London, UK; 11th May: Applications from UK teachers to South East Asia teaching roles grew significantly from 2023 to 2025, according to new data from 91����’&�Բ�����;Candidate Migration Report. 

The report analysed teacher recruitment patterns between January 2023 and January 2026. It found that South East Asia is a key growth region, with Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore attracting increasing numbers of applicants. For example, applications to Malaysia rose from 2,939 in 2023 to 3,818 in 2025. 

The report revealed that applications from UK teachers to Middle East teaching roles almost halved in March 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. However, international applications to the region increased by 45% between March and April 2026, pointing to continued international interest in the region.

Dan Worth, International Editor at 91����, commented: “Short-term geopolitical events can influence where teachers feel comfortable applying, which we see reflected in the March figures. But the recovery in international applications and the stability of internal movement suggest that underlying demand for teaching roles in the Gulf remains strong. These may reflect temporary fluctuations rather than a fundamental shift in the international education landscape.”

UK applications to Middle East positions dropped from 11,282 in March 2025 to 5,598 in March 2026, amid regional uncertainty. Applications to the UAE fell 55%, Qatar 46%, and Saudi Arabia 34% year-on-year. April applications from UK teachers to Middle East roles also remained lower than previous years at 5,476.

However, international applications to the Middle East - excluding UK applicants - increased 45% from March to April 2026, with the UAE remaining the top global destination, attracting 10,645 applicants in April. Internal movement within the region, which dropped 34% in March, recovered to near normal levels by April, while departures from the region remained broadly stable.

Closer to the UK, Europe is declining in popularity among teachers, with applications to France falling from 2,041 in 2023 to 955 in 2025, and the Netherlands from 1,491 to 834 over the same period, while Spain remains a strong destination.

“Global competition for qualified teachers is intensifying,” Worth added. “While short-term factors may influence application patterns, long-term trends continue to point to strong demand in established markets like the Gulf, alongside growth in Asia.”

The 91���� Candidate Migration Report is available to download here.