Quick answer: For the 2026/27 school year, EDB asks new NETs for a relevant degree in English (or any degree plus a higher degree in English), a PGDE in English or equivalent, and a TEFL/TESL qualification. New NETs without the PGDE must complete it within their first four years. For the TEFL/TESL part, EDB's certificate-level criteria ask for at least 100 hours with at least 6 hours of observed and assessed teaching practice. Our Hong Kong NET bundles are matched to EDB's published TEFL/TESL criteria at certificate level, and each gives a single certificate: the 120-hour bundle includes observed, assessed teaching practice, and the 250-hour bundle adds a 20-hour assessed practicum you can complete at your own school, for secondary posts. Below are the questions we're asked most, grouped into TEFL training, teaching practice and general scheme questions.
We receive a lot of emails that begin: "I'm interested in getting a TEFL/TESOL certification to apply to the NET Scheme in Hong Kong." Thankfully, nine times out of ten we can give candidates the answers they need. To be successful in your application to the Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme, you'll need to complete an accredited course that is acceptable to the Hong Kong Education Bureau (HK EDB). At Global English TESOL we train people for the NET Scheme with flexible, ACTDEC-accredited online training and teaching practice. New to the scheme? Start with our 6-step guide to the EDB NET Scheme, then work through the FAQs below.
Online TEFL training for prospective NETs
Do I need a degree to be a NET in Hong Kong?
For 2026/27, EDB asks new NETs for a relevant degree in English (or any degree plus a higher degree in English), a PGDE in English or equivalent, and a TEFL/TESL qualification at least at certificate level. New NETs without the PGDE must complete it within their first four years. EDB does not publish a list of schools that can hire NETs without a degree. EDB primary NET recruitment
Can schools hire NETs directly?
Yes. EDB says eligible aided schools may recruit NETs directly or ask EDB to recruit for them. The same qualification requirements apply either way, and for direct hires the school arranges the HKCAAVQ assessment.
EDB's criteria mention at least 100 contact hours. What are contact hours?
Contact hours are the number of study hours on a course, whether delivered face to face or online. Our ACTDEC-accredited courses are matched to EDB's published TEFL/TESL criteria at certificate level. EDB publishes criteria, not a list of approved courses. Your school or EDB, with HKCAAVQ for overseas qualifications, decides whether your qualifications meet the requirements.
Why does your primary course have 120 contact hours?
We updated our original 100-hour Teach Hong Kong course to 120 hours, which keeps it above EDB's 100-hour minimum. With the Hong Kong NET teaching practice course, it blends online study with real classroom teaching, useful preparation for a NET post.
Does the course provide tutor support?
Yes. A personal tutor marks your online coursework and is available for any questions. They also review your teaching-practice lesson plan and your self-evaluation of that lesson, to ensure everything conforms with the EDB HK NET Scheme guidelines before you submit it as part of your application.
I need to meet the EDB deadline. Can I go through the course quickly?
Yes. You can begin as soon as you register and pay. You then work at your own pace, with up to six months to complete the 120-hour course or twelve months for the 250-hour course. Many candidates finish well inside those windows. Check EDB's recruitment page for this year's dates.
Which course should I register on?
For primary, take the 120-hour Hong Kong NET bundle, which includes the teaching practice. For secondary, take the 250-hour Hong Kong NET bundle, which includes the 20-hour practicum. Both are on our courses page. For more on our courses, see our general FAQ page.
Teaching practice for the NET Scheme
How does the teaching practice work?
You find a school or volunteer organisation where you can teach real classes. On our 10-hour Hong Kong NET teaching practice course, at least 6 hours are your own teaching, observed by the department head or lead teacher and assessed, with a pass required, which is what EDB's certificate-level criteria ask for. For secondary posts, the 250-hour bundle includes a 20-hour assessed practicum.
Can my teaching practice be online?
Online teaching can count towards our teaching practice course if it is observed by the department head or lead teacher. EDB's criteria do not say whether online practice is accepted, so check with your school or EDB before you rely on it.
Can I backdate teaching practice to lessons I've already given?
No, sorry. Teaching practice can only be counted after you have registered onto a course with us. Lessons you taught before enrolling don't qualify, so plan to complete your observed hours during your study period rather than relying on past experience.
I'm already teaching in a school. Can I do my teaching practice there?
Yes, as long as it is observed by an experienced English teacher and the school is happy for you to do so. This is often the most convenient route if you already work in a kindergarten, primary or secondary school in Hong Kong or elsewhere.
Who can observe my teaching?
It should be an experienced English language teacher - often the Director of Studies or a senior English teacher in a language school. It can also be a colleague, provided they have English-teaching experience and can offer you observation and constructive feedback on your lessons.
Can I take my teaching practice in a primary or secondary school?
Yes, in either, so long as the observation criteria above are met. Choose the setting that best matches the level you intend to apply for - primary practice for an EPTNET application, or secondary practice for an SNET application, wherever practical.
How do I access the teaching-practice paperwork?
All the forms are downloadable from your Global English TESOL student area as soon as you enrol. Get the agreement with your school signed, upload it to us, and you're ready to start recording your observed hours on the official timesheet.
I already have a TEFL/TESOL qualification. Can I just do the teaching practice with you?
Unfortunately not. The EDB requires the course and teaching practice to come from the same educational establishment, so you'll need to retrain on our online course component. The good news is you can take the teaching practice at the same time, as the two run concurrently.
Where can I enrol for the teaching practice?
Just add the 10-hour Hong Kong teaching-practice course to your basket alongside your main course. If you're aiming at secondary level, you simply log the extra hours on the same programme to reach the 20-hour requirement.
General questions on the NET Scheme
How do I prove to the EDB that I've done the contact hours and teaching practice?
On successful completion, Global English TESOL provides a composite certificate showing the number of hours taught, including your teaching practice. If a transcript is required we can supply one for a small additional cost, and we're happy to confirm to the EDB by email that you are registered on a course with us.
When did the NET Scheme begin?
To enhance English teaching and increase students' exposure to the language, the Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme started in public-sector secondary schools in 1998/99, and was then extended to primary schools from 2002/03. Both the secondary (SNET) and primary (EPTNET) schemes continue today.
When are decisions on NET candidates made?
Have your qualifications ready well before you apply; check EDB's recruitment page for this year's dates. Applications generally open in the autumn and are shortlisted over the winter, with placements and visas finalised across the summer for a September start.
Where to go next
Ready to take the next step? Choose your route and get qualified:
- Applying for a secondary post? Read how to get a secondary-school NET job in Hong Kong.
- Preparing for selection? See our guide to acing your NET Scheme interview.
- Weighing up the move? Explore teaching English in Hong Kong.
For more on training for the NET Scheme with Global English TESOL, email us here. We'd love to help you get qualified and succeed as a NET next year. For the official detail, see the EDB's NET Scheme pages.
