Malaysia stays a premier place for global educators, offering a latest mix of high-tier international schools and a low cost of living. However, the controlling landscape for 2026 has introduced several technical shifts that every candidates must navigate. From the December 15, 2025, opening of the 2026 Foreigner Projection quotas to the recent realignment of the Professional Visit Pass (PVP), staying compliant is the first step toward your new life in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Johor. This guide provides the definitive roadmap for securing your role as an international school teacher in Malaysia for the 2026 academic cycle.
The 2026 Recruitment Window: Why Timing is Everything
The “golden window” for 2026 hiring is officially open. Unlike previous years, the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) has streamlined the quota system to be more proactive.
When Schools Ask for Teacher Spots
Schools ask for expatriate spots through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). These are called Projection quotas. For 2026, schools can start on December 15, 2025. This helps them get visa spots ready for teachers who start in January or August 2026.
Job Ads on MyFutureJobs
Before a school hires a teacher from another country, they must put the job ad on the MyFutureJobs portal. The ad stays there for at least 30 days. This gives local people a chance to apply first.
Best Times to Look for Jobs
Schools hire at two main times:
- August Start: Most hiring is from October 2025 to February 2026. This is the busiest time.
- January Start: Hiring is from May to August 2025 for the next year.
If you want a job starting August 2026, start looking in late 2025 or early 2026. Good jobs go fast.
Visa & Work Authorization: EP Category I vs. Category II
Foreign teachers get an Employment Pass (EP) to work. The school applies for it through the MyXpats Centre. The type depends on your salary.
Different Types of EP
| Visa Type | Monthly Salary (MYR) | How Long It Lasts | Main Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP Category I | 10,000 or more | Up to 5 years | For better jobs. Easy to bring family. |
| EP Category II | 5,000 to 9,999 | Up to 2 years | Most common for teachers. |
| Professional Visit Pass (PVP) | Not fixed | Up to 12 months | For short visits or special work. |
Most teachers get Category I or II.
New Rules for 2026
Visas are now more digital. You get an e-Pass online. No sticker in the passport for many cases.
Mandatory Qualifications & Compliance
You need certain things to teach and get a visa.
Age
Most teachers are between 27 and 50 years old. Younger or older can apply, but schools check more.
What You Need to Study
- A Bachelor’s degree. It should be in education or the subject you teach.
- A teaching qualification from your country. Like QTS in UK, or teaching license in USA, or PGCE.
Other Things
- Police check to show no crime record. It must be new (less than 6 months old).
- Health check.
- Sometimes, schools ask for more proof of your degree.
The school helps with the visa, but you must prepare your papers first.
Tip for Police Check
Get the police check early. It can take time.
Salary Trends & Benefits for 2026
Pay depends on the school, your experience, and the city.
How Much You Can Earn
In top schools, good teachers get RM 10,000 to RM 20,000 a month. In other schools, RM 8,000 to RM 12,000. Higher pay gives better visa type.
Extra Benefits
Many schools give:
- Money for house rent: RM 2,000 to RM 5,000 a month.
- Health insurance.
- Flight ticket home once a year.
- Some money into savings fund.
- Discount on school fees for your children.
These help you save money and live well.
Pay in Different Places
Schools in Kuala Lumpur often pay more than in Penang. But things cost a bit more in KL too.
Moving to the Digital Era: e-Pass and eVisas
Now most things are online.
Digital Visa
You get an e-Pass. It is digital. You can print it.
Rules When You Leave the Job
From November 18, 2025, new rules: If you leave Malaysia forever, the school must shorten your pass online before you go. If your pass ends and you do not renew, the school must do Exit Clearance online. Do this on time. If not, you may have problems coming back to Malaysia later.
FAQ: Teaching in Malaysia 2026
-
Can I teach with only TEFL and no degree?
No. You need a Bachelor’s degree for the Employment Pass.
-
What if I had visa problems before?
You may have to wait 3 months. This is called cooling-off period.
-
Do schools in KL pay more than Penang?
Yes, often. But cost of living is higher in KL.
-
Do I need a special teaching permit?
For some schools, yes. But most international schools help with everything.
-
How long for visa?
It can take a few weeks to months. Start early.
Strategy to Beat the Competition
Many teachers want jobs here. To get one:
- Apply early.
- Have all papers ready: degree, teaching license, police check.
- Have experience with international programs like IB or British.
- Look on job sites or school pages.
This guide has the newest rules, like the December 15 date and exit rules.
Ready to move? Look for jobs now. Get your papers ready!
Disclaimer: This is just information to help. Always check official websites like ESD or Immigration Malaysia.