China

China has one of the largest education systems in the world, reflecting its population of more than 1.4 billion and the central role education plays in the country’s economic development strategy.

China’s Ministry of Education guides the country’s education policy, establishing national standards and curricular frameworks, while provincial and local governments are responsible for implementation and administration at the regional level.

The first nine years in China’s education system are compulsory, consisting of six years of elementary education followed by three years of lower secondary education. This stage is publicly funded. Students who complete compulsory education may go on to three years of upper secondary education through either general academic high schools or vocational schools.

National examinations help shape how students progress through the system. At the end of upper secondary education, students take the National College Entrance Examination, known colloquially as the Gaokao. It is required for admission to universities and other postsecondary institutions.

China’s higher education sector has expanded rapidly since the late 1990s, as the government has sought to increase participation and support economic modernization.

Today, the system includes thousands of universities, colleges, and vocational institutions enrolling tens of millions of students. The government has also invested liberally in strengthening research universities through initiatives such as Project 211 and Project 985.

Despite significant expansion, the education system continues to face challenges, including intense competition for admission to leading universities, regional disparities in educational resources, and concerns about the oppressive emphasis on high-stakes examinations. Nonetheless, education remains central to China’s efforts to build a highly skilled workforce and sustain long-term economic growth.