Schooling for Expat Children in China — International vs Chinese Public Schools · Yalla China

The situation: A foreign family residing in China looking for educational options for their children.

Applicable law: The Compulsory Education Law (2021): formally allows children of foreign residents to attend Chinese public schools within capacity and by decision of local governments. However, most localities require children not registered in the Hukou system to attend private or international schools. International schools that only accept foreign students: licensed by specific regulatory bodies, exempt from the national curriculum. International schools that also accept Chinese nationals: must teach the core national curriculum.

Typical outcome: Most foreign families choose licensed international schools for continuity, although fees are high (100,000-300,000 yuan per year in major cities).