of international teaching to tackle your most burning questions. From topics such as job hunting, teaching, legal matters, travel, visas - nothing is left uncovered! Got a question? Get in touch!

What’s It Like to Teach in Malaysia?