What are the Requirements to Teach English in China?

Dreaming of teaching, traveling, and living in China? Whether you're fresh out of college or planning a mid-career pivot, teaching English in China is one of the most accessible — and exciting — ways to launch a global adventure.

But before you book a flight, let’s break down what it actually takes to get hired legally and confidently.

This guide covers the essential qualifications, visa requirements, and personal traits that schools and the government expect from foreign teachers. We’ll also clear up common myths and help you figure out if you’re ready to take the leap.

🎓 1. Educational Requirements: Do You Need a Degree?

Yes — to teach English in China legally, a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) is required.

This isn't just a school preference — it’s a legal requirement to qualify for a Z visa (China’s official work visa for foreign teachers). Your degree doesn't need to be in English or Education. As long as it’s a real, accredited degree, you’re good to go.

That said, your degree will need to be:

• Authenticated and notarized in your home country.
• Sometimes translated into Chinese (your employer usually handles this).

⚠️ If you don’t have a degree, check out where you can teach English without a degree — China won’t be an option, but plenty of other countries will.

🌍 2. Nationality and Language Proficiency

To legally work as an English teacher in China, you’ll usually need to be a native English speaker — meaning a passport holder from one of these countries:

• USA
• UK
• Ireland
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa

This policy is tied to China’s visa rules and is enforced most strictly at the national level. Some provinces or smaller schools may consider highly fluent non-native speakers, but it’s not the norm.

If you are not from one of those countries you can still teach in China but you will need to teach a subject that isn't English.

Want to know more? Read our full guide on teaching English in China as a non-native speaker.

Even if you’re a native speaker, your spoken English and communication skills still matter. During interviews, schools are looking for:

• Clear pronunciation
• Confidence in speaking
• The ability to explain things simply and effectively

🧾 3. TEFL Certification: Is It Required?

Yes — in almost all cases, you’ll need a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate (120+ hours) to get a legal teaching job in China.

Some schools will accept online TEFL courses, while others prefer in-person certifications or those with a practicum. Either way, a TEFL certificate does two important things:

• It makes you eligible for a Z visa (along with your degree).
• It prepares you for the classroom, especially if you’ve never taught before.

We recommend getting certified before you apply — it’ll give you a head start during interviews and may lead to better job offers.

Need help choosing a course? See our guide to online TEFL and TESOL programs.

🛂 4. Legal Documents and the Z Visa (Work Visa)

To teach English in China legally, you’ll need to apply for a Z Visa, which is the only visa that allows foreigners to work full-time in education.

Here’s a breakdown of the key documents you’ll need for the visa process:

✅ Required Documents for a Z Visa:

• Bachelor’s degree (authenticated + notarized)
• TEFL certificate (120+ hours, also authenticated)
• Criminal background check (from your home country, clean, and notarized)
• Valid passport (at least 6 months before expiry)
• Medical check (see below)
• Job offer from a licensed Chinese school
• Invitation letter from your employer

Many employers and recruiters will guide you through this process step-by-step. Just make sure they’re reputable — and don’t hand over your passport to anyone you don’t trust.

⏳ Timeline:

From job offer to arriving in China, the visa process usually takes 1–3 months, depending on how fast you can gather your documents and how efficient the school is.

🩺 5. Health Check Requirements

To complete your work visa and residency application, you’ll also need to pass a comprehensive health check.

🏥 Health checks happen in two stages:

1. Pre-departure (optional): Some schools ask you to complete a basic exam in your home country before your visa is processed.
2. Post-arrival (mandatory): Once you arrive in China, you’ll complete an official medical exam at a government-approved hospital.

Typical tests include:

• General physical
• Blood work (including HIV and Hepatitis)
• Chest X-ray
• ECG (heart test)
• Urine sample

This might sound intimidating, but it’s usually done in one morning and your school will help you get it scheduled.

🌟 6. What Schools Actually Look For (Besides the Paperwork)

Meeting the legal requirements gets you through the door — but what makes a school say “yes” to hiring you?

Especially if you're new to teaching, schools are looking for attitude, adaptability, and clear communication skills. Here’s what makes you stand out:

✅ Soft Skills That Matter:

• Clear, confident English (neutral accent preferred)
• Strong communication — can you explain things simply?
• Cultural adaptability — are you open-minded and respectful?
• Positive energy — especially if you're teaching kids
• Reliability — will you show up on time, prepared, and engaged?

You don’t need to be a grammar expert. You do need to build rapport with students, follow the school’s curriculum, and be willing to learn on the job.

🧑‍🏫 Is Prior Teaching Experience Required?

No — not for most entry-level jobs.

In fact, many public schools and private language centers are happy to train first-time teachers. But experience (even informal) is always a plus.

Relevant experience might include:

• Tutoring or mentoring
• Coaching, childcare, or youth group work
• Volunteer work with kids or ESL learners
• Customer service or hospitality (shows people skills)

Want to teach in China without a teaching background? Check out our full guide: Teach English in China with No Experience

🎓 7. Bonus Qualifications That Can Help You Stand Out

While you only need a degree and TEFL to qualify legally, some extra credentials can give you a serious edge — especially in bigger cities or international schools.

🔹 Advanced Degrees

• A Master’s in Education, TESOL, or English can boost your pay and expand job options.
• Some schools offer higher salaries or leadership roles to candidates with advanced degrees.

🔹 Professional Teaching Licenses

• A state/provincial teaching license from your home country opens doors to top-tier international schools.
• Certified teachers often enjoy better hours, benefits, and pay.

🔹 Specialized TEFL Add-Ons

• Courses in Young Learners, Business English, or Online Teaching can make your résumé pop — especially if you’re targeting niche jobs.

🌍 8. Can Non-Native English Speakers Teach in China?

It’s tougher — but possible, especially if you meet the legal and professional standards.

💡 To improve your chances:

• Hold a degree from an English-speaking country
• Score highly on IELTS or TOEFL
• Get a TEFL certificate from a reputable provider
• Demonstrate near-native fluency in interviews

Some private language schools and international programs are open to hiring highly fluent non-native speakers, especially those with teaching experience or advanced degrees. Non-native speakers can be hired as subject teachers or managers.

Learn more in our full guide: Teach English in China as a Non-Native Speaker

✈️ 9. Final Thoughts: Ready to Teach English in China?

If you're excited to teach, travel, and immerse yourself in a new culture, China offers one of the most accessible and rewarding pathways — whether you're a certified teacher or a first-time explorer with a TEFL certificate and a sense of adventure.

Just make sure you:

• Meet the legal requirements for a Z visa
• Get TEFL certified — it’s essential (here’s how)
• Choose the right city for your lifestyle (Explore where to teach in China)

There’s no perfect candidate — just schools looking for teachers who care, show up, and grow.

👉 Ready to take the leap? Start browsing teaching jobs in China and begin your next chapter abroad.