Teaching English in Spain Without a Degree: What Are Your Options?

 

You want to teach English in Spain — the food, the culture, the adventure — but there’s just one problem: you don’t have a university degree.

Does that mean it’s impossible? Not at all.

While having a degree opens more doors, you can still teach English in Spain without one legally and successfully if you know your options.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• Whether a degree is required

• What jobs are available without one

• Legal ways to stay in Spain• How to increase your chances of getting hired

• Real stories from non-degree teachers

Let’s dive in.

🎓 Is a Degree Required to Teach in Spain?

 

The short answer: no, but it depends.

Spain doesn’t have a national law requiring a degree to teach English in private academies or as a

tutor.

However:

• Some public school programs (like Auxiliar de Conversación) require a degree

• Many private academies prefer it, but it’s not always mandatory

• Some visa types (like certain work visas) require a degree

If you’re motivated, certified, and flexible, you can absolutely find legal, paid work as a TEFL

teacher in Spain — without a university degree.

✅ Legal Options to Teach Without a Degree

 

1. Student Visa + TEFL + Spanish Course (most popular)

 

This is the best option for non-EU citizens without a degree.

How it works:

• Enroll in a TEFL course + Spanish language course

• Apply for a student visa, which allows:

◦ Long-term stay in Spain

◦ Part-time work (up to 20 hours/week)

◦ Legal employment in language academies

👉 We help you through the full visa process

Once you have your visa, you’re fully eligible to live and teach in Spain legally, no degree needed.

2. Teach English in Private Language Academies

Many private schools in Spain are flexible on qualifications especially if you:

• Have a TEFL certificate (120+ hours)

• Show enthusiasm, punctuality, and creativity

• Are legally allowed to work (via student visa or EU citizenship)

💡 Tip: Schools in smaller towns and suburbs are more open to non-degree candidates.

👉 Start your TEFL course in Madrid

3. Offer Private Lessons (In Person or Online)

If you’re outside the formal academy system, you can offer private tutoring — legally and

independently.

Many teachers earn €15–€25/hour offering:

• General English

• Conversation classes

• Business English

• Exam prep (Cambridge, IELTS, etc.)

Popular platforms:

• LingoBongo

• TusClasesParticulares

• Superprof

• Facebook groups (e.g. “English Teachers in Madrid”)

 

4. Teach Online While Living in Spain

Another option: teach English online remotely, while living in Spain legally on a student visa.

Platforms like:

• Cambly

• Preply

• iTalki

• AmazingTalkerLet you work without needing a degree — though having a TEFL helps you get more students and

better pay.

🛂 What About Visas?

If you’re not an EU citizen, you cannot work legally in Spain without a visa.

Best visa for non-degree teachers:

Student Visa + TEFL Course + Spanish Course

This combo allows you to stay up to 12 months, with renewals possible.

👉 Learn more about student visa + TEFL in Madrid

 

💼 What Jobs Can You Realistically Get Without a Degree?

 

🧠 How to Boost Your Chances Without a Degree

• ✅ Take an in-person TEFL course with classroom practice

• ✅ Choose a course with job placement support

• ✅ Be proactive and apply to multiple academies

• ✅ Start in Madrid or smaller cities with higher demand

• ✅ Build a professional online presence (CV, LinkedIn, photo)

• ✅ Learn some basic Spanish — it really helps!

👉 Our TEFL course includes job support and interview coaching

 

💬 Real Quote from a TEFL Madrid Graduate

“I don’t have a degree, but after getting TEFL certified in Madrid and applying with the help of the

staff, I landed a part-time job within two weeks. I’m also teaching private classes. It’s 100%

possible.”

— Alyssa M., USA

 

📝 Final Thoughts

 

A degree helps — but it’s not a dealbreaker.

With the right training, attitude, and visa, you can absolutely teach English in Spain legally and successfully without a university degree.

Thousands of teachers are doing it right now. You can too.