Islamic Religious Teacher (Ustaz/Ustazah)
StableEducation
Teaches Pendidikan Islam, Quran, Jawi and Arabic in KPM schools, state religious schools or KAFA classes; KPM posts need a teaching degree (IPG or university), while KAFA teachers are paid a monthly allowance, not a civil-service salary.
Picture the job
Where you'd usually workA classroom
An illustration of a typical workplace, not a photo. Real workplaces vary.
In Malaysia
- How people get into it here
- SPM (strong Pendidikan Islam, Pendidikan Al-Quran & As-Sunnah or Bahasa Arab helps) → PISMP (Pendidikan Islam) at an IPG, or STAM/STPM/Matriculation/Asasi → Ijazah Sarjana Muda Pendidikan (Pendidikan Islam) at a university → placement or SPA application as Pegawai Perkhidmatan Pendidikan DG9. For KAFA or state religious schools, apply to JAKIM or the state religious department (JAIN), which may also require a teaching tauliah.
Pay in the private market
Monthly pay from fresh grad to mid-career, from the salary guide cited on this page.
Entry
Mid-career
Government pay isn't shown: we haven't yet sourced the SSPA civil-service salary tables, and we won't estimate them.
Job demand outlook
Steady, reliable demand: a consistent number of openings.
Your readiness
How your current SPM subjects line up with this career.
Add your SPM grades to see how ready you are for this career.
Add my gradesHow to get here
Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.
Compare routes against your results and interestsCheck what you may qualify for
Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.
Quick answers
How do you become an Islamic Religious Teacher (Ustaz/Ustazah) in Malaysia?
SPM (strong Pendidikan Islam, Pendidikan Al-Quran & As-Sunnah or Bahasa Arab helps) → PISMP (Pendidikan Islam) at an IPG, or STAM/STPM/Matriculation/Asasi → Ijazah Sarjana Muda Pendidikan (Pendidikan Islam) at a university → placement or SPA application as Pegawai Perkhidmatan Pendidikan DG9. For KAFA or state religious schools, apply to JAKIM or the state religious department (JAIN), which may also require a teaching tauliah.
What should I study to become an Islamic Religious Teacher (Ustaz/Ustazah)?
Related fields of study: Education. SPM subjects that help most: Bahasa Melayu, Your teaching subject and Moral / Islamic Studies.
How much does an Islamic Religious Teacher (Ustaz/Ustazah) earn in Malaysia?
Published figures put starting pay at RM3,110 – RM3,480 a month, and RM4,790 – RM7,080 with experience (source: SPA DG9 scheme; JPA SSPA (PP Bil. 1/2024, Lampiran D1 & E): basic pay plus fixed allowances (ITP, ITKA or Keraian, BISH). Entry = DG9 start; with experience = DG10–DG12 starts, Sep 2026).
Subjects that matter here
The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.
Skills to build
About this information
This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.
Source: SPA DG9 scheme; JPA SSPA (PP Bil. 1/2024, Lampiran D1 & E): basic pay plus fixed allowances (ITP, ITKA or Keraian, BISH). Entry = DG9 start; with experience = DG10–DG12 starts · as of Sept 2026
Check the salary figures yourself:JPA (SSPA schedule)SPA
Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org