The Higher Education Law was promulgated in 1998 and amended in 2015 and 2018 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on December 29, 2018.

There are 69 articles in total.

The key points are as follows:

1.The higher education means education conducted on the basis of completion of senior middle-school education.(Article 2)

2.The State, in accordance with law, ensures the freedoms of scientific research, literary and artistic creation and other cultural activities conducted in higher education institutions.(Article 10)

3.Higher Education includes education for academic qualifications and education for non-academic qualifications. Higher education for academic qualifications includes special course education, regular course education and graduate program.(Article 15 and 16)

4.higher education institutions are universities, independent colleges, and specialized higher education schools, including higher vocational schools and higher education schools for adults. (Article 68)

5.Individuals from outside the territory of China who meet the conditions prescribed by the State and who have completed the necessary formalities may enter higher education institutions in China to pursue their studies and research, to conduct academic exchange or to teach.(Article 67)