EPIK Eligibility Requirements
Who can apply to teach English in Korean public schools through EPIK? These are the six official requirements the Ministry of Education checks before issuing an E-2 visa.
7
Eligible Countries
3–4 Yr
Bachelor's Degree
100+ hr
TEFL / TESOL / CELTA
< 62
Max Applicant Age
The English Program in Korea (EPIK) has six official eligibility requirements covering citizenship, education, certification, criminal history, health, and age. Meeting all six qualifies you for an E-2 teaching visa. Korvia has processed thousands of EPIK applications since 2006 — if you're unsure whether you qualify, our advisors will review your case at no cost.Source: Official EPIK 2026 recruitment policy.
The 6 EPIK 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 grade 7 onward and have lived abroad for a minimum of 10 years. Male citizens of the Republic of Korea under the age of 35 must have either 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 grade 7 onward.
Canadian citizens from Quebec and South African citizens must have been taught at English-spoken schools from grade 7 through university to be eligible.
Hold a 3–4 Year Bachelor's Degree in Any Field
Applicants must hold a 3-4 year BA or BS in any field to apply. Final-year university students may also apply to Korvia EPIK if they can submit their degree before arriving in Korea — they must also submit a letter of expected graduation.
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 or more TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification program. Both online and offline certifications are accepted by EPIK and Korvia.
Exempt: those with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Education, CELTA, or PGCE.
No Criminal Record (Misdemeanors or Felonies)
Applicants applying to EPIK cannot have any criminal record. A National-Level Criminal Record Check (CRC) is required, and it must be completely clear. Both misdemeanors (e.g. public intoxication) and felonies will disqualify an applicant.
Traffic violations generally do not appear on CRCs.
Good Mental & Physical Health
Due to the nature of liability, EPIK only accepts applicants in good health without major health problems. Applicants must complete a self-medical check survey and undergo 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
EPIK does not hire individuals over the age of 62 (the Korean retirement age).
Eligibility FAQ
Q.Can I apply to EPIK without a TEFL certificate?
Technically, the minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree — but in practice, applicants without a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification are classified as Level 3 and are not currently being hired. An accredited 100+ hour TEFL course moves you to Level 2 (₩2.1M+ entry salary) and makes your application competitive.
Q.Does my degree have to be in education or English?
No. Any 3-4 year bachelor's degree in any field is accepted. A degree in Education, TESOL, Teaching, or Second Language Studies helps with salary level placement, but it is not required to apply.
Q.I'm an ethnic Korean born abroad — can I apply?
Yes, but you'll need to show (1) foreign citizenship or legal residency in one of the 7 native English-speaking countries, (2) English-language schooling from grade 7 onward, and (3) at least 10 years living abroad. Korean male applicants under 35 must also have completed mandatory military service or received an official waiver.
Q.What counts as a criminal record for EPIK?
EPIK requires a completely clear National-Level Criminal Record Check. Both misdemeanors and felonies disqualify applicants — even minor offenses like public intoxication. Traffic violations typically do not appear on CRCs and are not an issue. If you have any concerns, request an unofficial CRC before applying.
Q.What's the age limit for EPIK?
EPIK does not hire applicants over the age of 62, which is the statutory Korean retirement age. There is no official minimum age, but you must hold a completed bachelor's degree at the time of placement.
Meet the Requirements? Apply Through Korvia.
As EPIK's official recruiting partner since 2006, Korvia provides free application support, document review, and priority processing.