Education Database
The Chinese higher education system prepares all the specialists needed for their country's development. A wide variety of 4- to 5- year undergraduate programs are available, as well as special 2- to 3-year special programs. Successful students may apply to go on to graduate school.
All education in China is free, including university accommodation. The Chinese have embraced their knowledge-based economy with outstanding success.
Education System in China
| Education | School/Level | Grade From | Grade To | Age From | Age To | Years | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Primary | 1 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 6 | Children begin school at age 7, except in Beijing and Shanghai and other major cities, where children are allowed to begin school at six and a half years of age. | |
| Secondary | Junior Middle School | 7 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 3 | ||
| Secondary | Senior Secondary/ Vocational Secondary | 10 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 3 | ||
| Tertiary | Tertiary | 16 |
Primary Education
Following pre-primary education where children play games and learn to sing and act, they enter the first 6 of their 9 years of compulsory schooling. A variety of subjects are prescribed, including Chinese, Fundamental Maths and Moral Education. Children may take optional subjects too, and participate in sports and other extra-mural activities. In their senior primary years English and other foreign languages are offered too.Middle Education
The final 3 years of compulsory education take place at high school. Students study Chemistry, Biology and Physics balanced by History, Geography and Foreign Languages. Physical Education is there to be enthusiastically enjoyed.Secondary Education
In non-compulsory high school, students specialize in either the Sciences or Humanities. Competition is encouraged, and winning contests a sign of status. At the end of their final year, pupils write national college entry examinations in either Arts or Science.Vocational Education
Vocational training is achieved through a hierarchy of junior and secondary vocational schools and colleges. These produce junior high school graduates possessing high levels of competence, ready to be engaged in the forefronts of service and technology.Tertiary Education
The Chinese higher education system prepares all the specialists needed for their country's development. A wide variety of 4- to 5- year undergraduate programs are available, as well as special 2- to 3-year special programs. Successful students may apply to go on to graduate school. All education in China is free, including university accommodation. The Chinese have embraced their knowledge-based economy with outstanding success.