International Journal of Education and Social Science (IJESS)

This article describes the growth of higher education in China from 1990. The author chose this point in time, rather than providing a historical journey from the inception of higher education in China, which can be traced back many hundreds of years. It was during the 1990s that saw the acceleration and expansion of higher education with Project 21/1 and Project 98/5 implemented by the Chinese government in 1995 and 1998. This decade coincided with China’s continued opening up, development and expansion of its economy, the rural to urban shift, the increased thirst and demand for higher education, and increasing numbers of Chinese students seeking to study abroad. The author outlines the responsibilities for higher education between the national and provincial governments, challenges, and what could be described as the consolidation of higher education in China as it becomes more targeted to meet national needs and goals. Countries can learn from China’s experience and management in the exceptional expansion and development of its education system, and some of these key points are highlighted in the article.