Requirements to Teach in China 2025 – Complete Guide

Discover the basic requirements to teach in China in 2025. From educational qualifications to health checks, this guide helps you understand what you need to start your teaching journey in China.

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Thinking about teaching in China? It’s an exciting adventure, but before you start packing, you’ll need to understand the requirements for teaching in China. Whether you’re teaching English or another subject, there are a few key things you need to check off first. This guide will walk you through everything from qualifications to getting your visa sorted. Let’s dive in and break it all down so you can start your teaching journey in China with confidence!

Before we dive in, here’s a quick look at the requirements to teach in China:

  • Nationality: If you’re applying for an English teaching position, you must be from one of these seven native English-speaking countries: the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.
  • Teaching Qualification: You need a TEFL, TESOL, or another teaching certificate or at least 2 years of teaching experience.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Any degree will do.
  • Clean Background Check: A criminal background check is necessary for your work visa.
  • Age Limits: 18-60 for men and 18-55 for women (can vary by city).

Table of Contents

Do You Need to Be from a Native English-speaking country to Teach in China?

If you’re considering teaching English in China, you must be from one of these seven countries: the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa. These are the countries recognized by the Chinese government for English teaching positions.

However, there are no specific nationality requirements for subject teachers. The requirements for subject teachers are more about your qualifications—like having a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or proof of teaching experience—so as long as you meet those, you’ll be good to go!

Is a Bachelor's Degree Necessary to Teach in China?

requirement to teach in china-bachelor's degree

Yes, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree to teach in China legally. It’s one of the main requirements for a work visa. If someone tells you you can teach without a degree, be careful—it could be a scam. Always check the company and job details before moving forward.

Some schools will try to have teachers work on L visas (tourist visas) to avoid the degree or passport requirements, but that’s illegal. Teaching on an L visa can lead to serious consequences like fines, deportation, or jail time. You could also get banned from China. It’s just not worth the risk. Always make sure you’re on the right work visa to stay safe.

Is a TEFL/TESOL Certificate a Must to Teach in China?

120 hours TEFL certificate

120 hours TEFL certificate

Here’s a quick answer: it depends on what you’re teaching. Teaching a subject like math or music doesn’t require a TEFL or TESOL certificate. But if you’re teaching English, you’ll need one. To apply for a Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, your employer needs relevant supporting documents, which include a teaching certificate. After you get the Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, you can apply for a legal work visa to teach English in China.

However, there are a few exceptions where you can teach English without a TEFL/ TESOL:

  1. Having other teaching-related certificates: If you have other teaching qualifications, like a DELTA or QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), you can teach English in China without needing a TEFL certificate.
  2. Holding a BA/MA in English /Education: A BA or MA in English or Education can also get you in the door. If you’ve got a degree in one of these fields, you may not need a TEFL to teach English in China.
  3. Proof of at least two years of teaching experience: If you have at least two years of teaching experience and can provide recommendation letters to prove it, you can use those in place of a TEFL/TESOL certificate.

Is There an Age Limit?

In China, the age requirement to teach is usually 18 to 60 for men and 18 to 55 for women, which matches the Z visa guidelines. Some schools may not hire teachers over 50, even if the visa allows it. This isn’t about age discrimination; it’s more about schools seeking long-term stability since China’s retirement age is around 60. 

For kindergartens, the requirement to teach in China often leans towards younger teachers since working with kids can be demanding. However, top international schools and universities focus more on your experience and qualifications. If you have a strong background, age won’t be a big issue. Age limits can still vary depending on the school and location.

Health Check Requirements

One last thing is that you must meet specific health check requirements as part of the visa and work permit process. It’s a standard part to ensure you’re healthy and ready to teach in China. Here’s what you should know:

Health Check for China Visa

A health check is required for most foreign nationals applying for a work visa in China to ensure they don’t carry any infectious diseases. There are two stages:

  • Pre-departure check: Depending on your home country, you may need a medical check before leaving. The results are sent to the embassy.
  • In-country check: Once in China, you’ll need a medical exam within 30 days. It takes about an hour and includes tests like blood work, X-rays, and screenings for diseases like Hepatitis B, HIV, and Tuberculosis.

Now that you have a good understanding of the requirements to teach in China, you’re ready to take the next step! For more detailed info about teaching in China, check out our guide, Teach English in China – A Complete Guide 2025.

Looking for a school in China? You can easily search for schools here and even leave a review to help other teachers make informed decisions.

If you’re ready to jump in, browse our job board for the latest listings and start your journey today. Need help with visas or documents? Our visa help center is here to assist you every step of the way.