Requirements to teach in China — 2019–2020 updates.

Foreign teachers are in high demand but the visa policy to be even tighter.

Our teach.fm visa specialist has summarized the requirements to teach English in China as a Native English Speaker and Non-Native English Speaker.

What are the requirements to teach English in China for a Native English Speaker?

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Clear Criminal Background Check
  • TEFL/TESOL or CELTA certificate or 2 years of teaching experience

What are the requirements to teach in China for a non-native English Speaker?

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Clear Criminal Background Check
  • TEFL/TESOL or CELTA Certificate
  • 2 years of teaching/tutoring or work experience

If you meet these requirements, then you are legally qualified to teach English in China. Congratulations! Expect a handsome salary and benefits package. Read about the necessary steps to obtain a legal Chinese work visa (Z-visa).

NB: Since the middle of 2019 we noticed visa regulations become stricter for non-native speakers with degrees from native countries. This is part of the process for all foreign teachers to face stronger regulations (China Daily).

Jobs for Subject teachers in China

You can also obtain a core-subject teaching job in China — for example, you can be a physical education teacher or a German language teacher.

For these positions you will need:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major matching the type of teaching position
  • Clear Criminal Background Check
  • 2 years of teaching/tutoring or work experience — in your local country or internationally

Additionally, China provides opportunities for Ph.D. holders. Usually, these positions are provided by universities.

If you don’t meet these requirements and would still like to pursue an English teaching career in China please see the post about teaching English in China without a degree and Non-native English speakers teaching in China written by my colleague earlier this year. In short, you can still find positions but at your own risk.

If you have got any questions, please contact us for a 100% free career consultation!

We are teach.fm and happy to assist you!