A more flexible and convenient policy will be applied to foreign students who study in Shanghai universities or start their own businesses in the city as part of the eff ort to attract and retain global talent.

Shanghai recently unveiled its new policies to attract high-level professionals from around the globe, including foreign students.

According to the new policy, foreign students who are studying in Shanghai universities can apply for permits for entrepreneurship with a recommendation from the universities where they study. With such a permit, they can do part-time entrepreneurship activities in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone, the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone and other qualifi ed areas.

Foreign students who are studying overseas can also pursue internships by applying for short-term internship permits with the invitation of Shanghai enterprises.

As China's most vigorous international city and a magnet for domestic and international talent, Shanghai has constantly adjusted its policies to attract foreign experts in recent years.

Earlier, Shanghai eliminated the requirement of at least two years of work experience for foreign students who graduate from universities in the city with a master's degree or above and who are seeking jobs in the Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone or the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone.

Under the current policy, foreign students who are graduating from Chinese universities with a bachelor's degree or above and who want to bring their entrepreneurial skills to the city can receive a two-year residence permit.

So far, the city's education authorities have also taken a series of steps to create more convenience for foreign students.

For example, a batch of practice-based centers have been established for foreign students to help them gain work experience and pave their future career path.

Foreign students paint fans at a Chinese culture festival at Donghua University in Shanghai. The city will apply policies to help foreign students work in the city after graduation. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY