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Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China

The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China is the agency of the State Council of the People's Republic of China that regulates all aspects of the educational system in mainland China, including compulsory basic education, vocational education, and tertiary education. The MOE certifies teachers, standardizes curriculum and textbooks, establishes standards, and monitors the entire education system in an effort to modernize China through education.

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BEIJING — China's Ministry of Education (MOE), in collaboration with seven other authorities, has issued a plan to build a stronger teacher force for the country's basic education system.

China has 15.86 million teachers of basic education, accounting for 86 percent of the total number of full-time teachers, Ren Youqun, an MOE official in charge of teacher work, said at a press conference on April 14.

Stressing the significance of the role of basic education in the nation's education system, Ren said the plan aims to expand the number and improve the quality of teachers, and meet the demand for China's basic education development by 2035.

China will further improve teachers' professional ethics and competence by introducing talent nurturing programs and reforming targeted training, per the plan.

Teacher resources will be more balanced as special teacher cultivation plans for undeveloped areas in China's central and western regions will be put into practice. A policy providing subsidies and accommodations for teachers in these areas should be implemented.

National-level pedagogical bases and coordinated pedagogical innovation platforms will be built to strengthen the education system for teachers, the plan said.

A series of reforms regarding the teacher qualification system, assessment system, and salaries and benefits will be advanced, it said.

  • Plan to boost qualifications of teachers
  • China rolls out five-year plan on family education
  • China steps up COVID-19 response in schools

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Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China

in Chinese. or , is a useful starting point for translations, but translators must revise errors as necessary and confirm that the translation is accurate, rather than simply copy-pasting machine-translated text into the English Wikipedia. provide in the accompanying your translation by providing an to the source of your translation. A model attribution edit summary is to the . .
Ministry of Education of
the People's Republic of China
中华人民共和国教育部

Ministry of Education headquarters in
the of Beijing
Agency overview
FormedOctober 1949;73 years ago (1949-10)
Preceding agencies
Type (cabinet-level executive department)
Jurisdiction
Headquarters
Annual budgetCN¥5.3 trillion (2020)
Agency executive , Minister of Education
Parent agency
Child agencies (CLEC)
Website

The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China is a the fourth-ranked executive department of the State Council of the People's Republic of China , responsible for basic education , vocational education , higher education , and other educational affairs across the country. [2]

Development of the political counselor system

List of education ministers, external links.

The Ministry of Education acts as a funder for most of the national public universities and colleges in China. [3] The ministry also accredits tertiary institutions , curriculum , and school teachers . [2] It is headquartered in Xicheng , Beijing. [4]

The Ministry of Education was one of the first Government Administration Council departments created when the People's Republic of China was founded in October 1949. The work of the ministry was overseen by the Culture and Education Commission that was created at the same time. On October 19, writer and poet Guo Moruo was made the director of the commission, and linguist Ma Xulun was made the first education minister of the People's Republic of China. [5]

The Ministry of Education was established in 1949 as the Ministry of Education of the Central People's Government, and was renamed the State Education Commission of the People's Republic of China from 1985 to 1998. Its current title was assigned during the restructuring of the State Council in 1998.

In 2003, China's Ministry of Education called for adding environmental education content throughout the public school curriculum from the first year of primary school through the second year of high school. [6] :   138   Its guidelines on environmental education emphasized firsthand experience and recommended that a quarter of environmental education content should consist of "practice activities." [6] :   138  

In 1952, the Ministry of Education sought to develop a system of political counselors as a pilot program in universities. [7] :   107   Tsinghua University established a political counselor program in 1953, becoming the first university to do so. [7] :   107   In this program, new graduates who were also Communist Party members worked as political counselors in managing the student body and student organizations, often simultaneously serving as Communist Youth League secretaries. [7] :   107  

The program was interrupted by the Cultural Revolution but resumed in 1977. [7] :   108   After its endorsement by Deng Xiaoping , the program expanded across higher educational institutions. [7] :   108  

Beginning in the 1990s, the political counselor system was further institutionalized and expanded in higher educational institutions throughout China, with the Ministry issuing standardized rules such as term limits and age limits in 2000. [7] :   108  

No.NameTook officeLeft office
1 October 1949November 1952
2 November 1952February 1958
3 February 1958February 1964
4 February 1964October 1964
5 October 1964June 1966
6 January 1975April 1976
7 January 1977February 1979
8 February 1979May 1982
9 May 1982June 1985
10 June 1985April 1988
11 April 1988March 1993
12 March 1993March 1998
13 March 1998March 2003
14 March 2003November 2009
15 November 2009July 2016
16 July 2016August 2021
17 August 2021Incumbent

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  • 1 2 "教育部主要职责 - 中华人民共和国教育部政府门户网站" . Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China . Archived from the original on May 29, 2022 . Retrieved May 29, 2022 .
  • ↑ "教育部直属高等学校 - 中华人民共和国教育部政府门户网站" . Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China . Archived from the original on June 11, 2022 . Retrieved May 29, 2022 .
  • ↑ English home page Archived January 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine . Ministry of Education (China) . Retrieved on December 29, 2015. "Address: No.37 Damucang Hutong, Xidan, Beijing, P.R.C " - Chinese address Archived May 7, 2015, at the Wayback Machine : "地址:北京市西单大木仓胡同37号 邮编:100816" - As of May 21, 2022 the address is the same Archived June 14, 2022, at the Wayback Machine
  • ↑ Yang, Ming; Ni, Hao (2018). Educational Governance in China . Singapore: Springer.
  • 1 2 Efird, Rob (2020). "Nature for Nurture in Urban Chinese Childrearing". In Esarey, Ashley; Haddad, Mary Alice; Lewis, Joanna I.; Harrell, Stevan (eds.). Greening East Asia: The Rise of the Eco-Developmental State . Seattle: University of Washington Press . ISBN   978-0-295-74791-0 . JSTOR   j.ctv19rs1b2 .
  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 Doyon, Jérôme (2023). Rejuvenating Communism: Youth Organizations and Elite Renewal in Post-Mao China . University of Michigan Press . doi : 10.3998/mpub.12291596 . ISBN   978-0-472-90294-1 .
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Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China

Established in 1954, the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (MOE) is a government ministry responsible for overseeing and regulating the education system in China. Its main mission is to provide quality education that is accessible to all citizens of China and to ensure that the education system is responsive to the needs of the country and the changing global context. The MOE is responsible for developing policies and strategies that guide the education system in China and for implementing these policies through the various educational institutions in the country. It works closely with schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations to ensure that the education system is providing the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the needs of the workforce and society. The MOE is also responsible for promoting international cooperation in education. It works closely with international organizations such as UNESCO to promote education for sustainable development, enhance teacher training and improve the quality of education in China. The MOE also supports the development of Chinese language education and the promotion of Chinese culture abroad. One of the key priorities of the MOE is to improve the quality of education in China. To achieve this, it has implemented a number of reforms, including increasing investment in education, improving teacher training and development and promoting innovation in education. The MOE also encourages the use of technology in education to enhance learning outcomes. Considering all this, according to uniRank the MOE plays an important role in developing and regulating the education system in China, promoting lifelong learning and skills development and facilitating international cooperation in education. Its efforts are key to ensuring that Chinese citizens have access to quality education that meets their needs and prepares them for the challenges of the future.

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China’s Education Sector: Latest Trends and Policies

China’s education sector is expansive, driven by a large student population and a growing demand for diverse educational services. It is dynamic, witnessing ongoing innovation and adaptation to address evolving educational needs and preferences. China has made notable progress in delivering high-quality education, known for its rigorous standards and competitiveness.

However, with the implementation of policies like the double reduction policy (to reduce the pressures of homework and after-school tutoring), the Chinese education sector is going through a period of adaptation. In this article, we discuss the impact of government policies on the education market in China and how key stakeholders have been impacted.

Understanding the education market in China

China has the largest state-run education system in the world, with 293 million students and 18.8 million teachers in over 518,500 schools as of 2022. While the country mandates nine years of compulsory education—comprising six years of primary and three years of middle school education—higher education accessibility has become extremely common, with over 10 million college graduates in 2022. Moreover, the fiercely competitive job market has established advanced degrees as the prevailing standard, where a bachelor’s degree no longer ensures career success.

Given this high demand, the Chinese education market is one of the most lucrative areas for global investors. According to the China Education Market (K-12, After-School Tutoring & Higher Education) Report: Insights, Trends and Forecast (2019-2023),  the Chinese education market is estimated to reach US$572.51 billion (RMB 4.09 trillion) in 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3 percent, for the period spanning from 2018 to 2023. A prominent subsector in China’s education market is the education technology (edutech) segment since 2017.

Impact of China’s policies on the education market: Banning private tuition

The education sector is a major focus for Chinese policymakers. In 2019, the State Council issued a blueprint for the country’s education development in the coming decade, focusing on establishing a modern, high-quality, and balanced system for equal and competitive education, and marking a shift from “capacity” (exam-oriented) to “quality”.

Two years later, in July 2021, the Chinese government launched a sweeping clampdown on its private tuition sector,  banning tutors from providing for-profit classes on school curriculum subjects. This so-called “ shuangjian ” (double reduction) policy sought to limit homework and after-school tutoring, aiming to ease financial burdens on families and workload for students. More specifically, the campaign focused on regulating compulsory education (Grades 1-9) and made it illegal to offer classes in Chinese, English, and mathematics for profit. Non-academic extracurricular programs, such as art and sports, remain unaffected, and there is minimal impact on high schools (Grade 10 to 12) in both academic and non-academic education.

Crafted to address the perceived “disorderly expansion of capital” in China’s US$100-billion (RMB 714.55 billion) education industry , this policy affected both online and offline tutoring services. Consequently, numerous tuition companies have faced financial distress, bankruptcy, and market value losses, which has triggered layoffs and disrupted initial public offering (IPO) plans.

The underground resurgence of the private tutoring industry

Many question the effectiveness of the ban of private tuition when the system of entrance exams, in which high schools and colleges admit students mainly based on scores from once-a-year tests, still prevails. Getting into an elite college often means a greater chance of securing a good job in the already competitive Chinese market. As the pressure for test preparation remains, the double reduction policy has not affected overall demand for better education, with parents realizing the necessity of after-school tutoring to prevent their children from falling behind.

In the face of such a high demand and a lucrative market, some companies had already quietly resumed private tutoring services. The for-profit tutoring industry has therefore transformed into an underground market, with agents and tutors privately coordinating with parents through WeChat groups or private platforms. Many private tutors who used to teach big classes run by major education companies now teach smaller groups, in many cases one-on-one, to avoid detection by officials. To make up for the loss in student numbers, many are charging higher fees , according to parents and private tutors. The government, in some cases, turns a blind eye to the underground market.

Despite challenges, the after-school tutoring market in China is projected to grow, driven by a focus on outcome-based education.

China’s Ministry of Education released draft regulations for the country’s after-school tutoring industry, just before the Chinese New Year holiday on February 8. The 20-article draft is open for public comment until March 8 and marks the first comprehensive national-level guidelines for this sector. The development follows more than two years after China initiated a broad crackdown on the private tutoring industry in mid-2021, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of the sector.

For more information, read our article: China’s New Draft Regulations for After-School Tutoring

Noticeable industry trends in the education sector in China

Over time, China’s education sector has seen various emerging trends, including increased technology integration, a preference for personalized learning, and a growing emphasis on holistic education encompassing academics and life skills.

Technology integration

China has led global edutech investment since 2015 but the pandemic spurred digital changes as it did globally. Virtual classrooms and online learning swiftly adapted to technology platforms, making China the world’s largest market for educational technology with over 400 million students .

Additionally, growing device proliferation plus internet penetration means that a large pool of untapped learners in Chinese families are skipping offline training centers and going directly online. An increasing integration of online and offline learning methods has been observed, which represents a substantial opportunity for providers offering tutoring and enrichment programs in either mode. Further, basic AI elements are integrated into responsive apps that adjust to various learning levels. The mobile education market has expanded, with firms developing crowdsourcing apps for homework help and quick teacher engagement.

STEM learning

Driven by national policies, China has put in a lot of effort into promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Recent years have seen K12 STEM programs flourish nationally through new technologies and supplementary materials. In 2022, the Ministry of Education (MOE) proposed fostering students’ interdisciplinary literacy by explaining interdisciplinary concepts based on core aspects of each subject area and then applying these core elements to real situations.

Instructors are encouraged to implement STEM in their teaching. According to research from consulting firm Crayfish.io, it was reported that rising middle-class parents pay substantial sums of money for STEM-related education for their children, such as courses in coding, robotics, and 3D printing, among others. They also noted that content and technology related to STEM learning are in high demand throughout China.

International schools

In February 2023, New Oriental International Education published the “ 2023 China International School Research White Paper ,” revealing a net increase of 19 international schools in mainland China in 2022 compared to 2021. Despite a slower growth rate, the data indicates a continuing upward trend. The number of students in international schools rose by 23 percent in 2022 compared to 2019, reflecting the recovery of China’s international education post-pandemic. Further, Chinese students with intentions to study abroad have increased by over 23 percent in applications for higher education in 2022, with a particular preference for master’s programs among Chinese students.

This trend has also stimulated the demand for language classes. For example, the English Language Training (ELT) market in China is projected to grow by US$70.81 billion (RMB 506.05 billion) from 2022 to 2026, with a CAGR forecast of 19.75 percent. This growth is driven by the rising demand for ELT, coupled with enhanced employment opportunities for English speakers. However, recruiting experienced foreign teachers remains a significant challenge for these schools, which is essential for maintaining their international status.

Vocational, upskilling, and adult education market

Vocational education continues to be encouraged by the government. In April 2022, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress passed an updated regulation, highlighting the government’s ongoing support for vocational education. This legislative move is part of broader efforts to enhance China’s vocational education system in response to the growing demand for skilled labor.

China’s dynamic economic landscape and changing demographics have fueled a rise in interest-based online learning among adults. With the rapid pace of economic change, professionals seek continuous upskilling and reskilling, often looking for accessible, practical learning content to enrich their lives. For many working adults in China, pursuing degrees via part-time masters or MBA programs can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful. The adult learning industry in China generated RMB 576.2 billion (US$80.63 billion) in revenue in 2022 and is anticipated to reach RMB 1 trillion (US$145.97 billion) in 2027, exhibiting a 12.6 percent CAGR from 2022 to 2027, according to Frost & Sullivan’s Industry Report on the Adult Learning Market in China.

The overseas Chinese community

Facing the impact of the “double reduction” policy, private tutoring firms in China are exploring new opportunities overseas. Previously instrumental in preparing students for studying abroad, these firms are now shifting their focus to the children of Chinese nationals living abroad. Notably, Think Academy, a subsidiary of Beijing-based TAL Education Group with global branches, including in the United States, Canada, and Singapore, reported triple-digit year-on-year growth in the fiscal quarter ending November 2022. Recognizing substantial market potential overseas, TAL Education Group’s president and CFO, Alex Peng, highlighted this trend in an earnings call . Additionally, 51Talk, a Chinese language tutoring platform, divested its mainland China business in June 2022 and now exclusively offers online English tutoring services to K-12 and post-secondary students outside the Chinese mainland. Despite the divestiture, the U.S.-listed firm reported a more-than-doubled net revenue in 2022, operating at a net loss.

Business prospects and how to get into the China market

China’s education landscape rests on consistent fundamentals: a large market and sustained demand for quality education at all levels. However, entering or expanding in the sector poses challenges, especially for small enterprises and new entrants. High barriers include demands for service experience, technical expertise, and robust sales channels. The primary hurdle involves navigating a distinct regulatory environment and adapting content and technology to local standards, language, and educational preferences, incurring additional costs. Overcoming these challenges requires establishing a digital presence, forming local partnerships, and adhering to new privacy and data transfer regulations.

(With inputs from Arendse Huld and Melissa Cyrill.)

China Briefing is written and produced by Dezan Shira & Associates . The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Please contact the firm for assistance in China at [email protected] .

Dezan Shira & Associates also has offices in Vietnam , Indonesia , Singapore , United States , Germany , Italy , India , and Dubai (UAE).  We also have partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines , Malaysia , Thailand , Bangladesh .

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    Learn about the history, functions, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, a cabinet-level department responsible for education affairs. Find out how the ministry funds, accredits, and regulates schools, teachers, and curricula in China.

  3. 中华人民共和国教育部政府门户网站

    这是教育部的官方网站,发布教育系统的学习宣传贯彻党的二十大精神、改革开放、教育强国等方面的信息。网站提供时政要闻、国务院信息、教育要闻、文件、专题、专栏、最新文件、公告公示等栏目,以及教育部简报、战线联播等服务。

  4. Ministers

    Meet the ministers of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, including their names, ethnicities, education backgrounds, and party affiliations. Learn about their roles and responsibilities in the ministry and the country.

  5. What We Do

    Learn about the responsibilities and functions of the Ministry of Education of China, which covers various levels and forms of education, educational reform and development, educational funds, educational research and international cooperation.

  6. China's education ministry outlines major tasks for year 2024

    The Ministry of Education announced its plans for the year 2024, including fostering virtue, reinforcing higher education, consolidating elementary education, and making vocational education more appealing. It also urged efforts to digitalize education, open up the sector, and nurture high-caliber talents.

  7. Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China

    Beijing , 100816. China. Phone. (8610) 66096114. Email. [email protected]. View website. The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China is the agency of the State Council of the People's Republic of China that regulates all aspects of the educational system in mainland China, including compulsory basic education, vocational ...

  8. Minister of Education (China)

    The Minister of Education of the People's Republic of China is the head of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and a member of the State Council.Within the State Council, the position is fourth in order of precedence.The minister is responsible for leading the ministry, presiding over its meetings, and signing important documents related to the ministry.

  9. China to start using revised textbooks for compulsory education

    The ministry launched the textbook revision work in March 2022. Over 200 experts from universities, research institutions, and primary and middle schools participated in this task. The MOE said the revised textbooks had been used on a trial basis at over 550 schools across the country, involving more than 2,000 teachers and 100,000 students.

  10. China issues plan to strengthen basic education teacher force

    The plan aims to expand and improve the teacher force for China's basic education system by 2035. It includes measures to balance teacher resources, reform training and assessment systems, and provide subsidies and accommodations for teachers in undeveloped areas.

  11. Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China

    The Ministry of Education was one of the first Government Administration Council departments created when the People's Republic of China was founded in October 1949. The work of the ministry was overseen by the Culture and Education Commission that was created at the same time. On October 19, writer and poet Guo Moruo was made the director of ...

  12. Laws and Policies

    Laws and Policies Reports Statistics. China issues action plan to improve basic education August 30, 2023. China releases plan for reemployment of retired teachers August 30, 2023. Regulations on Education for Individuals with Disabilities September 22, 2021. Private education to be promoted May 17, 2021.

  13. Ministry of Education revises textbooks to enhance culture, technology

    The Ministry of Education (MOE) on Tuesday announced the release of revised textbooks, including Chinese language and history books featuring new archaeological findings and studies into the ...

  14. Education in China

    Education in China is primarily managed by the state-run public education system, which falls under the Ministry of Education.All citizens must attend school for a minimum of nine years, known as nine-year compulsory education, which is funded by the government.. Compulsory education includes six years of elementary school, typically starting at the age of six and finishing at the age of ...

  15. The Facts and Figures Report of China's Education Development in 2020

    Abstract. • This data report outlines the current situation, characteristics, and development trend of all kinds of education at all levels in China in 2020. • China has built the largest education system in the world, including 537 thousand schools, 289 million students, and 17.93 million full-time teachers. • From various data presented ...

  16. Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China

    Overview. Established in 1954, the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (MOE) is a government ministry responsible for overseeing and regulating the education system in China. Its main mission is to provide quality education that is accessible to all citizens of China and to ensure that the education system is responsive to ...

  17. Press Releases

    Press Releases Photos Media Highlights. MOE press conference presents China's educational achievements in 2023 March 3, 2024. 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week kicks off in Guiyang August 22, 2024. China advances reform of modern vocational education system July 31, 2024. Meeting on primary and secondary teacher training held in ...

  18. New National Initiatives of Modernizing Education in China

    In February 2019, the Chinese central government officially issued an educational development plan entitled, China's education modernization 2035 ( Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China [MOE], 2019 ). Developed over the course of 3 years, the plan is intended to serve as the framework for China's education reform and ...

  19. China's Education Sector: Latest Trends and Policies

    China's Ministry of Education released draft regulations for the country's after-school tutoring industry, just before the Chinese New Year holiday on February 8. The 20-article draft is open for public comment until March 8 and marks the first comprehensive national-level guidelines for this sector. The development follows more than two ...

  20. China's education ministry outlines major tasks for year 2024

    BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Education outlined a series of major tasks for the year 2024 at a national education work meeting held on Thursday. These tasks include constructing a new ecosystem and framework to implement the basic task of fostering virtue through education, reinforcing the leading role of higher education, consolidating the ...

  21. Statistical report on China's educational achievements in 2021

    2021 marked a landmark year in the history of the Party and the nation. In line with the general direction given for education by President Xi Jinping as well as the guidelines set forth at the19th CPC National Congress in 2017, China's education sector has made steady progress in its pursuit of high-quality development, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  22. China to start using revised textbooks for compulsory education

    BEIJING -- China will start using revised textbooks covering three disciplines for compulsory education in the coming autumn semester, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Tuesday. The revisions on ethics and rule of law, Chinese and history feature new archeological findings in studying the origin of Chinese civilization, and content to ...

  23. Departments

    Learn about the organizational structure and functions of the Ministry of Education of China. Find the names and links of the departments, offices and bureaus under the ministry.

  24. Chinese Defence Ministry Says China to Manage Differences With

    BEIJING (Reuters) - A Chinese defence ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that China was committed to managing its differences with the Philippines in the South China Sea but that its patience ...

  25. 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week kicks off in Guiyang

    The 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week officially opened in Guiyang on Aug. 21. The event was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Guizhou Provincial Government. Vice Minister of Education He Guangcai attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.