Compulsory Education Law of the PRC (2021 Amendment) · Yalla China
قانون التعليم الإلزامي (تعديل 2021) / Compulsory Education Law (2021 Amendment)
Enacted: 2021-04-29 ✅ Effective: 2021-04-29
📝 Overview
Mandates 9-year compulsory education in China and defines children's rights to education including children of migrant workers and foreigners.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
The Compulsory Education Law (2021 Amendment) provides: (1) Compulsory education: 6 years primary + 3 years middle school (9 years total); (2) Free: compulsory education is free in public schools; (3) Children of foreign residents: children of foreign residents in China have right to attend public schools in certain areas with conditions; (4) International schools: foreigners permitted to attend licensed international schools; (5) Child labor ban: employment of children of compulsory education age prohibited.
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If you have children residing in China, check enrollment requirements at their local or international school. Education is a guaranteed right for children regardless of their parents' nationality in most cases.
📎 Official source
National People's Congress of China
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026