2. Education in Contemporary China
Education in contemporary China has undergone significant reforms and developments since the late 20th century. The system is structured into three main levels: primary education lasting 6 years, followed by 3 years each of junior and senior high school, and higher education at universities and colleges. Chinese government issued the compulsory education policy in 1986 to ensure that all children receive at least nine years of schooling, covering primary and junior high stages.
The education system in China is highly centralized and standardized, with a national curriculum and uniform entrance exams (such as the Gaokao) determining students’ educational paths. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects such as Chinese language, mathematics, and sciences, alongside moral and physical education. Gaokao, a rigorous standardized exam that dictates admission into higher education institutions. This high-stakes test profoundly shapes students’ academic paths and future careers, placing immense pressure on them to excel.
As of June 15, 2023, there are a total of 3,072 higher education institutions nationwide in China, including 2,820 regular higher education institutions, comprising 1,275 undergraduate institutions and 1,545 vocational colleges. Additionally, there are 252 adult higher education institutions. Higher education in China has expanded rapidly, with numerous institutions offering diverse fields of study and striving for global recognition through research and international collaboration.
The education in China has been traditionally and deeply influenced by Confucian values such as respect for authority, filial piety, and diligence. Academic success is highly valued, and there is strong societal pressure to excel academically. In order to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy, Chinese government has conducted the educational reforms focusing on modernizing the curriculum, enhancing teacher training, promoting vocational education and improving educational quality and access. China has also increasingly prioritized international exchanges, attracting foreign students and sending its own abroad for educational opportunities.
