From TEFL to QTS: Your Pathway to Teaching in China with a PGCE While Abroad

Are you feeling stuck in your TEFL career? You’ve got the experience, the qualifications, and the motivation—but the next step toward higher income and better opportunities feels just out of reach. You’re not alone.

Many experienced EFL teachers in Vietnam hit a ceiling after a few years. Long hours, hot climates, and limited advancement can leave you craving a change. If you’re holding a CELTA, a TQUK Level 5 TEFL, and a non-education Master’s, you’re already ahead of the curve. But how do you leap into international school teaching—especially in China—without relocating to the UK for a traditional PGCE?

Let’s break down the real pathways to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for teachers working abroad.

Why a PGCE (and QTS) Matters for China

China’s top international schools are selective. They don’t just want someone who can deliver a lesson—they want fully licensed teachers. A standard PGCEi (Postgraduate Certificate in Education international) is valuable, but without QTS, many doors remain closed. Schools in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen often require QTS for visa sponsorship and salary scales that exceed $40,000–$60,000 USD per year.

You’re right to aim for a PGCE that leads to QTS, not just a qualification in name.

Can You Get QTS While Living in Vietnam?

Yes, absolutely. You don’t need to return to the UK to earn QTS. Several flexible programs are designed for teachers already working overseas.

1. The iQTS (International Qualified Teacher Status)
This is the most direct route. iQTS is a UK government-backed program that allows you to train remotely while teaching in an international school. It runs over one academic year and includes online coursework, mentoring, and assessments conducted in your own classroom. Many providers—like the University of Derby, University of Sunderland, and Teach First—offer iQTS programs that lead directly to QTS. You don’t need to be in the UK, and you can continue your current job.

2. Assessment-Only QTS
If you already have significant teaching experience (usually two years or more) and can demonstrate that you meet the UK’s Teachers’ Standards, you can pursue assessment-only QTS. This involves a portfolio submission and a visit from an assessor—often done remotely or by a local representative. Providers like TES Institute and University of Buckingham offer this route. It’s faster than a full PGCE and cheaper, but you must prove your practice is already at a high level.

3. Online PGCE with QTS from UK Universities
Some UK universities offer fully online PGCE programs that include QTS. For example, the University of East London and University of Wolverhampton run online courses with placements coordinated in international schools. You’ll need to secure a placement at a school near you in Vietnam (or wherever you move next), but many providers will help you find one. This is a solid option if you want the full master’s-level credit.

Your Schedule in Ho Chi Minh City: Is It Feasible?

Honestly, a demanding schedule in HCMC plus a part-time PGCE or iQTS is tough but manageable. Most iQTS programs require about 15–20 hours per week of study and portfolio work, plus observation lessons. If you can negotiate a lighter teaching load or drop a few evening classes, you’ll survive. Many teachers do this by dedicating weekends and evenings to coursework.

If you’re planning to move to China anyway, consider starting the program after you relocate. Your new school in China might even sponsor your iQTS or offer a reduced schedule to support your training.

Moving to a Cooler Climate: Practical Next Steps

China’s northern cities—like Beijing, Qingdao, Dalian, or Xi’an—offer cooler winters and a more international teaching market. International schools there actively recruit teachers with iQTS or assessment-only QTS. You can apply before you finish the program; many schools will hire you conditionally if you are registered on a QTS pathway.

Final Recommendation

If you want the fastest, most affordable route while staying in Asia: go for iQTS. It’s fully remote, leads directly to QTS, and doesn’t require you to quit your job. It also aligns with China’s visa requirements for licensed teachers.

If you want the prestige of a PGCE with a university name: choose an online PGCE with QTS.

Either way, you’re already a strong candidate. With two years of Vietnamese classroom experience, a CELTA Pass B, and a Master’s degree, you’re not starting from zero. You’re just one step away from the career leap you deserve.