China has the largest education system in the world. In June 2023, there were 12.91 million students taking the National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gao Kao) in China. International students have enrolled in over 1000 higher education institutions throughout the country. Investment in education accounts for about 4% of total GDP in China. In 1986, the Chinese government passed a compulsory education law, making nine years of education mandatory for all Chinese children. Today, the Ministry of Education estimates that above 99 percent of the school-age children have received universal nine-year basic education.
China has improved the quality of education through a major effort at school curriculum and other reforms. China's Education Modernization 2035 plan is launched to set the direction for the development of the education sector from “capacity” to “quality”, and that the modernization of education should support the modernization of China.
The Ministry of Education has launched a pilot education program which will allow 36 top universities in China including Peking, Tsinghua and Fudan University, to select outstanding high school graduates who are willing to serve the country's major strategic needs. Under the program, known as the Strong Base Plan, the universities will focus on enrollment in majors such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology that have been proved unpopular with students in recent years. Many students prefer to study in majors for high paying careers.
History of Education in China
Many Chinese scholars believe the history of education in China can be traced back at as far as the 16th century BC. Throughout this period of time, education was the privilege of the elites. Confucianism probably is the biggest influence in history of education in China.
Project 211 and 985
Project 211 is the Chinese government's new endeavor aimed at strengthening about 100 universities and key disciplinary areas as a national priority for the 21st century. Project 985 is a constructive project for founding world-class universities in the 21st century.
Education Law of the People's Republic of China
Adopted at the third session of the eighth National People's Congress, promulgated by Order No.45 of the President of the People's Republic of China on March 18, 1995 and effective as of September 1, 1995.
Nine-Year Compulsory Education in China
Nine-year compulsory education policy in China enables students over six years old nationwide to have free education at both primary schools (grade 1 to 6) and junior secondary schools (grade 7 to 9). The policy is funded by government, tuition is free. Schools still charge miscellaneous fees. Senior secondary school (grade 10 to 12) and college education are not compulsory and free in China.
China's Education Modernization 2035
Number of International Students in China
International Communication
Higher Education Law of China
Compulsory Education Law of China
Vocational Education Law of China
Teachers Law of China
Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language of China
Law on the Promotion of Non-public Schools of China
Regulations on Academic Degrees of the People’s Republic of China
Education System in China
Pre-school Education in China
Pre-school education is an important component of education cause in China. In urban areas, it is mainly kindergartens of 3 years, two years or one year which could be full time part-time, boarding or hour-reckoned.
Primary and Secondary Education in China
Since the promulgation of the "Compulsory Education Law of the People's Republic of China" in 1986, the 9-year compulsory education has been implemented by governments at various levels and made significant progress.
Higher Education in China
Higher education in China has played an important role in the economic construction, science progress and social development by bringing up large scale of advanced talents and experts for the construction of socialist modernization.
Teacher Development in China
China has a consistent teacher development system. Teaching has historically been and remains today a highly respected profession in China. Teachers have strong preparation in their subject matter and prospective teachers spend a great deal of time observing the classrooms of experienced teachers, often in schools attached to their universities. Once teachers are employed in school, there is a system of induction and continuous professional development in which groups of teachers work together with master teachers on lesson plans and improvement.
