Savanna Hoffman
International students in China can work part-time or as interns, depending on their university and local regulations. Typically, a student visa does not permit international students to work in China, but exceptions may be made for part-time work or internships, provided the student obtains approval from their academic institution and the Entry and Exit Administrative Authorities. The Chinese government has been introducing a number of exploratory changes in favour of international students in Beijing and Shanghai looking for additional sources of revenue. However, China has very strict policies about working while studying, and if caught working illegally, one may face fines, imprisonment, expulsion from the university, and even deportation from the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa permits work | Typically, a student visa does not permit international students to work in China. |
| Exceptions | Exceptions may apply for part-time work or internships, depending on the university and local regulations. |
| Work hours | International students can work on and off-campus no more than 8 hours per week and no more than 40 hours per month. During winter and summer vacations, no more than 16 hours per week and no more than 80 hours per month. |
| Work visa | Typically, a separate work visa is required for full-time work. |
| Work permit | A special type of work permit is required for international students to work in China. |
| Work-study | Many universities in China offer work-study programs that allow students to work part-time on campus. |
| Work culture | China's work culture values respect for hierarchy, punctuality, professionalism, and relationship-building. |
| Job opportunities | Job opportunities for international students in China include English language teaching, consulting, banking, and marketing. |
| Scholarships | Scholarships are offered by the Chinese government, educational institutions, and private organizations. |
| Consequences of illegal work | If caught working illegally, international students may face fines, imprisonment, expulsion from the university, and deportation from China. |
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What You'll Learn
Student visas and work permits
International students who wish to study in China need to apply for a Chinese student visa, also known as an X visa. The visa is divided into two types: the X1 visa for long-term study exceeding 180 days or 6 months, and the X2 visa for short-term study of up to 180 days or less than 6 months. The validity of both visas is 90 days from the date of issue. The X1 visa is usually issued for multiple entries with a validity of up to 5 years, while the X2 visa is typically valid for one entry and up to 6 months.
To apply for a student visa, applicants must submit the relevant documentation to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. This includes an original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport's data page and photo page (if separate), a completed visa application form with a recent colour passport photograph, proof of legal stay or residence status (if applicable), and an original and photocopy of the admission letter issued by a Chinese educational institution. The visa application fee varies depending on nationality, the number of entries required, the country of application, and the desired speed of processing.
In terms of work permits, international students in China are generally allowed to work part-time or take on internships. However, it is important to note that the official stance is that "you are here to study and not to work". To work legally, students need a work permit. Students with valid residence permits from higher education institutions can engage in "work-study" jobs, which are paid positions that students can take on during their spare time to earn money while improving their living and studying conditions. These positions can be on or off-campus, with a limit of 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month. During winter and summer vacations, the limit is 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month. Students must submit a copy of their employment agreement to their school for record-keeping.
To obtain a part-time job or internship, international students with study residence permits must obtain approval from their academic institutions and the entry and exit administrative authorities. For internships, students need to complete an internship visa application form, which must be signed, stamped, and accompanied by the business license of the company providing the internship. This is then submitted to the public security bureau in the relevant city.
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Work-study programs
International students in China with valid residence permits enrolled in higher education institutions can participate in work-study programs. These are defined as "practical activities that international students, under the organization and management of the school, do in their spare time to obtain legal remuneration through labour and use them to improve their study and living conditions."
To be eligible for off-campus work-study activities, international students must meet the following basic conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old and meet the physical conditions required for work-study positions.
- Hold a valid residence permit for study in China, with a remaining validity of more than six months.
- Comply with Chinese laws, school rules, and regulations, and maintain good character and academic standing.
- Have studied continuously in the current school for more than one year (excluding freshmen).
The geographical scope of off-campus work-study activities is limited to the municipal administrative area where the school is located. International students can work on and off-campus for no more than 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month. During winter and summer vacations, the limit is 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month.
Work-study positions are paid according to fixed or temporary rates. Fixed positions on campus are paid monthly, with remuneration for 40 working hours per month not lower than the minimum living standard of local residents. Temporary positions on campus are paid hourly, with rates determined by the minimum hourly wage stipulated by the local government. Off-campus work-study remuneration is also based on the minimum wage standard set by the local government or relevant departments and is stated in the employment agreement.
It is important to note that international students must submit a copy of their employment agreement to the school for record-keeping. Additionally, if an international student terminates their off-campus work-study activities, they must submit a written report to the school within 10 days and inform the local public security authority's entry-exit administration department.
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Part-time jobs
In China, international students usually cannot work with an X1 student visa. However, there are exceptions for part-time work or internships, depending on the university and local regulations.
If you are an international student in China and want to work part-time, you should first check with your university's Career Department or International Students' Department for specific information.
There are various part-time job opportunities for international students in China, both on and off-campus. On-campus jobs include working as a translator in the international students' office, a video and content editor, a research assistant, or a teaching assistant. Off-campus, many jobs are available for foreigners in various sectors, including education, business, finance, and tech.
If you are working on-campus, you may not need all the paperwork. However, if you are working off-campus, there are several conditions you must meet. These include being at least 18 years old, having a valid residence permit for over six months, complying with Chinese laws and school rules, and having good attendance and grades. Additionally, you can only work a maximum of 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month during term time, and 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month during vacations.
It is important to note that China has strict policies about working while studying, and you can face serious consequences if you are caught working illegally.
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Internships
International students in China can work part-time or as interns outside their universities, provided they have approval from their academic institutions and the entry and exit administrative authorities. Students must obtain an internship visa, which is sponsored by an authorised educational institution.
Visa Requirements
To apply for an internship visa, you must:
- Get in touch with the Chinese university where you are going to study, as they will provide the instructions.
- Complete the internship visa application form. You will need the company you will intern for to sign, stamp, and provide their business license to your university.
- Once your visa documents are approved by your university, submit them to the public security bureau in your city.
X-visas (Student), especially long-term ones, are the most appropriate visas for internships. S-visas are for internships in certain high-tech zones.
Work Hours
International students in China with valid residence permits can work on and off-campus no more than 8 hours per week and no more than 40 hours per month. During winter and summer vacations, they can work no more than 16 hours per week and no more than 80 hours per month.
Internship Opportunities
- Business and Finance
- Law
- Digital Media and Marketing
- Hospitality, Tourism, and Travel
- Healthcare
- Green Technology
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Job sectors
International students in China can work part-time, but they must obtain approval from their host Chinese university and Chinese immigration authorities. Students must apply for an internship visa, which must be approved by an educational institution. The visa will be replaced by a new internship visa. Students are not permitted to work for any companies that are not listed on their visa.
There are plenty of opportunities for international students to work on campus. Working on campus allows students to build a network across the spectrum, from the student level to higher management within the university. Students can work as research assistants, student assistants, administrative assistants, or teaching assistants. They can also work in the international students' office as translators, or as ambassadors to promote the university to prospective students.
Students can also find off-campus jobs in key areas such as IT, engineering, marketing, graphic design, writing, voice-over, translation, hospitality, and freelancing. However, students must be aware of the specific rules regarding working hours for international students in China. Students are restricted to working a maximum of 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month. During the summer and winter vacations, the work hours increase to 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in China, but they need to obtain the correct work visa and permit. Students can work part-time on-campus or off-campus, but they must not exceed 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month. During winter and summer vacations, they can work up to 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month.
Requirements vary but typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency test results, a personal statement, and recommendation letters. To work part-time, you need to obtain an internship visa sponsored by an authorized educational institution.
If you get caught working illegally in China, you will usually be fined 20,000 RMB and imprisoned for about 2 weeks. You will also likely be expelled from the country and your university.
