Lana Oconnell
International students in China can work part-time or as interns, provided they obtain the correct visas and permits. In 2024, the Chinese government introduced a policy for international students with valid residence permits enrolled in higher education institutions to engage in work-study jobs, allowing them to work on and off-campus for no more than 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month. During vacations, the limit is 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month. This policy aims to enhance the attractiveness of the country's higher education system and provide international students with additional revenue streams. However, China has strict policies regarding working while studying, and students must obtain the necessary approvals from their academic institutions and entry and exit administrative authorities to comply with the law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work permit requirement | Typically, a student visa does not permit international students to work in China. However, 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 opportunities | Many universities in China offer work-study programs that allow students to work part-time on campus. Various sectors, including education, business, finance, and tech, offer opportunities for foreigners. |
| Salary | On-campus fixed positions are paid monthly, and remuneration should not be lower than the minimum living standard of local residents. Temporary positions are paid hourly, with wages determined by the minimum hourly wage stipulated by the local government. Off-campus work wages are also based on the minimum wage standard set by the local government. |
| Approval | International students must obtain approval from their academic institutions and the Entry and Exit Administrative authorities to work part-time or intern off-campus. |
| Visa | Students may need to obtain an internship visa sponsored by an authorized educational institution. In Beijing, students recommended by their host universities can get an annotation of "entrepreneurship" added to their student visas to work part-time. |
| Consequences of illegal work | China has started cracking down on foreigners working illegally. If caught, individuals may face fines, imprisonment, expulsion from the university, and deportation. |
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What You'll Learn
Student visas and work permits
International students in China with valid residence permits enrolled in higher-education institutions can work part-time jobs or internships outside their university. However, they must obtain approval from their academic institutions and the entry and exit administrative authorities. Students can work a maximum of 11 hours a week, and their work must be sponsored by an authorised educational institution.
To obtain a work permit in China, certain criteria must be met by both the employer and the foreign employee. The foreign employee must have a valid passport, be at least 18 years old but not older than 60, have a clear criminal record, and meet the necessary qualifications. These include holding a bachelor's degree as a minimum and having relevant work experience. The employee must also have a valid employment contract with a Chinese employer, specifying the position, salary, and duration of employment.
The employer must submit a work permit application to the local labour bureau or Foreign Expert Bureau. This includes a job invitation letter from a licensed Chinese employer or organisation, the employee's passport, and a medical certificate. Once approved, the employee can apply for a Z visa (work visa) at a Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country.
China offers several types of visas depending on the nature of employment and the duration of the stay. The most common type of visa for workers is the Z visa, for those staying in China longer than six months. Other types include the M, F, R, and S visas. The F visa is for exchange students, visitors, and study tours lasting 30 to 90 days.
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Work-study programs
International students in China with valid residence permits enrolled in degree-granting higher education institutions can pursue part-time work-study programmes. These programmes 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".
Work-study programmes 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. On-campus work-study positions include teaching assistants, scientific research assistants, administrative management assistants, and school public services. Students must be paid according to local wage standards, and remuneration must not be lower than the minimum living standard of local residents.
To engage in off-campus work-study activities, international students must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid residence permit with more than six months' validity, comply with Chinese laws and school regulations, be of good character with no criminal record, and have been studying at their current school for more than a year. The academic progress and attendance rate of the student must meet the school's requirements. Additionally, the geographical scope of work-study assistance is limited to the district-level municipal administrative area where the school is located.
It is important to note that work-study programmes do not cover teaching practice or social activities organized by the school. Students must register their work-study activities within 10 days at the local Entry-Exit bureau. If a 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 law.
International students should communicate with their university's Career Department or International Students' Department for specific information regarding work-study programmes and part-time job opportunities.
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Part-time work
International students in China are allowed to work part-time, both on and off campus, as long as they have permission from their academic institutions and the Entry and Exit Administrative authorities. Students must be enrolled at a Chinese university and can work a maximum of 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month during term time. During the summer and winter holidays, working hours can increase to 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month.
To work off-campus, international students must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid residence permit for study in China with at least six months remaining, and comply with Chinese laws and regulations. They must also have attended their university for over a year and have no criminal record. The geographical scope of work is limited to the district-level municipal administrative area where the university is located.
Students can find part-time work through their university, which may offer internships, research assistant positions, or other on-campus jobs. Off-campus, international students can work as translators, models, or teachers of foreign languages. It is important to note that students cannot work legally without a work permit, and working without one can lead to expulsion and other legal consequences.
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Internships
International students in China can work part-time or as interns, provided they obtain the correct visa and permits. While a typical student visa does not permit international students to work, exceptions may apply for internships, depending on the university and local regulations.
To work part-time or as an intern as a student, you need to obtain an internship visa sponsored by an authorised educational institution. Here is a step-by-step process on how to apply for the visa:
- Contact the Chinese university where you are enrolled to receive instructions.
- Complete the internship visa application form. You will need the company where you will complete your internship to sign, stamp, and provide their business license to your university.
- Once your visa documents are completed and approved by your university, submit them to the public security bureau in your city.
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 provide real-world experience in your field of study and can often lead to job opportunities after graduation. Many organisations in China offer internship programs for international students.
It is important to note that China has very strict policies about working while studying, and you cannot work legally without a work permit. In the past, it was easy to work part-time on the side without a work permit, but in recent years, China has started cracking down on foreigners working illegally. If you get caught working illegally, you will usually be fined and imprisoned, and there is a high chance you will have to leave the country.
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Job opportunities for foreigners
There are a few ways for foreigners to get a job in China. Here are some of the most common methods:
Teaching
Teaching is a common career path for foreigners in China, particularly teaching English as a foreign language. Many international schools and language centres in China hire native English speakers to teach a range of ages, from kindergarten to adults. Some schools may also hire foreigners to teach other subjects, such as science or maths, in English.
Working for an international company
Some foreigners find jobs in the Chinese offices of international companies. This often involves starting in an office in their home country and then transferring to China, but some companies may also hire directly into their Chinese offices for certain roles.
Working for a Chinese company
This is the least common way for foreigners to find jobs in China, as it usually requires a unique skill set that is in high demand or is uncommon in the local talent pool. For example, some Chinese companies may hire foreigners for roles that involve working with international clients, such as in sales or sourcing.
Work-study programs for international students
International students in China with valid residence permits can participate in "work-study" programs, which allow them to work part-time jobs or internships outside of their university. These programs are designed to help students improve their study and living conditions through paid employment. However, students must obtain approval from their academic institutions and the entry and exit administrative authorities, and they are limited to working no more than 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month during term time.
It is important to note that working illegally in China carries significant risks, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation. Therefore, it is crucial for foreigners to ensure they have the proper visas and permits before starting any employment in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in China, but typically a student visa does not permit employment. However, exceptions may apply for part-time work or internships depending on university and local regulations.
To work part-time, you need to obtain an internship visa sponsored by an educational institution. This involves getting in touch with the university, completing the application form, and obtaining approval from the academic institution and Entry and Exit Administrative Authorities.
International students can work a maximum of 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month. During winter and summer vacations, this increases to 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month.
China has strict policies about working while studying, and those caught working illegally may face fines, imprisonment, expulsion from the university, and being kicked out of the country.
