Can international students work part-time in China?
Yes, with conditions. Part-time work and internships while you are still enrolled need the university's agreement and an endorsement from the exit-entry authorities on your residence permit. What you cannot do is sign an employment contract: an enrolled student is not in a labour relationship. After graduation the route changes to a work permit arranged by your employer.
What is allowed with approval
- On-campus work-study positions arranged by the university.
- Off-campus internships or part-time jobs connected to your studies, after the university agrees and the endorsement is added.
- Teaching assistantships and research work inside your university.
Part-time yes, employment contract no
- While you are enrolled, studying and working are two different things: you can take approved part-time work or an internship, but you cannot sign a standard employment contract.
- In practice the arrangement is documented as an internship or a part-time engagement, with a letter from the employer and the university's agreement, rather than as an employment contract.
- After graduation this changes: with a degree and a job offer, your employer applies for a work permit and a work-type residence permit, and you work legally as an employee.
What is not
- Working without any approval — even for a short paid job or a delivery-app gig.
- Full-time employment while you are enrolled as a student: your residence permit is a study permit, not a work permit.
- Freelance or online work marketed as "no paperwork" — it is still work, and it is still your residence status on the line.
How to get approval
- Ask the international student office first: they know what your city's exit-entry administration accepts.
- Expect to provide the employer's details, the job description and hours, and a letter from the employer.
- The endorsement is added to your residence permit; keep a copy for your records.
Common questions
Can I sign an employment contract while I am still a student?
No. An enrolled student is not in a labour relationship, so the options are approved part-time work or an internship. Formal employment starts after graduation, through a work permit.
Can I work on an X2 visa?
No — X2 covers short study stays and does not lead to a residence permit, so the work endorsement route is not available to you.
Do internships need approval too?
Yes, internships off campus generally need the same university agreement and endorsement, even when they are unpaid or part of your programme.
What happens if I work without permission?
It is treated as unauthorised employment: possible fines, problems renewing your residence permit, and in serious cases detention or deportation. Always ask the international office first.
Research first, then verify at the source
VisChat is an independent information and data site. Compare programmes here, then use current university and government pages to confirm the details that apply to you.