Work-study programs allow international students to legally earn money during their free time to enhance their educational and living conditions.
They are different from internships, which provide opportunities for students to apply their theoretical knowledge learned in the university to practice.
The similarities between work-study programs and internships are that both need your university’s approval and the annotation on your residence permit from immigration authorities.
This article focuses on the policies on work-study programs.
Work-study programs must align with the principles of maintaining academic focus, participating voluntarily, prioritizing students in need, and complying with laws.
Here is the guidance for the application for a work-study program.
Step 1: Eligibility Verification
Students must meet all of the following conditions:
1. Be at least 18 years old and meet the physical requirements of the work-study position;
2. Hold a valid study residence permit in China, with more than six months of validity remaining;
3. Comply with Chinese laws and regulations and university rules, and have a good track record, with no criminal record or disciplinary violations;
4. Be undergraduate, graduate, visiting students, or research scholars who have been studying at the current university for more than one year;
5. Meet the university's academic progress and attendance requirements;
6. Fulfill other conditions specified by the university.
Step 2: Position Acquisition & Agreement
Secure qualified on/off-campus position
Sign employment agreement (off-campus)
Submit a copy of the employment agreement with the employer to the university for record-keeping
Submit a waiver signed by the students committing to assuming risks and other related aspects
Step 3: Residence Permit Annotation
Obtain university certification letter
Apply at the local entry-exit office with:
Employment agreement
University certification
Relevant documents
Obtain official annotation specifying the employer and the employment duration within 10 days
Step 4: Changes/Termination Management
Change employer/duration: Re-apply for annotation within 10 days
Early termination: Submit a written report to university + update annotation within 10 days
FAQ
Q1: What are the working hour limits?
A:
In principle, international students' work-study hours should not exceed eight hours per week and 40 hours per month. During winter and summer vacations, the hours should not exceed 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month.
Q2: What kind of on-campus work-study positions can I take?
A: On-campus work-study positions for international students should primarily include teaching assistants, research assistants, administrative assistants, and public service roles within the university.
Q3: Which positions are prohibited?
A: Work involving toxins, hazards, or other dangers is strictly forbidden. All positions must be approved by the university.
Q4: How is payment determined?
A: Fixed on-campus positions are paid monthly. The remuneration for 40 working hours per month should not be lower than the local minimum living guarantee standard and may fluctuate appropriately. Temporary on-campus positions are paid hourly, with hourly wages reasonably determined by referring to the local government's minimum hourly wage standard.
Off-campus wages must meet local minimum wage requirements and be specified in the employment agreement.
Q5: What are the geographical restrictions?
A: Work is limited to the municipal area where your university is located.
Q6: What happens if I change employers?
A: You must re-apply for a residence permit annotation within 10 days using the new agreement and university certification.
Q7: When will my work-study qualification be revoked?
A: Immediate revocation occurs if you:
Complete/suspend/withdraw from studies
Violate national laws, regulations, or university management systems
Fail to maintain academic performance
Have other behaviors causing negative impact.
Q8: What are the consequences for violation?
A: Exceeding work scope or hours will result in punishment by the local entry-exit offices according to Chinese laws.
Note: All work-study activities must not interfere with normal academic progress. Universities reserve the right to terminate participation for any regulatory non-compliance.
Insurance must be purchased covering the work-study activities.
Applications for the work-study programs should not exceed the validity period of the study residence permit and should not exceed one year. International students who exceed the scope or time limits of work-study positions will be dealt with according to the law by the public security bureau's exit and entry office.
Click the link for the original article of the regulation.
https://www.moe.gov.cn/srcsite/A20/s7068/202201/t20220121_595550.html
