Educads
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China Student Work Rights 2026

International students in China may work part-time during their studies if they follow visa, permit, and university approval rules. After graduation, they can apply for a work visa if they find employment in China.

International students on an X1 or X2 visa may be eligible to work part-time during the academic semester, and they must have the work approved by their institution and follow local regulations. A work permit is required before starting any form of employment.

During official university holidays, students are allowed to work full-time. The published work rights do not remove the need for approval and permit steps.

After completing their studies, students can apply for a work visa if they find employment in China. The post-study transition typically allows up to 60 days to switch from a student to a work visa or to leave the country.

China has 398 universities listed here, including Peking University, Fudan University, Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Sun Yat-Sen University. Student cities named include Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou.

Universities in China

PK Peking University logo
QS World #14 #1 in China Beijing, China

Peking University

Public University — Peking University (PKU) is a public university in Haidian, Beijing, China. It is affiliated with and funded by the Ministry of Education. The university is part of Project 211, Project 985,...

CNY 27,500 – CNY 37,500/yrTuition (indicative)
1898Founded
45,000Students
5,000International
Admissions open
#14 QS World University Rankings 2026
#1 in China
FU Fudan University logo
QS World #30 #3 in China Shanghai, China

Fudan University

Public University — Fudan University (FDU) is a public university in Yangpu, Shanghai, China. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education and is co-funded with the Shanghai Municipal Government. The univers...

CNY 27,500 – CNY 37,500/yrTuition (indicative)
1905Founded
33,000Students
4,000International
Admissions open
#30 QS World University Rankings 2026
#3 in China
TS Tsinghua University logo
QS World #20 #2 in China Beijing, China

Tsinghua University

Public University — Tsinghua University is a public research university in Haidian, Beijing, China. It is affiliated with and funded by the Ministry of Education of China. The university is part of the Double F...

CNY 30,500 – CNY 41,500/yrTuition (indicative)
1911Founded
50,000Students
4,000International
Admissions open
#20 QS World University Rankings 2026
#2 in China
SJ Shanghai Jiao Tong University logo
QS World #47 #4 in China Shanghai, China

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Public University — Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is a public university in Shanghai, China. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China. The university is part of Project 211, Project 985,...

CNY 27,500 – CNY 37,500/yrTuition (indicative)
1896Founded
46,000Students
5,000International
Admissions open
#47 QS World University Rankings 2026
#4 in China
ZJ Zhejiang University logo
QS World #49 #6 in China Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Zhejiang University

Public University — Zhejiang University (ZJU) is a public research university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education. The university is part of the C9 League, Project 211,...

CNY 24,500 – CNY 33,000/yrTuition (indicative)
1897Founded
60,000Students
6,000International
Admissions open
#49 QS World University Rankings 2026
#6 in China
SJ Shanghai Jiaotong University logo
QS World #47 #5 in China China

Shanghai Jiaotong University

Public University — Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is a public university in Shanghai, China. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China. The university is part of Project 211, Project 985,...

—Tuition (indicative)
—Founded
—Students
—International
Admissions open
#47 QS World University Rankings 2026
#5 in China

All universities in China →

Questions about working & jobs in China

Can international students work while studying in China?

Yes. International students in China may be eligible to work part-time during their studies on an X1 or X2 visa, with institution approval and a work permit.

Can students work full-time during university holidays?

Yes. During official university holidays, students are allowed to work full-time.

What happens after graduation?

After completing their studies, international students can apply for a work visa if they find employment in China. The transition period typically allows up to 60 days to switch from a student to a work visa or leave the country.

Student cities in China

Each one has its own guide to life, costs and working.

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