Working In China: Opportunities For International Students

International students in China can work part-time or as interns, depending on their visa status and local regulations. While a typical student visa does not permit employment, exceptions may apply for part-time work or internships, provided the student obtains approval from their academic institution and the Entry and Exit Administrative Authorities. China's job market offers diverse opportunities for foreigners, especially in the education sector, where there is a high demand for English language teachers. However, it is important to note that China has strict policies regarding working while studying, and students risk fines, imprisonment, and expulsion if they work illegally.

Work visas and permits

International students in China are generally not permitted to work with only a student visa. However, in recent years, the Chinese government has introduced several changes to its visa policies to attract more international students to the country. These changes have made it possible for international students to engage in part-time work or internships while studying in China, provided they obtain the necessary approvals and permits.

To work legally in China, international students must obtain the appropriate work visa and permit. The specific requirements may vary depending on the student's country of origin, the type of work they intend to do, and the local regulations in their province or city. It is essential for students to understand these requirements and seek advice from their university or employer.

In 2016, the Ministry of Public Security implemented a policy allowing foreign students recommended by their host universities in Beijing to take part-time jobs in the city's Zhongguancun Science Park. Under this policy, an "entrepreneurship" annotation was added to their student visas. Additionally, in early 2017, the Chinese government introduced a program enabling international students with postgraduate degrees or graduates from "well-known" universities to obtain Chinese work permits without the previous requirement of having two years of work experience outside of China.

To work part-time or undertake an internship as an international student in China, you must obtain approval from your academic institution and the Entry and Exit Administrative Authorities. This process may vary depending on the university and local regulations. Some universities may require you to complete an internship visa application form, get it signed and stamped by the company, and provide their business license to your university. Once your university approves your visa documents, you must submit them to the public security bureau in your city.

International students undertaking part-time work or internships in China are typically restricted to working no more than 8 hours per week and no more than 40 hours per month. During winter and summer vacations, the permitted working hours may increase to no more than 16 hours per week and no more than 80 hours per month. It is important to note that these policies do not cover teaching practice or social activities organized by the school. Additionally, students should be aware of the potential consequences of working illegally in China, as the authorities have been cracking down on such activities in recent years.

Part-time work

In the past, international students in China could easily work part-time without a work permit, but in recent years, the country has started cracking down on foreigners working illegally. China has strict policies about working while studying, with the official stance being that "you are here to study and not to work".

Typically, a student visa does not permit international students to work in China. However, some exceptions may apply for part-time work or internships, depending on the university and local regulations. Many universities in China offer work-study programs that allow students to work part-time on campus. These programs offer valuable work experience and can sometimes contribute to the cost of tuition or living expenses. Internships can also provide real-world experience in your field of study and often lead to job opportunities after graduation.

To work legally in China as a student, you must first find a company willing to hire you. Once you have a contract, you'll need approval from your supervisor or counsellor, who will provide you with an internship form to fill out. With these documents, you can go to your international education department, and they will provide you with an internship visa. For part-time work outside of the campus, you need to get your university to make a formal agreement with a company outlining how many hours you can work and for how much.

If you want to get a part-time job in China, you can communicate with your university's Career Department or International Students' Department for more specific information.

Internships

International students in China with valid residence permits enrolled in higher-education institutions can undertake off-campus internships as long as they obtain approval from their academic institutions and the entry and exit administrative authorities. This approval process involves getting an internship visa, which requires the signature, stamp, and business license of the internship company.

International students in China can pursue internships in various sectors, including business, finance, law, digital media, green technology, hospitality, tourism, and healthcare. These internships can be found at well-known multinationals, Chinese state-owned enterprises, or local private companies.

For example, an international student interested in digital media can intern at a pioneering tech firm serving China's massive online constituency. Alternatively, a student keen on the hospitality industry can intern at a name-brand hotel to understand how they cater to a growing domestic market.

There are also internship opportunities in international law firms, where interns can learn how these organizations navigate the complex legal landscape of setting up and doing business in China.

Some notable internship programs in China include:

• CRCC Asia Global Internship Programs: This program offers internships in Shanghai across 18 dedicated career fields. It includes accommodation, networking events, cultural events, and 24/7 on-the-ground support.
• GoAbroadChina Program: This program offers internships at Fortune 500 companies in China.
• Fudan MBA program: This program helps students secure internships through their iLab, which has included companies like Raise 3D Technologies.

It is important to note that China has strict policies regarding working while studying, and international students should ensure they have the necessary approvals and visas to avoid legal repercussions.

Work-study programs

International students in China with valid residence permits enrolled in higher-education institutions can participate in work-study programs. Work-study jobs 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 a work-study program, 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 at least six months remaining before expiration.
• Comply with Chinese laws and regulations and school rules and regulations, be of good character, perform well, and have no criminal record or violation of laws and disciplines.
• Have been studying in the current school for more than a year.
• Meet the academic progress and attendance rate requirements of the school.

International students can work on and off-campus for up to 8 hours per week and no more than 40 hours per month. During winter and summer vacations, they can work up to 16 hours per week and no more than 80 hours per month. Fixed positions on campus are paid monthly, and the remuneration for 40 working hours per month should not be lower than the minimum living standard of local residents. Temporary positions on campus are paid hourly, and the hourly remuneration is determined based on the minimum hourly wage standard stipulated by the local government. For off-campus work, the remuneration should not be lower than the minimum wage standard set by the local government or relevant departments and is determined through consultation between the employer and the student.

If an international student's work-study program exceeds the scope of the post or the prescribed time limit, the exit and entry administration department of the public security organ shall investigate and deal with it according to the law. Students who terminate their off-campus work-study activities for reasons such as the employer's termination of the agreement should submit a written report to the school within 10 days and inform the local public security authority's entry-exit administration department. Additionally, if a student's work-study qualification is cancelled due to reasons such as completing studies, dropping out, violating national laws or regulations, or other circumstances deemed unsuitable by the school, the school shall report this to the exit and entry administration department of the public security organ.

Job opportunities

To work part-time or undertake an internship, international students must obtain approval from their academic institution and the Entry and Exit Administrative Authorities. Students must also have a valid residence permit. Students can work a maximum of 11 hours a week during term time and 16 hours a week during vacations.

Many universities in China offer work-study programs that allow students to work part-time on campus. These programs can help students gain valuable work experience and contribute to the cost of tuition or living expenses. Students can also undertake internships with off-campus companies, which can provide real-world experience in their field of study and often lead to job opportunities after graduation.

There are also opportunities for international students to work in Beijing with companies in the Zhongguancun Science Park or to become involved in entrepreneurship-related activities, with an annotation of "entrepreneurship" added to their student visa. Additionally, a program was introduced in 2017 for international students with postgraduate degrees or those who attended "well-known" universities to obtain Chinese work permits after graduation.

The job market in China is diverse and expanding, with opportunities for foreigners in various sectors. The most abundant jobs for foreigners are in the education sector, particularly as English language teachers. Universities, private language institutions, and international schools are always in need of native or fluent English speakers. There are also job opportunities in areas such as consulting, banking, marketing, and the tech industry, especially in cities like Shanghai and Beijing.

Frequently asked questions