Higher Education

Higher education has developed substantially in the fifty years since the founding of the People's Republic of China. A three-tier degree system, offering bachelor’s, masters, and doctorate degrees, was instituted in 1981. Following a series of reforms, a diverse, multi-level system of higher education has been initiated, encompassing a full range of subjects and suited to the needs of the national economy and social development. China’s institutions of higher learning include comprehensive universities and specialized universities or institutes. Most specialized programs take three years, with a small number taking two years; comprehensive programs generally take four years, with a small number taking five or six years. China has a number of famous universities, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Nankai University, Beijing University of Science and Technology, Jilin University, Wuhan University, and Nanjing University. After completing their studies, some college graduates enter the job market, while others may pursue a second bachelor's degree or enter a master’s or doctoral program. People who have received a doctorate may choose to continue their studies abroad.

China's institutions of higher learning have produced a large amount of advanced scientific research and technical applications. As of the end of 2001, universities had won 250 State awards in the natural sciences, 50% of the national total; 1,002 State awards for technical inventions, 34% of the national total; and 2,100 State awards for advances in science and technology, 26% of the national total. Universities account for over 60% of all scientific and technical studies published domestically and abroad each year.

Adult Education

Adult education includes anti-illiteracy education and other programs aimed at adults.

China's adult education has evolved rapidly since the establishment of the People's Republic. In 1999, there were 871 colleges and universities focusing on adult education, offering 800 correspondence-based and evening adult education programs, with 1,157,700 places for those pursuing junior college and bachelor programs, and granting 888,200 diplomas.

In 1998, China's adult education schools aimed at the rural population included 421 secondary technical schools with an enrollment of 200,200, a total of 4,229 middle schools with an enrollment of 439,200, and 454,924 technical schools that provided training to more than 80 million people, or 12.2% of the rural labor force. Adult education aimed at the country's rural population has made significant contribution to rural development, with more than 200 million farmers receiving training in these education institutions.

Self-taught higher education examination programs also became increasingly popular, with 224 disciplines available in 1998.

In 1998, about 134,200 anti-illiteracy programs were launched nationwide, assisting 3,208,900 illiterate people.