Teach English in China | Kindergarten Jobs, Visa & Housing Included
Teach 2 to 6 year olds in small classes with accommodation, medical insurance and a sponsored Z visa provided.
Teach English at kindergartens in China as a Lead Homeroom Teacher
TEFL UK is recruiting South African English teachers for Lead English Homeroom Teacher positions at kindergartens across mainland China. You'll work with children aged 2 to 6 in small classes, with accommodation, medical insurance and a fully sponsored Z work visa provided by the school.
Positions are available in Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shenyang, Zhongshan, Huaibei, Anqing and across Dongbei (Northeast China). Start dates are immediate, so teachers with their visa documents ready are prioritised.
What you'll get as a kindergarten teacher in China
A salary you keep in full, a home to move into, and the paperwork done properly.
8,000 RMB per month, net
Paid after tax with no deductions, so the figure on the contract is the figure that reaches your account.
Accommodation provided
Housing is arranged and paid for by the school, so your salary isn't going on rent.
Medical insurance
Health cover is included for the length of your contract.
Legal Z work visa
Schools sponsor a full teaching work visa. No tourist or business visa workarounds.
Small classes of 10 to 20
Enough children for a lively room, few enough that you know every one of them by name.
Start straight away
Schools are hiring now for immediate starts, with rolling intakes through the academic year.
Nine locations to choose from
From subtropical Guangzhou and Shenzhen to mountain-city Chongqing and the northern hubs of Tianjin and Shenyang.
Lead your own classroom
As homeroom teacher you own the English curriculum for your class rather than rotating between rooms.
Where you could be teaching in China
Kindergarten positions are open in nine cities and regions across mainland China. Tell us your preference when you apply and we'll match you to a school with a vacancy.
- Tianjin
- Chongqing
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Shenyang
- Zhongshan
- Huaibei
- Anqing
- Dongbei (Northeast China)
What does a Lead English Homeroom Teacher do?
These are full-time positions at private kindergartens where English is the language of the classroom. You'll be the English-speaking anchor for one class of 2 to 6 year olds, working alongside Chinese co-teachers and assistants.
- Lead daily English lessons, circle time, songs, stories and play-based learning for one homeroom class.
- Build phonics, vocabulary and spoken confidence through games, routines and repetition.
- Plan and adapt activities around the school's curriculum and weekly themes.
- Support the wider school day, including meals, outdoor play, festivals and parent events.
- Keep simple progress notes and share feedback with co-teachers and parents.
- Work a Monday to Friday schedule with the flexibility to adjust when the timetable changes.
No experience of teaching in China is needed. Energy, patience, clear pronunciation and a genuine enjoyment of working with very young children matter most.
Have you also considered Uzbekistan?
Great to hear you're interested in teaching abroad. Discover high-paying ESL roles in Uzbekistan, a rising star for international teachers and a strong option if your China documents will take a while to come through.
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Requirements for kindergarten teaching jobs in China
These roles are open to South African citizens. To qualify for a Z work visa you'll need to meet the following.
Who we're looking for
- Fluent English with clear pronunciation.
- A bachelor's degree in any subject.
- A TEFL or TESOL certificate. Don't have one yet? Book your TEFL course.
- A clean police clearance certificate issued within the last six months.
- Able to start as soon as possible.
- An energetic, fun and creative personality.
- Flexible and able to adapt when class schedules change.
- Kindergarten or early-years teaching experience is a plus, not a must.
Already teaching in China?
Teachers currently in China on a Z visa are welcome to apply. You'll need a release letter from your current employer and confirmation that your existing work permit has been cancelled before a new school can sponsor you. We can walk you through what to ask your current school for.
Why South African teachers?
South Africa is on China's list of recognised English-speaking countries for teaching visas, and South African teachers have a strong reputation with Chinese kindergartens for warmth, adaptability and clear spoken English. TEFL UK has placed South African teachers in China, Vietnam, Japan, Uzbekistan and beyond.
Work visa documents you'll need before you apply
Chinese schools can only sponsor a Z visa once your documents are authenticated. Getting these ready is the single biggest factor in how quickly you can start.
Apostilled bachelor's degree
Your original degree certificate, verified by the awarding university and apostilled through DIRCO in Pretoria (or the relevant authority if you graduated outside South Africa).
Apostilled TEFL or TESOL certificate
A TEFL/TESOL certificate of 120 hours or more, apostilled in the country where it was issued. TEFL UK certificates are issued in the UK and we can guide you through the UK apostille process.
Police clearance, under six months old
A South African Police Service (SAPS) clearance certificate, apostilled by DIRCO. It must be less than six months old when your visa application is submitted.
Passport, photos and medical check
A passport valid for at least 12 months, recent passport photos and a standard foreigner physical examination form, which we'll send you once you're matched to a school.
Need to get TEFL qualified to teach in China?
If you don't already hold a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA qualification, TEFL UK can get you there. Chinese schools require a minimum of 120 hours, and either of the courses below meets that standard and is internationally recognised.
Combined TEFL Course
Best for first-time teachers
What's great about it
- Great for first-time teachers
- No prior experience required
- Can be completed in just 3 weeks
- All the skills and knowledge to teach for the first time
- Meets the 120-hour minimum for a China Z visa
Things to be aware of
- Doesn't include teaching experience. Can be added with our 20-hour teaching practicum
Advanced TEFL Course
For deeper theory and faster progression
What's great about it
- Gives a deeper theory base
- Suitable for new teachers or those looking for more development
- Includes young learner, large-class teaching and student assessment modules
- Internationally recognised
- Most complete this course in 1 to 2 months
Things to be aware of
- Add the 20-hour teaching practicum for in-person experience before you start
Start your TEFL qualification today
Boost your CV and see where your next adventure could take you. Need advice on which course is right for you? We're here to help.
Teaching in China: frequently asked questions
Can South Africans legally teach English in China?
Yes. South Africa is one of the countries China recognises for English teaching work visas. You'll need a bachelor's degree, a TEFL or TESOL certificate of at least 120 hours, a clean police clearance and, in most cases, to be under 60. These positions provide a fully sponsored Z work visa.
Is 8,000 RMB a month enough to live on in China?
With accommodation and medical insurance provided, your salary is largely disposable income. Day-to-day costs in cities like Chongqing, Tianjin and Shenyang are low compared with South Africa, and most teachers on these packages comfortably cover food, travel and leisure while still sending money home. Guangzhou and Shenzhen are more expensive, so factor that into your location preference.
How long does the visa process take from South Africa?
Allow eight to twelve weeks from the day you start gathering documents. SAPS police clearance typically takes four to eight weeks, DIRCO apostilles a further two to four, and the Z visa itself around two weeks once the school issues your work permit notification. Teachers who already hold apostilled documents can be in China within a month.
Do I need kindergarten teaching experience?
No. Experience with young learners is welcome but not required. Schools are looking for energy, patience, clear pronunciation and a creative approach to songs, stories and play. Your TEFL course covers the classroom techniques you'll use.
What is the accommodation like?
Schools provide a furnished apartment or a room in shared teacher accommodation close to the school. Details vary by city and school, and we'll confirm exactly what's on offer before you sign a contract.
I'm already in China. Can I switch to one of these schools?
Yes, provided you're on a valid Z visa. You'll need a release letter from your current employer and cancellation of your existing work permit. The new school then applies for a transfer rather than a fresh visa, which is usually faster.
Do I need to speak Mandarin?
No. Classes are taught entirely in English and you'll have Chinese-speaking co-teachers in the room. Picking up some basic Mandarin makes daily life easier, but it isn't a requirement.
How do I apply for a kindergarten teaching job in China?
Complete the application form below. A TEFL UK advisor will review your CV and documents, talk you through the locations available and send your profile to schools with vacancies. Interviews are held online, usually within a week of applying.
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Apply to teach at a kindergarten in China
Fill out the form below and an advisor will get straight back to you with next steps. Looking at other options too? See all our teaching jobs in China. Questions? Email us at [email protected].
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