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How to Become an English Teacher in China
China is home to hundreds of millions of English learners, with a massive economy and a competitive education system. Let’s explore how TEFL teachers get a piece of the action, and what you’ll need to land a job.
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With a huge and growing TEFL industry, China has become a go-to destination for foreign teachers seeking a high quality of life, competitive salaries, and lots of job opportunities. And with a population of over 1.4 billion, there are plenty of English learners in China looking for teachers (an estimated 400 million, in fact!)
The allure of teaching English in China is obvious, from its rich history to its modern infrastructure and thriving economy. No matter which city you choose – from glitzy Shanghai or quieter spots like Yunnan – there’s something for everyone.
China is home to a massive number of English-teaching companies and a robust education system. English is taught as a compulsory subject in line with the national curriculum. China’s National College Entrance Exam is another critical reason why many Chinese students need to learn English, as a foreign language (typically English) is one of three topics that are covered.
English teachers are spoiled for choice when it comes to the variety of teaching jobs available in the Middle Kingdom. From private schools to kindergartens, public schools, and universities, educational institutions in China truly run the gamut.
Excited to kick off your ESL teaching career? Let’s explore what you need to teach English in China.
How to Become an English Teacher in China (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here’s a straightforward overview of the steps involved in becoming an English teacher in China.
- Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree in any subject.
- Step 2: Complete a 120-hour TEFL course from an accredited provider.
- Step 3: Pass a background and health check.
- Step 4: Secure a job offer from a recognised employer.
- Step 5: Authenticate your documents (degree certificate, background check, medical).
- Step 6: Apply for a Z visa and a Residency Permit.
- Step 7: Relocate to China and begin teaching.
Ready to dive a bit deeper into the requirements for teaching English in China? Let’s take a closer look.
Requirements breakdown
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
To start your TEFL adventure in China, a Bachelor’s degree in any subject is the main requirement. This is the key to gaining a Z Visa, which allows educators worldwide to live and work in China. This can be a degree in any subject; the bachelor’s alone is proof of your ability to conduct research and meet academic targets.
Tip: A degree in English language or English literature might be handy in some circumstances, particularly for employers within the higher education sector. Equally, some ESL teaching jobs might require a master’s degree for certain positions, such as at Chinese international schools or universities.
There are some exceptions, however. If you’re eligible for an internship teaching English, you might be able to work in the Chinese school system on a student visa or X visa. In terms of finding full-time work, though, only a degree will do.
2. Get a TEFL certification
Earning a TEFL certification is an absolute must for teaching abroad, and especially for teaching English in China. The industry standard is 120 hours of TEFL training from a reputable course provider (like the TEFL Org!)
You’ll need to provide an official certificate as evidence of a thorough TEFL study. If you want to bolster your qualifications, additional TEFL training like an (advanced TEFL course) can be a good idea – especially if you’re keen to carve a teaching niche for yourself in the lucrative Chinese market!
New to TEFL? Check out our guides here:
3. Pass a background and health check
Having no criminal convictions on your record is a key prerequisite for living and working in China as a TEFL teacher.
Before you get to China, you should either use a local government service or a third-party service that uses data from government sources.
- In the UK, this is called Disclosure.
- In Ireland, you’ll need a Police Certificate from a local Garda office.
- In the US, you can get a Criminal History Check from either local law enforcement, the state, or the FBI.
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have their own centralized service, as do New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and most other countries.
Once you’ve sorted this, you’ll need to get it notarized in your local country and then authenticated by the nearest Chinese embassy. It’s a lot of paperwork, but it’s a crucial part of the process if you want to teach English in China.
Aside from a background check, you’ll also need to pass a health check and drug test. China has some of the harshest drug sentences in the world, so it’s extremely important to remain drug-free while you’re there, but also beforehand. A drug test is part of the visa process and includes hair samples.You’ll also be subject to a general health test as part of the visa application. Most GPs and physicians can do this for you locally and provide the required certification. Visas might not be issued if a teacher is struggling with mental illness, an infectious disease, or other long-term health conditions, including pulmonary tuberculosis.
A final barrier to entry is China’s age restrictions for English teachers. The maximum age for English teaching jobs is 55.
Get a job offer from a recognized employer
The fourth step in the process of teaching English in China is securing a job offer from a recognized employer. TEFL job opportunities in China are plentiful. While it isn't difficult to find a job teaching English, you’ll want to triple-check that you’re receiving your offer from a legitimate organization.
Look for schools hiring that are accredited by the Chinese Ministry of Education and large international companies. You’ll also find job listings on platforms like HiredChina and Dave’s ESL Cafe.
5. Authenticate your documents
You’ll need to be sure that many of your documents are notarized before applying for the Z-visa. These may also require an apostille and consular legalization (where documents are authenticated by your nearest Chinese embassy), too.
Some of the documents that require notarization include…
- Bachelor’s degree
- TEFL certificate
- Background check
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6. Apply for a Z-visa
Once you’ve gathered all of your documents and had them notarized, you’ll typically send them to your employer. After receiving your documentation, they’ll send back a visa invitation letter.
Now that you’ve gathered all of the necessary documentation, you’ll formally apply for your visa at a local Chinese embassy in your home country. Most embassies have walk-in appointments that make it easy to apply in person.
It’s possible to get a head start by filling out part of your application online through the official COVA (China Online Visa Application) website.
Important: Immigration rules can change; be sure to check the official Chinese embassy or government website for updated rules. The information above is not intended as legal or visa advice.
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7. Relocate to China
Once you’ve received your visa and confirmation of employment from your school, it’s time to pack your bags and relocate to China!
English teachers in China generally enjoy a high-quality of life with plenty of cultural immersion. Many schools offer amenities such as free housing, free Mandarin lessons, and health insurance. China also has a rich cultural heritage that’s fascinating to discover.
Related Guides:
Download our teaching English in Asia guide
What visa do you need to become an English teacher in China?
Full-time ESL teachers will need a Z visa to teach English in China. The Z visa allows instructors to live and work in China for 30 days, after which you’ll need a Temporary Residence Permit, which typically lasts the length of your work contract. This is the only legal route that the Chinese government provides for full-time employment.
The Residence Permit also allows you multi-entry status, which means that you’ll be able to exit and re-enter China during your contract. In general, your employer will sort this out for you, including any documentation you need, like proof of employment.
Give yourself plenty of time to apply, as the required documentation is considerable. You’ll need…
- Medical examination form
- A passport that is valid for the next 6 months and one blank visa page
- Scanned copy of your passport
- Passport photo
- Z visa application form
- Invitation from your employer
- Notarized background check
- Visa fee
- Notarized bachelor’s diploma
- Notarized 120-hour TEFL certificate
Read More: Teach English Abroad Visas
Getting started
Ready to get started on your journey to teaching English in China? Check out our 120-hour online TEFL program. You’ll have 24/7 access to coursework from anywhere in the world, a dedicated online tutor, and the ability to reference the materials indefinitely.
More on teaching English in China
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it safe to teach in China?
Yes, it’s generally safe to teach English in China. Even large metropolises like Beijing have very low crime rates, and some publications report that China is one of the safest countries in the world. Keep in mind that China has strict anti-drug laws, and teachers should be extra careful to ensure they’re working with an accredited school.
Q. Can you teach in China without teaching experience?
Yes, TEFL-certified teachers can find teaching opportunities in China without experience. For inexperienced teachers, a TEFL certificate is invaluable, as it will help you with elements like lesson plans. It’s also required by many institutions, even those for young learners.
Q. What qualifications do you need to teach English in China?
To teach English abroad in China, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree - in any subject - as well as a high-quality TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours of training, from an accredited and reputable provider.
You’ll also need to pass a background and health check and meet age requirements. A teaching license and experience can be useful, but in a lot of cases, isn't a prerequisite for foreign English teachers.
Q. Can I teach English in China without a degree?
No, you can’t teach English in China full-time without a degree. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any subject to attain a Z visa.
Q. Can non-native speakers teach in China?
Yes, you don’t need to be from a native English speaking country to teach in China. Aspiring teachers who aren’t native English speakers may need to prove their English proficiency.
Q. Are English teachers in demand in China?
Yes, English teachers are in huge demand in China. There are an estimated 400 million English learners in China, with varying levels of proficiency, and English is a highly prized skill that is essential for Chinese students.
Q. Is it hard to get a teaching job in China?
As long as you have the proper qualifications (like a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification) and you’re able to get a Z visa to work in China, you won’t have any trouble kickstarting your teaching career. This is one of the easiest countries to job search for qualified teachers.