Janice Lozano
International students in China can work and study, but there are some important legal considerations to keep in mind. Typically, a student visa does not permit employment, however, exceptions can be made for part-time work or internships depending on university and local regulations. China's diverse and expanding job market offers opportunities for foreigners in various sectors, especially in the education sector as English language teachers. International students who hold study residence permits may work part-time or internships outside the university with approval from their academic institutions and entry and exit administrative authorities. The Chinese government has also introduced new policies to allow international students who meet academic qualifications to apply for work permits in China after graduation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students work while studying in China? | Yes, but typically a student visa does not permit employment. |
| What type of work can international students do? | Part-time work or internships. |
| Are there any exceptions? | Yes, depending on the university and local regulations. |
| Do international students need a work permit? | Not for part-time work or internships, but for full-time work, a separate work permit is likely needed. |
| What are the requirements for working while studying? | Hold a valid residence permit for study in China with more than six months of validity remaining. Comply with Chinese laws, regulations, and school rules; be of good character, perform well academically, and have no criminal record. |
| How many hours can international students work per week? | During term time, 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. |
| What happens if an international student violates the work-study regulations? | The school shall cancel the student's work-study qualification and report to the exit and entry administration department of the public security organ. |
| What are the payment standards for work-study positions? | Fixed positions on campus are paid monthly, and the remuneration should not be lower than the minimum living standard of local residents. Temporary positions on campus are paid hourly, with rates determined by the local government's minimum hourly wage standard. Off-campus work-study pay should not be lower than the minimum wage standard stipulated by the local government. |
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What You'll Learn
Part-time work and internships
International students in China are typically not permitted to work during their studies. However, part-time work and internships are possible, provided certain conditions are met.
Part-time Work
Part-time work is generally not allowed on a student visa. However, exceptions can be made, depending on the university and local regulations. To work part-time, students need approval from their academic institution and the entry and exit administrative authorities. Additionally, they must obtain a specific internship visa sponsored by an authorised educational institution. This visa requires the signature, stamp, and business license of the company where the internship will take place.
On-Campus Work
On-campus work is possible for international students in China. Universities may offer administrative tasks such as paperwork, surveys, or other simple jobs like carrying items. These positions can pay up to 800 RMB per month. Tutoring work is also an option, with pay varying depending on the language department's hourly rate. Teaching or lab assistant positions are also available, paying between 2,000 and 4,000 RMB per month. These positions may not be available in the first year of study, and good academic performance is often a requirement.
Off-Campus Work
Off-campus work is also an option for international students in China, but there are specific requirements. Students must have studied at their current school for more than one year and have a valid residence permit with more than six months remaining. The weekly and monthly working hours are restricted to no more than eight hours per week and 40 hours per month. During vacations, these limits increase to 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month. Students must submit a copy of their employment agreement to the school and a unilateral commitment letter.
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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. 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." These programs allow students to 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 adjusted to no more than 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month.
There are two types of payment structures for work-study programs: fixed and temporary. Fixed positions on campus are paid on a monthly basis, 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 the hourly rate determined by the minimum hourly wage standard set by the local government. For off-campus work, the remuneration must not be lower than the minimum wage standard set by the local government or relevant departments, as stated in the employment agreement.
Students participating in work-study programs must adhere to certain regulations. If a student completes their studies, drops out, violates national laws or school regulations, displays inferior moral character, or engages in activities that negatively affect their academics, the school shall cancel their work-study qualification and report to the relevant authorities. Additionally, if a student's work-study program exceeds the scope of the post or prescribed time limit, the exit and entry administration department will investigate and take appropriate action.
To find specific information about work-study opportunities, international students can communicate with their university's Career Department or International Students' Department. These departments can provide guidance and help students understand the requirements and regulations surrounding work-study programs in China.
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On-campus jobs
International students in China can now undertake part-time work on campus, following a policy change in 2022. This has been a positive shift, as previously, international students could not legally work in China without a work permit.
There are various on-campus jobs that international students can consider. These include:
- Administrative roles: Students can assist with administrative tasks such as paperwork, surveys on campus infrastructure, or simply helping to carry items around. These roles can pay up to 800 RMB per month for minimal work.
- Tutoring: Many universities have tutoring programs where international students can assist other students, particularly in language learning. These roles are usually paid at an hourly rate.
- Teaching assistant: Students can work as teaching assistants, although this is limited to teaching foreign languages.
- Research assistant: International students can also work as research assistants at their home university.
- Student assistant: Students can help their university's international affairs office and get paid for assisting international students.
It is important to note that any on-campus work must be approved by the student's university and the local Exit and Entry Bureau. Additionally, students must have insurance covering both work and study, and the work must not coincide with normal school hours.
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Off-campus jobs
International students in China are allowed to work off-campus, but there are certain conditions that must be met. Firstly, students must have spent at least one year at their institution in China. This rule is in place to ensure that students have had time to adjust to the Chinese culture and language and to avoid any potential complications. Additionally, students must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid residence permit for studying in China, with a remaining validity of more than six months. They must also comply with Chinese laws and regulations, school rules, and maintain good academic standing and attendance.
In terms of the work itself, there are restrictions on the number of hours that can be worked. Off-campus work is limited to a maximum of eight hours per week and no more than 40 hours per month during term time. During the summer and winter holidays, this limit increases to 16 hours per week and a total of 80 hours per month. Students are prohibited from participating in any toxic, harmful, or dangerous work and must ensure they have adequate insurance coverage for both work and study.
To engage in off-campus work, international students must obtain approval from their university and the local Exit and Entry Bureau. A formal agreement between the university and the employer is required, outlining the number of working hours and remuneration. The pay for off-campus work must meet the minimum wage standards stipulated by the local government, and the amount should be stated in the employment agreement. Students should also submit a copy of the agreement to their university for record-keeping purposes.
It is important to note that working illegally without the proper permissions and documentation can result in legal consequences. China has strict policies regarding working while studying, and individuals can face detention if they are caught working without the necessary approvals. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to follow the proper procedures and obtain the required authorizations before engaging in any off-campus employment.
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Work permits and visas
International students in China with valid residence permits enrolled in higher education institutions can work part-time or take on internships outside their university. However, they must obtain approval from their academic institutions and the entry and exit administrative authorities. International students can work on and off-campus for no more than 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.
To work part-time, international students need to obtain an internship visa sponsored by an authorized educational institution. They must first get in touch with their Chinese university, which will provide the instructions, and then complete the internship visa application form. The company where the internship will take place must sign, stamp, and give their business license to the university. Once the visa documents have been approved by the university, they must be submitted to the public security bureau in the student's city.
International students are paid according to the following standards: fixed positions on campus are paid on a monthly basis, and the remuneration of 40 working hours per month shall not be lower than the minimum living standard of local residents. Temporary positions on campus are paid hourly, and the hourly remuneration is determined with reference to the minimum hourly wage standard stipulated by the people's government where the school is located. The remuneration standard for off-campus work shall not be lower than the minimum wage standard stipulated by the local government or relevant departments, determined by the employer through consultation with the student, and the amount stated in the employment agreement.
If an international student's work 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. If an international student's work qualification is terminated due to the employer ending the agreement, they must submit a written report to the school within 10 days and go to the local public security authority’s entry-exit administration department for information change.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work and study in China. However, a typical student visa does not permit employment.
Exceptions can be made 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. You will need the company you will be interning with to sign, stamp, and provide their business license to your university.
On-campus jobs for international students include administrative tasks, tutoring, and teaching or lab assistant positions.
International students with a work-study program can work 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.
