Schools in China: Guide to Education in China 

Schools in China are placed in a culture that takes education very seriously, and the country is known for its rigid, results-driven educational philosophy. This can often come as quite a culture shock to expats moving to China from countries that employ a more holistic approach.

There’s a wide range of options for public, private and international schools in China. The decision of which school to attend will depend on a number of factors, including the age of the child, the available budget, and the family’s location within China.

Public schools in China are generally not a popular option for expat students, mainly because of the language barrier and intensely disciplined approach to learning that focuses on rote memorisation. The lack of second-language programmes, as well as the fact that few concessions are made for foreign students, mean that most expats opt for private or international schools instead.

Some expat families who plan to stay in China for the long term choose public schools, especially if they have younger children who will be able to pick up the language quickly. This gives the advantage of full immersion in the local language and culture.

The standard of public schools in China varies considerably. Overall, the best schools do offer a high standard of teaching, but in many cases, this also means that they are more competitive and rigorous than similar public schooling options in an expat’s home country.

Public schools are free for Chinese nationals, but foreign students are typically required to pay modest tuition fees. Additional costs for food and extra-curricular activities may also apply. Overall, public schools are much cheaper than their private and international school alternatives.

Private schools in China range from better-funded versions of state-sponsored public education to institutions that teach bilingually and integrate aspects of international curricula. Recent regulations restrict foreign involvement and the use of foreign textbooks at the compulsory education level (Grades 1 to 9). These have changed the situation considerably, and parents should verify how individual schools have adapted. Alternative models of teaching, such as Montessori and Waldorf, can also be found in China.

Generally, private schools in China offer better infrastructure and a wider selection of extra-curricular facilities in comparison to the state alternatives. These institutions tend to attract students from diverse but generally wealthy backgrounds. In terms of school fees, private schools charge more than local public schools but considerably less than the international options.

Most expats opt to send their children to an international school in China. There are plenty to choose from, especially in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. These institutions are often the obvious choice for parents looking for a smooth transition for their children. Many are legally permitted to enrol only non-Chinese passport holders, which means classes are designed specifically for an international student body.

International schools follow a range of different curricula, such as those of the UK and the US, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). While most classes are conducted in English or the primary language of the school’s country of origin, many international schools also offer classes on local culture as well as Mandarin or Cantonese language lessons.

The most popular international schools tend to be oversubscribed, and many have long waitlists in place, so it’s best to apply as early as possible. Admission processes can be arduous, involving lots of forms, interviews, placement tests and application fees. Tuition fees at international schools are high, so expats moving to China for work may want to consider negotiating for an education allowance as part of their employment package.

Before moving to China, ensure you and the family are fully covered with a reliable health insurance plan. Explore our comprehensive international health insurance plans, designed to provide you with peace of mind abroad.  Find out more about the China healthcare system in our Healthcare in China guide.