Studying in Beijing: Off-Campus Internships and Work-Study Are Not Unrestricted Employment

International students come to China primarily to study and must follow school rules and teaching arrangements. They must not take employment, conduct business, or engage in other commercial activities without authorization. A study-type residence permit alone does not allow unrestricted work. Before taking an off-campus internship or work-study position, confirm with the school's international student administration whether the role is permitted.

Both school consent and a residence permit annotation are required

The Exit and Entry Administration Law provides that foreign students who need off-campus work-study or internships must obtain their school's consent and apply to the exit-entry administration of a public security authority to have the relevant information noted on their residence permit. The administrative measures also require the location and duration to be recorded. Working beyond the approved position, location, or period may create a risk of illegal employment.

Work-study has clear time limits

The Ministry of Education's Measures for the Administration of Work-Study for International Students in Higher Education Institutions state that, in principle, work-study during term time must not exceed 8 hours per week or 40 hours per month. During winter and summer vacations, the limits are 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month. On-campus administration, insurance, and remuneration must also follow school rules.

The basic rules appear in the Measures for the Administration of the Recruitment and Cultivation of International Students by Schools and the Measures for the Administration of Work-Study for International Students in Higher Education Institutions. Curricular internships and work-study are different in nature and should be reviewed separately under the school's requirements.