GOE Eligibility Requirements
Who can teach English in Gyeongsangnam-do public schools through GOE? Six official requirements, nearly identical to EPIK — with one key difference.
7
Eligible Countries
Completed
Bachelor's Degree
100+ hr
TEFL / TESOL / CELTA
< 62
Max Applicant Age
GOE eligibility mirrors EPIK's requirements with one key difference: you must have already completedyour bachelor's degree — final-year students cannot apply. All six requirements must be met for placement in a Gyeongsangnam-do public school with an E-2 teaching visa.Source: Official GOE 2026 recruitment policy.
The 6 GOE Eligibility Requirements
Citizen of One of the 7 Native English-Speaking Countries
The seven countries recognized by the South Korean government are the USA, Canada, UK, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Ethnic Korean Applicants with Foreign Citizenship
Ethnic Korean applicants with foreign citizenship or legal residency in one of the 7 native English-speaking countries must have been taught in English-language schools from junior high onward and have lived abroad for at least 10 years. Male citizens of the Republic of Korea under 35 must have completed mandatory military service or received an official waiver.
Applicants Who Emigrated to One of the 7 Countries
Applicants from non-English language backgrounds whose first language is not English and immigrated to one of the 7 native English-speaking countries must have been taught at English-language schools from junior high through university.
Canadian citizens from the Quebec Province must have been taught at English-language schools from junior high through university to qualify.
Hold a Completed 3–4 Year Bachelor's Degree in Any Field
Applicants must hold a completed 3-4 year BA or BS in any field to apply. Unlike EPIK, current university students cannot apply to Korvia GOE — you must finish your degree first.
Higher, National, and Advanced Diplomas are NOT eligible.
Be TEFL / TESOL / CELTA Certified
Applicants must have completed (or currently be enrolled in) a 100+ hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification program. Both online and offline certifications are accepted by GOE.
Exempt: those with a Bachelor's or Master's in Education.
No Criminal Record (Misdemeanors or Felonies)
Applicants applying to GOE cannot have any criminal record. A National-Level Criminal Background Check is required and must be completely clear — both misdemeanors (including public intoxication) and felonies disqualify an applicant.
Traffic violations generally do not appear on CRCs.
Good Mental & Physical Health
GOE only accepts applicants in good health without major health problems. A self-medical check survey is required, plus a physical exam after arriving in Korea.
Clinical medical conditions require a doctor's note stating the condition will not affect teaching ability abroad.
Under the Age of 62
GOE does not hire individuals over the age of 62 (the Korean statutory retirement age).
GOE Eligibility FAQ
Q.Can I apply to GOE while still in university?
No. Unlike EPIK (which accepts final-year students with a Letter of Expected Graduation), GOE requires you to have already completed your bachelor's degree before applying. This is the most important practical difference between GOE and EPIK eligibility.
Q.Does my degree have to be in education?
No — any 3-4 year bachelor's degree in any field is accepted. A degree in Education exempts you from the TEFL requirement, but it's not required to apply.
Q.Is GOE the same program as EPIK?
GOE (Gyeongsangnam-do Office of Education) runs its own hiring process and is not part of the central EPIK system — although requirements closely mirror EPIK. You apply directly through GOE or through Korvia, not through the EPIK application portal.
Q.I'm an ethnic Korean born abroad — can I apply to GOE?
Yes, with the same restrictions as EPIK: (1) foreign citizenship or legal residency in one of the 7 countries, (2) English-language schooling from junior high through university, and (3) at least 10 years living abroad. Korean male applicants under 35 also need completed military service or a waiver.
Qualify for GOE? Apply Through Korvia.
Korvia runs GOE's official recruitment outside Korea. Free document review, interview coaching, and direct placement support.