China Before You Go: A Guide to Studying, Working and Everyday Life

A university where you can continue your studies, a professional opportunity or a business venture: your path in China depends on your goal. ElWijha presents essential information on admissions, scholarships, visas, employment, housing and family, helping you prepare using official sources.

Whether you need a visa, and which category applies, depends on your nationality, travel purpose and length of stay. The main categories include:

• L: tourism.

• M: commercial and trade activities.

• Z: work.

• X1: studies lasting more than 180 days.

• X2: studies lasting no more than 180 days.

Check the application procedures with the Chinese diplomatic mission responsible for your country of residence. If your visa requires a residence permit, you must apply within 30 days of entry. Follow the permitted length of stay and number of entries shown on your document.

This guide covers mainland China; Hong Kong and Macao have separate entry rules.

Choose your programme, then check the university’s website for required qualifications, language requirements, examinations, documents, fees and deadlines. University admission does not guarantee a visa or residence permit.

A major funding option is the Chinese Government Scholarship, administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). A full scholarship may cover tuition, accommodation or a housing allowance, a living allowance and insurance. Obtain the application requirements, deadlines and agency number from the announcement for your country or university.

Employment requires a work permit and an appropriate immigration status. The usual process involves a work permit notification, a Z visa, followed by a work residence permit where required. A contract alone, a tourist visa or a business visa is not enough to start employment.

The K visa is available to certain eligible categories of young science and technology talent. Check its requirements with the Chinese diplomatic mission.

Starting a company requires checking the rules governing the business activity, investment and necessary authorisations with the relevant authorities in your chosen city.

S1 and S2 visas allow certain family members to visit foreigners living in China for study or work:

• S1: stays exceeding 180 days, for spouses, parents, children under 18 and parents-in-law.

• S2: visits of no more than 180 days, covering a wider range of family members.

Q1 and Q2 visas concern the families of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence in China:

• Q1: family reunification lasting more than 180 days, with a residence permit application required within 30 days of entry.

• Q2: family visits lasting no more than 180 days.

The appropriate category depends on the family relationship, length of the visit and the resident’s status. A family residence permit does not automatically grant the right to work.

Plan a budget covering education, rent, a security deposit, utility bills, food, transport, insurance and travel, based on your city and actual housing prices.

Hotels register their guests. For accommodation outside hotels, the foreign national or their host must register with the police within 24 hours of arrival at the accommodation. Online registration is available nationwide.

International students must have insurance that meets government and university requirements. Check coverage, exclusions and reimbursement procedures. If you are employed, ask your employer about social insurance.

Permanent residence is a separate process available under specific conditions involving investment, employment, exceptional contributions or family ties. It is not granted automatically after years of studying or working.

For information about seeking protection if you fear persecution upon returning home, consult the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in China.

Yes, English-taught programmes are available. Each university and programme determines which evidence of language proficiency it accepts.

Yes, within arrangements organised by their university and subject to its requirements. The regulations generally set a limit of 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month, increasing to 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month during winter and summer holidays.

For off-campus work-study activities, requirements include being at least 18, having studied continuously at the current institution for more than one year, holding a student residence permit with more than six months of validity remaining, and meeting attendance, academic progress and conduct requirements. Insurance covering the activity, university approval, and an endorsement specifying the employer and activity period on the residence permit are required before starting.

An internship included in the academic curriculum falls under a different framework; check its procedures with the university.

Certain eligible graduates may access pathways for employment, innovation or entrepreneurship, subject to separate approval. A degree alone does not grant a general right to remain in China to look for work.