Quick answer: To land a secondary-school NET job in Hong Kong you need native (or near-native) English, a degree, an EDB-recognised TEFL/TESOL qualification and normally a PGCE or CertEd plus about a year's secondary teaching experience. You can apply centrally through the EDB (interview plus written test, then a recommended-candidate pool) or directly to schools that are hiring. A new secondary NET can expect to start at around HK$31,750 a month plus rental and medical allowances. Serving NET James Booth explains how it works below.
Teaching English in vibrant Hong Kong is popular, but landing a prestigious, well-paid secondary-school post is very competitive. To teach English at secondary level you'll need to become a Native English Teacher (NET), which means getting approval from the HK Education Bureau (EDB). Global English TESOL trainee James Booth has jumped through all the necessary EDB hoops and is now a successful NET teaching English to a range of secondary classes. We asked him about the whole process. New to the scheme? Start with our 6-step guide to the EDB NET Scheme.
What is the secondary NET recruitment process?
James: The EDB has set recruitment criteria for secondary NET jobs and ranks applications by experience and skills. Applications for NETs open towards the end of the year. You'll need to be a native English speaker (or have near-native competence) with a degree, an approved TEFL/TESOL and one year's experience teaching English in a secondary school. Most applicants have a PGCE or CertEd - not least because it's hard to get the secondary experience without one. Personally, I have a PGCE, a degree and a Global English TESOL qualification.
What are the two ways to apply for a secondary NET job?
- Through the EDB's NET Scheme: this involves passing an interview and a written test. If you succeed, your CV goes into a pool of highly recommended candidates, and schools looking for a NET may contact you for an interview.
- Directly to schools that are hiring: the qualifying criteria are the same, but schools that hire directly may be more flexible - for example, allowing you to complete your PGCE while working at the school.
If you apply through the NET Scheme, the EDB handles all the document checking. If schools hire directly, they do the checking themselves.
What about pay, benefits and cost of living?
James: All NET Scheme teachers are paid on a government grading scale based on years of teaching experience and qualifications held. A new teacher with one year's experience can expect to start at around HK$31,750 (nearly £3,000) per month. If you're highly qualified with lots of experience, the salary can be much higher. Here's a quick snapshot:
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Starting salary (1 year's experience) | ~HK$31,750/month (≈£3,000), rising on the government scale |
| Allowances | Special allowances for rental and medical costs for many NETs |
| Cost of living | Rent is high in prime districts but much cheaper elsewhere; transport is cheap and reliable |
| Saving potential | It's possible to save on a NET salary, especially outside the priciest districts |
Some NET teachers are also eligible for special allowances covering rental payments and medical bills. It's possible to save on a teacher's salary in Hong Kong, and while rent is incredibly high in certain districts, it's much cheaper in others. The transport system is cheap and reliable too. For confirmed current figures, see the EDB recruitment pages.
Any other tips for prospective NET teachers?
James: If you're looking to teach in Hong Kong, I highly recommend taking Global English TESOL courses, as they help new teachers gain a better understanding of teaching English as a foreign language - and they're one of only a handful of providers recognised by the EDB. Hong Kong is a vibrant city with plenty of teaching opportunities. There's always something exciting to do in the city or somewhere to explore in the countryside, and many teachers love life here so much they make it their second home. My teaching responsibilities are wide but varied and very rewarding! Before you go, it's worth checking the current UK government foreign travel advice for Hong Kong.
Thank you, James, and we wish you continued teaching success. James also works with an education company, Cicero, which aims to engage and motivate students in English learning through technology and games. Find out more at cicero.com.hk.
What documents do you need to apply?
Whether you apply centrally or directly to a school, have these ready before the autumn window opens so you're not scrambling:
- Your degree certificate and academic transcripts;
- Your EDB-recognised TEFL/TESOL certificate (with the composite hours and teaching practice shown);
- Your teacher-training qualification (PGCE/CertEd) and evidence of secondary teaching experience;
- A valid passport and any current work-visa details;
- References from previous schools or employers.
Global English can provide a composite certificate and, if needed, a transcript confirming your hours - and we're happy to confirm your registration to the EDB by email.
Secondary NET FAQs
What qualifications does the Hong Kong NET Scheme require?
For secondary posts you'll typically need native or near-native English, a bachelor's degree, an EDB-recognised TEFL/TESOL qualification (at least 250 contact hours), a teacher-training qualification such as a PGCE or CertEd, and around a year's secondary English-teaching experience. Primary applicants have lighter requirements - a course of at least 100 contact hours plus observed teaching practice.
How much do NET teachers earn in Hong Kong?
Pay follows the government grading scale. A new secondary NET with a year's experience starts at around HK$31,750 a month (nearly £3,000), rising substantially with qualifications and experience. Many NETs also receive special allowances for rental and medical costs. Check the EDB recruitment pages for the current, confirmed figures before you apply.
You might also like:
- Our top TESOL course for teaching English in Hong Kong, plus the 10-hour NET teaching practice.
- All about teaching English in Hong Kong as a primary NET.
- Our ten FAQs on becoming a NET and a guide to teaching English in Hong Kong.