How to Find a Job in China After Graduation?

Many people who are considering studying in China also wonder: Can I stay in China to work after graduation? The answer is yes! In fact, graduating in China even gives you an advantage for getting a visa and finding jobs.

This guide explains how you can get a work visa in China after graduating, and which jobs are waiting for you.

1. What are the policies and visa pathways for working in China?

There are many types of visa for you to get if you want to work full-time in China. But the most common visa type for work is the Z visa. To apply for this visa, you need a confirmed job offer and a work permit from. For details, read our guide on China Visa and Residence Rules, and check out the official website of China Visa Application Service Center.

China also has a points-based work permit system, classifying foreign employees into three tiers, the higher your tier, the easier it is for you to get approved:

• A Tier (≥85 points): High-level foreign talent. Fast-track approval, fewer restrictions, sometimes provided with subsidies.
• B Tier (60–84 points): Professional talent (most foreign talent fall here). Approvability depends on the employer’s needs and applicant qualifications.
• C Tier (<60 points): Entry-level/short-term or labor positions. Very difficult to obtain, and are usually temporary or quota-based.

Scoring Criteria (examples of how points are calculated):

• Education:
  • PhD: +20 points
  • Master’s: +15
  • Bachelor’s: +10
• Work Experience:
  • 2–5 years: +5
  • 5–10 years: +10
  • Over 10 years: +15
• Salary Level in China (relative to local average):
  • 4× average: +20
  • 2× average: +15
  • Equal to average: +5
• Age:
  • 18–25: +5
  • 26–45: +15 (prime working age)
  • 46–55: +10
• Chinese Language Proficiency (HSK):
  • HSK 5–6: +10
  • HSK 3–4: +5
• City/Regional Shortage Occupations:
  • Applying for positions like AI or teaching STEM can sometimes give extra points, depending on the current job demand in the city/region.

People usually set a target of 60 points to qualify for B Tier.

Bonus Points 

If you meet special conditions, you can earn “bonus points” to increase your score. These conditions differ by city/province but are generally like this:

• Graduating from a Chinese university (esp. Master’s/PhD): +5–10
• Studying in a top Chinese institution (Double First Class universities): +5
• Having previously worked in China with good records: +5
• Winning awards, patents, or publications in China: +5–10
• Being employed in a government-prioritized industry (green energy, AI, semiconductor, biotech): +5–15

Local Incentives (City/Province Specific)

Certain cities have special policies to encourage foreign talent (especially those who studied in Chinese universities) to work in China:

• Shanghai:
  • Graduates from Shanghai universities (Master’s or higher) can directly apply for a work visa without the usual 2 years’ experience requirement.
  • You also get bonus points for working in Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ).
• Beijing:
  • Graduates from Beijing universities (Master’s or higher) enjoy simplified work permit applications.
• Shenzhen & Guangdong FTZs:
  • Requirements for STEM graduates are often relaxed.
  • The local government is also known to provide subsidies for startups founded by foreign talent. You may have an easier time getting your work permit in international startups.

So does studying in China help with getting a work visa?

Yes, it helps a lot.

• Graduating with a Chinese Master’s/PhD might allow you to skip the “2 years work experience abroad” rule, which makes the whole process a lot easier.
• Even if your original score is just under 60, bonus points can push you into higher tiers.
• If you have 85+ points, you’re Category A, and your visa is much easier and faster to process, with longer validity (up to 5 years).

2.  Most Popular Job Industries for Foreign Graduates

China produces millions of new graduates each year, and the job market can get really competitive. Local and foreign talents alike struggle to find work. That said, there are areas where foreign professionals actually have an advantage.

Growing Demand for Engineers 

China produces an enormous number of engineers. Engineering degree graduates make up more than one-third of all undergraduates. Despite this, many companies continue to face talent shortage. You can read more about how many engineers graduate in China in this article by The Economist.

Multinational companies or joint ventures look for talent who bring not only technical expertise but also global perspectives. Foreign engineers can stand out in these companies. 

The Advantage of Being Bilingual

Being fluent in both Mandarin and English will open many opportunities for you. Even more so if you also speak a third language (which is often the case for international students in China: they usually speak their mother tongue, English, and Chinese).

Multilinguals are in high demand in:

• Multinational corporations
• Education and language training institutions
• Trade and logistics companies
• International Business & Marketing Roles

Many multinational companies in China now run language training programs for their employees, especially when they have joint ventures with foreign firms. If staff can communicate smoothly across languages, business runs more efficiently. But instead of training every local worker to speak English, companies actually prefer multilingual professionals who can bridge the gap immediately. You can read about the best jobs for bilingual Chinese speakers from this article by LTI.

In fields like digital marketing, companies look for foreigners who can localize products and strategies for foreign audiences. Due to the great wall of China, locals aren’t exposed to international social media, which actually gives you an advantage over them.

3. Recommended majors for the most popular jobs in China

Considering the most popular job industries for foreign students, you should highly consider engineering degrees. In social sciences, you can study business or trade related majors. These are majors we recommend:

• Computer Science & AI
• Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
• Environmental & Renewable Energy Engineering
• Finance & Economics
• Business Management (with Mandarin skills)
• International Relations & Trade

4.  Additional tips

• Start building your network early! You can find tons of university career fairs for foreign students. Universities often have multiple fairs a year designed specifically for international students, and you can find even more by actively looking through Chinese social media.
• Learn Mandarin to stand out. Even conversational skills make you much more preferable in the market.
• Look for jobs in cities with strong foreigner-friendly policies (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing).
• Work with job agencies specializing in foreign talent. Learn more by reading our guide on how to find a job in China.

Conclusion

If you want to stay in China to work after graduation, it is definitely not easy, and preparation is essential. But if you have a clear understanding of the visa and local policies, and by choosing the right majors, you can absolutely build a rewarding career in China.

Start Your Journey to Study in China Today

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