Secondary Education

Secondary education in China is divided into two stages: junior middle school (three years) and senior middle school (three years). Students follow a fixed and rigorous curriculum of core subjects, including Chinese, mathematics, English, physics, chemistry, and politics. A pivotal point is the completion of junior middle school, after which all students take the National Senior High School Entrance Examination, or Zhongkao.

The results on the Zhongkao determine whether a student will progress to an academic senior high school, a vocational school, or end their formal education. The academic track is intensely focused on preparing for the Gaokao—the National College Entrance Examination—which is crucial for a student's future prospects.

Higher Education

Higher education in China is offered by universities and colleges of various tiers and specializations. The country is known for its prestigious, globally-ranked institutions, such as Peking University and Tsinghua University.

University education maintains a strong academic focus, emphasizing foundational knowledge, research, and discipline. A Bachelor's degree program typically takes four years to complete, followed by two-to-three-year Master's programs and doctoral studies. Chinese universities are renowned for their rigorous grading standards and high academic demands, fostering a culture of diligence and competitiveness in their students.