Key practical points:
• Compulsory education is nine years (6 primary + 3 junior secondary), free of tuition and mandatory.
• Parents or guardians must enrol the child at the set age; failing to is a violation.
• Expelling students from compulsory education or making them work instead of study is banned.
• Admission is usually 'near residence' by household registration (hukou), with arrangements for migrant workers' children.
• Sorting students into 'elite' classes or entrance exams for public compulsory schools is banned.
• Resident foreigners' children may be admitted to public schools under local policy or attend international schools.
Compulsory Education Law · Yalla China
中华人民共和国义务教育法 / Compulsory Education Law
Enacted: 1986-04-12 ✅ Effective: 2006-09-01
📝 Overview
A law mandating nine years of free compulsory education for all school-age children (primary and junior secondary). It obliges the state and parents to ensure the child attends school. It concerns every family with children, sometimes including resident foreigners' children.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If you have school-age children in China, the nine years of basic education are free and compulsory, and admission is usually near your home by residence registration. There are arrangements for migrant workers' children. Foreigners' children may join public schools under city policy. General orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
Ministry of Education / moe.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026