Study & Work Rules in China 2026 — Complete Guide
A complete guide to student visa requirements and part-time work rules in China.
China, the world's second-largest economy, offers study opportunities to learn Mandarin while gaining exposure to business opportunities. Many universities have well-established programs for international students.
Student Visa
Type: X Visa (X1: over 6 months / X2: under 6 months)
Fee: CNY400–800
Processing: 4–10 business days
Work Rules
Work rules in China depend on your visa type. X1 visa holders (study duration over 6 months) may work part-time after obtaining a formal PSB (Public Security Bureau) endorsement on their residence permit — up to 8 hours/week for on-campus jobs and up to 16 hours/week for off-campus internships. X2 visa holders (study duration under 6 months) are not permitted to work. Unauthorized work can result in fines, detention, and deportation. Rules vary by city and university, so confirm with your institution before arrival. Some government scholarship recipients receive living stipends.
Use the MoveWorth.study simulator to estimate your total costs for studying in China.
References
The information in this article is based on the following official sources.
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