Universities in China

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 939 Universities in China

The People's Republic of China is divided into 23 provinces (Chinese: shěng), four municipalities, 5 autonomous regions, and 2 Special Administrative Regions. The Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau are featured in a separate section of our website. The provinces and municipalities with the highest number of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are Beijing, Shandong, Liaoning, Jiangsu and Hubei. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all administrative divisions that include at least two Chinese higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Anhui (35)  
Beijing (59)  
Chongqing (18)  
Fujian (26)  
Gansu (17)  
Guangdong (46)  
Guangxi (26)  
Guizhou (20)  
Hainan (7)  
Hebei (39)  
Heilongjiang (37)  
Henan (49)  
Hubei (50)  
Hunan (36)  
Inner Mongolia (15)  
Jiangsu (50)  
Jiangxi (27)  
Jilin (29)  
Liaoning (52)  
Ningxia (6)  
Qinghai (3)  
Shaanxi (43)  
Shandong (55)  
Shanghai (34)  
Shanxi (24)  
Sichuan (40)  
Tianjin (21)  
Tibet (3)  
Xinjiang (12)  
Yunnan (24)  
Zhejiang (36)  

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The Higher Education System in China

The higher education system in China is supervised by the Ministry of Education. It includes a variety of institutions, both public and private, offering diverse academic and professional programs. Higher education is supported by government policies, and universities play a central role in the development of the country’s research and innovation.

Types of higher education institutions in China

China has several types of higher education institutions:

1. Universities: universities in China offer comprehensive academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels in multiple disciplines.
2. Regular Colleges: similar to universities, these institutions offer a broad range of programs.
3. Junior Colleges: these institutions provide mainly vocational education, offering Zhuanke degrees.
4. Independent Colleges: privately funded institutions offering professional undergraduate programs, without government support.
5. Open Universities: offer distance education programs, providing flexible learning opportunities for students across various fields.

Access to higher education in China

Admission to higher education in China is determined by the Gaokao, a national entrance examination for students who have completed secondary education. The Gaokao score, along with other requirements, determines eligibility for university entry.

Languages of instruction in China

Most university programs in China are taught in Chinese, although there are some programs available in English, particularly at the graduate level.

Stages of higher education in China

1. First stage: the undergraduate stage, which typically lasts four years, leading to a Bachelor's degree. Medical programs may take longer.
2. Second stage: graduate education, usually lasting two to three years for a Master's degree, involving coursework and a thesis.
3. Third stage: doctoral programs last approximately three years following the Master's degree, with a dissertation and final examination required.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Chinese universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in China
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Chinese post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in China
  Search for Chinese higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Chinese Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Chinese town or city.
• Top Public Universities in China
  Discover Chinese public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in China
  Find out about Chinese private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in China
  Explore Chinese not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in China
  Look for Chinese for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Chinese Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in China have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Chinese Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in China that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Chinese Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in China are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Chinese Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in China with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.