Teach English in Brunei: Tax-Free BND 42K–66K + Free Housing | ESLstarter
Primary, Secondary English teachers needed to work in government schools in Brunei. Enjoy a fantastic expat lifestyle with attractive benefits, relocation support and high standard of living!💚
Teach English in Brunei
Primary and Secondary teachers are wanted for government schools across Brunei. Enjoy a tax-free salary, rent-free housing and a completion bonus on a two-year contract, with no placement fee through ESLstarter.
Government school teaching jobs in Brunei
We're recruiting licensed Primary and Secondary teachers for government schools in all four of Brunei's districts. You'll teach English to raise pupils' proficiency and attainment, and support national intervention and teacher development programmes across primary schools, secondary schools and sixth-form colleges.
It's a long-standing programme with over 200 international teachers. Many stay for several years, thanks to the tax-free pay, a safe and family-friendly way of life, and easy travel to the rest of Southeast Asia.
Your Brunei package
Brunei has no personal income tax, and with housing provided most teachers save a large share of their salary.
Tax-free annual salary (approx. £24,000–£38,000), paid monthly
High-standard, rent-free accommodation
Completion bonus of one-sixth of your total salary when you finish
Heavily subsidised international school places for up to two dependants
Everyday costs are low, so your savings go further
Regular workshops and career development in the government sector
Who can apply?
- A degree from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa
- A teaching qualification or Qualified Teacher Status, such as a PGCE, B.Ed or DipT
- At least three years of post-qualification classroom experience (Key Stage 1 or 2 experience is especially valued)
- A valid driving licence (the Bruneian practical test is taken in a manual car)
Not a qualified teacher yet? These roles need a teaching qualification, but there are other ways to teach abroad. See your options below.
Watch: life in Brunei
Hear from Primary and Secondary teachers about their day-to-day life and work in Brunei.
Add a Level 5 TEFL to your CV
The 168-hour Level 5 Certificate in TEFL is an Ofqual-regulated qualification at the same level as CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL. You study online with a personal tutor, in your own time, alongside your current teaching job.
Already a qualified teacher?
Most pupils in Brunei learn English as a second language. A Level 5 TEFL gives you specialist skills in teaching English to non-native speakers, which strengthens your application and helps you make an impact from your first term.
Not a qualified teacher yet?
With a degree and a Level 5 TEFL, you can teach English in countries such as Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia, where ESLstarter places teachers for free.
From £239
168-hour Level 5 Certificate in TEFL, ESLstarter price with our partner TEFL UK. Or start with the 120-hour TEFL from £63.
Where you could teach
- Brunei-Muara
- Tutong
- Belait
- Temburong
Brunei-Muara is home to the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Belait and Tutong are along the coast, while Temburong is known for its rainforest. From Brunei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bali are short flights away.
How it works
Apply with ESLstarter
Send the form below with your CV. We'll check your qualifications and experience.
Prepare your application
We help you get your documents and references ready.
Interview
A video interview for the programme, with tips from us beforehand.
Offer and paperwork
Receive your offer and complete your work pass and pre-departure checks.
Move to Brunei
Settle into your housing and start your two-year contract.
Teaching in Brunei, your questions answered
How much do teachers earn in Brunei?
Teachers on this programme earn a tax-free salary of BND 42,000 to 66,000 a year (approx. £24,000 to £38,000), paid monthly. On top of that you get rent-free housing and a completion bonus of one-sixth of your total salary when you finish your contract.
Is teacher pay in Brunei tax-free?
Yes. Brunei doesn't charge personal income tax, so you keep your full salary. With free housing and a low cost of living, many teachers save a large share of their pay.
What are the requirements to teach in Brunei?
You need a degree from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, a teaching qualification such as a PGCE, B.Ed, DipT or QTS, at least three years of post-qualification classroom experience and a valid driving licence. Key Stage 1 and 2 experience is especially valued.
Do I need a TEFL to teach in Brunei?
A TEFL isn't required, as these roles need a full teaching qualification. Most pupils in Brunei learn English as a second language, so a Level 5 TEFL gives you specialist language-teaching skills that strengthen your application and help you in the classroom.
Can I bring my family to Brunei?
Yes. The package includes heavily subsidised education at reputable international schools for up to two dependants, and many teachers move with their families.
Do I need to drive in Brunei?
Yes, a valid driving licence is required, as many schools are outside the capital and public transport is limited. Note that the Bruneian practical driving test is taken in a manual car.
How long is the contract?
Contracts are for two years, with ongoing start dates. Many teachers renew and stay in Brunei for several years.
Does ESLstarter charge a fee?
No. Our recruitment service for teaching jobs in Brunei is completely free for teachers.
Ready to teach in Brunei?
We're recruiting on an ongoing basis. Applying takes five minutes, and our service is free.
