If you end up here, I’m assuming that there is a high probability of you planning to be an English teacher in the future. And I’m guessing the major reasons for that would be:
- You’re good at English language
- You really love teaching other people
- Or both (which screams big energy of an English teacher)
Or let’s say you come across this article randomly.
Although it doesn’t really matter which categories you fall into, you pretty much found the right place to learn about everything that you need to know if you want to be an English teacher in Malaysia.
Here we go!
What is TESL/TESOL?
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a common term used for teaching English courses including Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). And in some countries, it is known as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). It is a common course for those who want to be an English teacher.
In the globalisation era, English is one of the compulsory languages to master especially when it comes to professional communication among countries. It’s a language that is understood internationally and has been the second language in Malaysia for decades. Due to that, competitive students will find themselves trying to learn English as much as they can as it’s now one of the important requirements in most careers. And that is why English teachers are important and they need to play their role to ensure the students are proficient in English language at an earlier age.
What are the Education Pathways to become an English teacher in Malaysia?
Thousands of students come with various education backgrounds. Needless to say, although the direction they’re headed is the same, their journeys are not all the same. But this doesn’t mean one is better than the other, or one is more compatible to be an English teacher than the other. There are simply more than one pathway when we’re talking about education. Thus, here are two common education pathways to become an English teacher in Malaysia;
*For other education backgrounds that are not stated, feel free to contact us for further information and we’ll guide you through your own pathway.
What are the Skills Needed to Become an English Teacher in Malaysia?
It’s true, interest and knowledge are vital when it comes to education and career. However, it’s also important to know beforehand whether you’ve chosen the right track. You need a particular set of skills in order to succeed, because we know being passionate and intelligent help you to get into the right university, but a suitable set of skills is the one that will determine your consistency throughout the journey of being an English teacher. So, what are the set of skills that will be helpful for you in order to be a successful English teacher in Malaysia?
- Linguistic skill
- English proficiency
- Confident and friendly
- Patient and passionate
- Listening skill
Get in touch with us now to know if you have what it takes to be an English teacher!
What are the General Entry Requirements to study TESL/TESOL in Malaysia?
In order for you to become a teacher, I must say, you have to first be qualified enough to be called a teacher. Hence, your education excellence will play a crucial role in determining whether it is possible for you to be accepted as an English teacher at schools in the future. Passion and skills are great, but you should not forget the importance of grades on your paper.
STPM | Minimum of 2Cs |
Foundation/Pre-University/Matriculation | Minimum CGPA of 2.00 |
UEC | Minimum of 5Bs |
Diploma | Minimum CGPA of 2.00 |
MUET | Band 4 |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for enquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Which are the Best Universities to study TESL/TESOL in Malaysia?
At the end of the day, each student dreams to enroll into the right university in order for you to reach your goal. It’s important to know that despite the other requirements stated, university will be your indicator of the quality of education you will receive, and in return, the quality of education that you will give back to your future students. The environment and the people that surround you will determine the kind of teacher that you will become. You just need to choose your university wisely, and everything else will fall into place.
1. University of Nottingham
Your first year modules will introduce you to the foundation of education within different contexts. This knowledge and understanding will be developed further in your second year. In your third year you will take specialised modules relating to your pathway. You will also pursue your own independent research throughout the third year. If you are studying for the Bachelor of Education, you will start your teaching practical during your fourth year.
Program Name | Bachelor of Education (Hons) (TESOL) |
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intakes | March, June, September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | RM27,600 |
2. SEGI University
This programme is aimed at preparing students for the demands of being a teacher in the 21st century, in both public and private institutions. You will be thoroughly trained in the basics of being an educator and build from there to become a well-rounded graduate. Upon graduation you will have an understanding of the entire education system — from its philosophies to its systems and practises.
Program Name | Bachelor of Education (Hons) |
Program Duration | 3 years |
Intakes | January, April, June, August, September, October |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | RM19,966 |
3. Taylor's University
The degree programme instills sound practical and professional knowledge, skills and predispositions of primary school teaching based on a philosophical, theoretical and conceptual understanding of primary education.
Program Name | Bachelor of Education (Hons) |
Program Duration | 3 years |
Intakes | March, August |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | RM28,833 |
4. Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL)
The programme provides a solid basis for teachers and for developing expertise in a diverse range of English teaching situations. All kinds of teaching and learning activities and also hands-on experience through workshops are incorporated into the programme. It will equip ESL or EFL teachers with not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical knowledge which will help them become competent ESL or EFL teachers/lecturers at any educational institutions.
Program Name | Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (TESOL) |
Program Duration | 3 years |
Intakes | March, June, September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | RM15,166 |
5. HELP University
This programme will arm graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach English as a Second Language. HELP University has a great programme and a great team of lecturers to lead students to greater heights in acquiring teaching skills in the English language.
Program Name | Bachelor of Education (Hons) (TESL) |
Program Duration | 3 years |
Intakes | January, May, August |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | RM21,766 |
Contact us to find out more!
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Nurul Nadira
I am an English undergraduate student who reads and listens to bands.
