What Are the Basic Requirements for Teaching English in Hungary?

Do you seek to teach English in a country where you can enjoy a quintessential European experience, complete with majestic castles, old-world bars and cafes, and open-air markets on cobblestoned streets? In that case, Hungary is definitely a top option to consider. One of the fastest-growing markets for English language instruction in central Europe, Hungary offers a great combination of history, culture, and location in the heart of the continent. In addition, the cost of living is lower than in many Western European nations like France and Germany. 

If you are considering teaching English in Hungary, you must meet the following qualifications.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become an English Teacher in Hungary?

To teach English in Hungary, you will need a TEFL certificate. A college degree is typically required. Native English proficiency is expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Hungary is about $650 - $950 USD per month.

Requirements to Teach English in Hungary

Now let's look at the following requirements to teach English in Hungary in detail:

1. Have a TEFL Certification (typically required)

2. Be a Fluent English Speaker

3. Have a Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

4. Have a valid passport and visa

5. Meet the requirements for teaching in the Central European Teaching Program (CETP)

1. Have a TEFL Certification (Typically Required)

To teach English in Hungary, you will need a TEFL Certification. Though not technically a legal requirement, reputable private language schools in Hungary typically require that their teachers be TEFL certified. Quality schools offering quality jobs typically are not interested in hiring teachers who have not received proper training.

2. Be a Fluent English Speaker

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Hungary. However, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the EU nations (fluent speakers with TEFL certification), USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is highly preferred.

3. Have a Bachelor's Degree (Preferred)

Can You Teach English in Hungary Without a Degree?

A Bachelor's degree is typically required to secure a job in Hungary. It is strongly preferred by employers and is required to participate in the CTEP Program, which is the most popular way for ITA graduates to teach in Hungary. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search and to consider teaching in other countries.

4. Have a Valid Passport and Visa

Americans and citizens of other non-EU countries do not have the luxury of teaching and working freely within the European Union (EU), like Hungary.

Teachers holding citizenship from the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland and other EU nations can apply for the Central European Teaching Program (CETP) to teach English to children in public schools throughout Hungary. Teachers working with CETP will receive a work visa after they arrive in Hungary. CETP will provide all of the necessary documentation. The visa is usually processed approximately two weeks after the application.

You will need the following documents to apply for positions and to submit for your visa to teach English in Hungary:

• Valid Passport (for at least 6 months from your arrival in Hungary)

• International resume/CV and cover letter

• Original TEFL Certificate

• College/University diploma 
  
  
• Any additional necessary provided by employer or CTEP

Here are a few bonus documents recommended to have available: 

• Sample lesson plans
• College transcripts.

5. Meet the Requirements for CTEP

Most Americans and other native English speakers who teach English in Hungary do so through the CETP Program, which requires a payment fee, but the positions pay well by local standards and offer good salaries and benefits, including housing, health insurance & paid vacations. CETP is also one of the only options for non-EU citizens to gain a valid visa for teaching English in Hungary. The program also includes accommodations, competitive salaries, access to health insurance, and paid vacation.

Here are the primary requirements to participate in the CTEP program:

• Native English speaker from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., or an EU country
• TEFL/TESOL Certification with a minimum of 20 hours of classroom teaching experience
• Doctor’s letter stating the teacher is in good health (required to process work visa in Hungary)
• Background check
• Notarized copy of university diploma

Go Further:

• Salaries for teaching in Hungary
• What are the requirements for teaching English abroad?
• Teaching English in Europe Country Profiles