🎓 Education · Awareness case
Right of Foreigners' Children to Public Education in China · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: قانون التعليم الإلزامي / Compulsory Education Law (2021 Amendment)
The Compulsory Education Law (revised 2021) guarantees children of foreigners legally residing in China the right to enroll in public schools.
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
Under the Compulsory Education Law (revised 2021), children of legally residing foreigners (with valid visa or residence permit) have the right to enroll in public schools in their geographic area of residence. Required documents: (1) child's passport; (2) parent's residence permit; (3) lease agreement or proof of residence; (4) previous educational certificates translated and certified. International schools: a popular option for foreigners, with instruction in the native language, but they are fee-paying (30,000-200,000 CNY per year). Language: public school instruction is in Chinese.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Enroll in the local school early – places are limited and linked to the geographic area. Invest in Chinese language lessons for your child before enrolling in a public school.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026