What are the EPIK Program Requirements?

If you’re considering your options for teaching English abroad in South Korea, you’ve likely heard about the EPIK Program. EPIK stands for “English Program in Korea” and is sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Education. The goal of the EPIK program is to improve the English-speaking abilities of Korean students and teachers, developing cultural exchanges between Korea and abroad. With these goals in mind, the EPIK Program seeks qualified, enthusiastic native English speakers to share their knowledge and passion in the Korean public school system and country.

Read more: What is the EPIK Program for Teaching in Korea?

There are several requirements you need to satisfy before being able to apply for the EPIK Program. Let's look at them in detail:

What are the Requirements for EPIK?

To teach English in South Korea through the EPIK program, you will need a Bachelor's degree or above from an accredited college or university, a clean criminal background check, and to meet all visa requirements for an E-2 or F-4 visa. To see a complete list of all EPIK Program requirements, continue reading...

EPIK Requirements

• BA Degree or above (from an accredited college or University)
• Native English speaker with citizenship from either Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, or Ireland) 
• Clean Criminal Background Check (CRC)
• Meet all visa requirements for an E-2 or F-4 visa
• TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certificate, BA or MA in Education, or a teaching license. Teachers with 20+ hours of in-person practicum are preferred
• NOTE: Applicants with interest in teaching English in Busan must have 50+ hours of in-person practicum hours with his/her TEFL course

With competitive salaries and great benefits like healthcare, paid vacation, flight reimbursement, and provided housing, the EPIK program offers some of the best teaching positions in the country.

That said, the program seems to grow more popular & more competitive with each passing year. Having a backup plan is recommended and South Korea offers many opportunities to teach at private language centers and "Hagwons".

Before deciding if the EPIK Program is the right fit for you, make sure you meet all the requirements to apply.

The application process can be a bit extensive, so make sure to check out what is required for the EPIK application, Also, EPIK teachers begin their teaching assignments in Korea in either September or March. Applications must be submitted between Feb-July for the September start date and between Aug-Jan for the March start date.

Read More: EPIK application