As the new academic year quickly approaches, many schools across China are closing their hiring windows for the 2025–2026 school year. While most positions have already been filled, there are still exciting opportunities for qualified teachers looking to make their mark in international education. Whether you're passionate about early years, subject-based instruction, or looking to work with one of China’s top-tier international schools, now is the time to act.
Top Cities Still Hiring
Openings are still available in some of China’s most vibrant
cities:
Beijing – The capital continues to lead in demand with a
wide range of positions across age groups and school types.
Shanghai – Internationally connected and culturally rich,
Shanghai remains a top choice for teachers.
Qingdao – A beautiful coastal city known for its livability
and strong international school presence.
Chengdu – Home of spicy cuisine and pandas, Chengdu offers a
more relaxed lifestyle with growing international schools.
Ningbo – An emerging hub for international education in East
China.
These cities offer modern amenities, strong expat
communities, and competitive compensation packages.
School Types and Curricula
The current open positions are spread across a diverse range of school types. These include bilingual schools that integrate local and international education, international divisions within public or private schools, standalone training centers, universities, and International K–12 Schools. Each of these school types offers a different teaching environment, catering to various student demographics and curriculum standards.
The curricula being offered are equally diverse. Many schools follow the American system, including Advanced Placement (AP) programs, while others adopt the Cambridge/IGCSE framework or offer the globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Some institutions use a blended bilingual model that combines international teaching approaches with the Chinese national curriculum. Teachers working in American or IB high school programs, for instance, can expect to deliver around 25 class periods per week, usually with small class sizes of around 20 students. Subjects in demand include Mathematics, Science, English Literature, and related disciplines.
At the kindergarten level, many schools implement inquiry-based learning models, with some inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophy. These programs often focus on holistic child development and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios—typically 10 to 15 families per class. In both primary and secondary school settings, curricula tend to emphasize global perspectives while maintaining academic rigor, offering a rewarding experience for educators who thrive in cross-cultural environments.
In-Demand Teaching Positions
While the overall number of openings is shrinking, the most
in-demand positions include:
- Kindergarten English Teachers
- ESL/English Subject Teachers
- Mathematics Teachers
- Primary School Teachers
- High School Subject Teachers (e.g., Economics, Science)
If you specialize in English or early childhood education,
you're still in luck—over 20 openings remain in these areas.
Salaries and Benefits
Salaries for the remaining open roles are highly competitive and vary depending on the location, the teacher’s experience, and the subject taught. Most positions offer monthly salaries ranging from 18,000 to 35,000 RMB, with certain subject-specific or leadership roles offering even higher compensation.
Beyond the salary, most schools provide a housing allowance or fully furnished on-campus or nearby accommodation, helping teachers settle in quickly and comfortably. Paid holidays are standard, with many schools offering full pay during both the winter and summer breaks—something that greatly enhances the overall compensation package.
Teachers can also expect annual flight reimbursements, comprehensive health insurance, and—importantly for families—tuition discounts or even fully waived school fees for children. This benefit varies by school, but in many cases, international schools in China offer partial to full tuition coverage for one or more dependents, making the overall package especially attractive for teachers relocating with families.
Altogether, these benefits are designed to support not only a high quality of life but also long-term financial stability while working abroad.
Document Authentication/Apostille for 2025-2026
Even if you're planning ahead for the 2026 school year, it’s
wise to get your paperwork in order now. All foreign teachers in China must
have authenticated (apostilled) documents, including:
- University diploma
- Criminal background check
- Teaching license (if applicable)
While your school may assist with the visa process,
authentication must be done in your home country or country of issue, and
processing can take 4–8 weeks depending on the country. If you're unsure how to
begin, we offer end-to-end document authentication support.
Act Now - Interview Slots Are Closing
Schools are conducting their final round of interviews this
month, and we expect most remaining positions to be closed by mid-August. If
you're ready for a new opportunity in China for the 2025–2026 academic year,
this is your last chance to submit your resume and secure an interview.
