Language schools and universities: which institutions Order No. 42 covers
Order No. 42 does not name language schools. Its Article 2 defines schools by four levels of education, and Chapters 2 to 5 of the Measures apply to higher education institutions. A non-degree education institution is covered only by reference, under the second paragraph of Article 46, and only when an education administration department has approved it. For the overall route structure, see Routes.
What Article 2 covers
Article 2 of Order No. 42 defines a "school" as an institution in mainland China that carries out preschool, primary, secondary or higher education. The same article defines "international students" as foreign students who are not Chinese nationals and who receive education at a school.
The article then sets two scope rules:
- Chapters 2 to 5 of the Measures apply to higher education institutions.
- Schools that carry out preschool, primary or secondary education follow the provincial, autonomous regional or municipal rules for their recruitment, teaching and internal management of international students.
The Chinese text of Order No. 42 is quoted here in English translation. The translation is this site's own.
Higher education institutions: Articles 7 and 8
Article 7 says that a higher education institution recruiting international students shall have the teaching conditions and training capacity required, and shall recruit international students on its own under the relevant national rules.
Article 8 says that a higher education institution recruiting international students shall file for the record according to the items and procedures set by the education administration department of the State Council.
Non-degree education institutions: Article 46
Article 46 has three paragraphs. The second paragraph covers the case most relevant to a language course:
Non-degree education institutions approved by education administration departments that recruit international students shall apply the Measures by reference.
The first paragraph covers research institutes approved to take on graduate education. The third paragraph covers students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and children of foreign personnel in mainland China. Article 46 places those groups under other national rules.
Visa documents: Article 35 of Order No. 42 and Article 7(11) of the Regulations
Article 35 of Order No. 42 applies to a foreigner who applies to study at a school in Article 2. Before entering China, that applicant shall apply for an X1 or X2 visa, according to the length of the study period, at a Chinese embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of nationality or residence, or at another overseas agency entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The applicant submits a certificate filed for the record with the education administration department, the admission notice issued by the school, and other materials as provided by the rules.
Article 7(11) of the Regulations on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (State Council Decree No. 637), in the English text published by the National Immigration Administration, sets the documents for each visa:
| Visa | Documents named in Article 7(11) |
|---|---|
| X1 | The admission notice issued by the admission institution and the certification documents provided by the competent authority |
| X2 | Certification documents such as the admission notice issued by the admission institution |
Article 35 of Order No. 42 and Article 7(11) of the Regulations are separate texts. Each is cited here by its own number.
Routes and scope
Article 35 of Order No. 42 refers to "schools" as defined in Article 2. Article 46 refers to non-degree education institutions approved by an education administration department. The texts used here do not show whether any particular language school has such approval. This page does not check the status of any school.
Order No. 42 has no separate provision for language courses. Readers should check each school's approval status against the education department that approved it.
Sources
- Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students (Order No. 42). Ministry of Education of the PRC.
- Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners. National Immigration Administration.
Checked 11 October 2026.
This page is an unofficial summary. It is not legal or immigration advice, it is not published by the bodies named, and the official text and the instructions of the body handling your case prevail if they differ.