Higher learning institutions play a very important role in academic and scientific research in China. By the end of 1997, China had have 1,020 schools of higher education, with 176,400 postgraduates and 3,172,700 undergraduates. Each of these institutions have research departments or laboratories. China has 3,409 research institutes, including 416 that focus on key subjects and 152 key State-level laboratories and research centres.

China's universities are directly under the State Education Commission of China, other ministries or State-level commissions, or the governments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. There are also private universities. Independent institutes are neither inferior nor subordinate to universities in China.

To ensure the quality of students admitted for higher education, China has set up a strict entrance examination system. Students graduating with senior school diplomas can enter universities or institutes of higher education only after they pass the national entrance examinations held once a year in July.

The academic year of a full- time university is generally divided into two semesters (A few are trying a three-term system). The first term begins in early September. Students are given a month's holiday for the Spring Festival, returning in the middle of February. The summer vacation starts in mid July. Each semester lasts about 20 weeks. In addition to the long vacations, students have one day off on New Year's Day (January 1) and International Labour Day (May 1), and two days for National Day (October 1).

China's academic degrees include Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate. There are 12 fields in which degrees are offered: philosophy, economics, law (including politics, sociology, and the study of ethics), mathematics, pedagogics (including physical training studies), literature (including language studies, art, and library science), history, natural sciences, engineering, administration, medicine and military.

University teaching is strictly conducted in accordance with the teaching programme and syllabus. University education includes classroom lectures, classroom discussions, laboratory lessons, exercises and guidance lectures. On the spot instruction, instruction tours, experiments and social studies are often organised to supplement classroom instruction. These activities are intended to consolidate the results of classroom instruction and improve the ability of students to work independent and their capacity to apply their knowledge. Universities are equipped with advanced teaching facilities and teaching methods are up to date to ensure the high quality of education.

Scientific research of the China's universities is central to the development of science and technology in the country and hence to the economy. There are 3402 research institutes and tens of thousands of faculties in China's universities to meet the needs of the various degrees on offer. Since 1984, the government has established 104 key national laboratories and 58 faculties in various universities. The government puts a lot of money into the research projects going on in universities.

• China Welcomes You
• General Introduction to China's Education System
• General Introduction to Qualifications Available
• Higher Learning in China
• Types and Qualifications of Foreign Students Accepted
• Costs for Self-Supporting Students