GOE Eligibility Requirements (2026)
GOE positions follow EPIK's national eligibility standards.
Who Can Apply?
Nationality
Citizens of USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. Indian citizens may qualify under the CEPA agreement with a valid teaching certificate in English education (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA alone is not sufficient).
Bachelor's Degree
From an accredited university in one of the approved countries. Any major is accepted. Applicants must have attended school from at least junior high (7th grade) through university in an approved country.
TEFL/TESOL/CELTA
Minimum 100 hours from an accredited program. Can be completed during the application process but must be finished no later than 6 weeks before arrival in Korea.
TEFL Exemptions
Holders of a teaching license, Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), or education-focused degree are exempt from the separate TEFL requirement.
Health
Good physical and mental health. A medical exam is required after arrival in Korea (blood test, chest X-ray, ECG, drug screening).
Criminal Record
Clean criminal background check from your home country. Must be apostilled or authenticated. Should be issued within the past 6 months at time of submission.
Teaching Experience
Not strictly required for Level 3 (entry-level). 1-2 years of experience qualifies you for higher salary levels. Experience includes ESL, substitute teaching, tutoring, and teaching assistant roles.
Age
No specific age limit stated by EPIK. Male South Korean citizens under 35 must have completed mandatory military service or obtained an official waiver.
Source: EPIK (epik.go.kr), 2026. GOE eligibility is identical to EPIK national standards.