The present system consists of six years of primary school, followed by six years of secondary school, and then four years as an undergraduate at a University. The Government urges financially capable parties to set up private schools and joint venture schools to improve the educational standard.  Also continuing education, such as, long-distance studies, correspondence and Internet studies, and TV-school are being promoted. Masters and Doctors degrees take an additional two to three years as a rule. The academic year is divided into two terms: the beginning of September until January or February, followed by three weeks of winter vacation: the middle of February or the beginning of March until July. Summer vacation is usually about forty-five days, although it is longer in the South than the North, where the winter vacation is longer.

INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

• College

• Specialized Institutions

• University

Higher education credentials:

• Senior High School Graduation

• Chinese University Entrance Examination

• Associate

• Diploma

• Bachelor

• Master

• Postgraduate Degree

• Doctor

Diagram of Chinese Educational System