Higher institutes of learning play a very important role in China's scientific research. By the end of 1997, China had have 1,020 schools of higher education, with 176,400 at-school postgraduates, 3,172,700 at-school undergraduates. There are research institutes or laboratories in the higher institutes of learning and 3,409 research institutes with the approval of superior authority, including 416 key subjects and 152 state-level key laboratories and research centers.

China's universities can be classified as those directly under the State Education Commission of China, those under other ministries or state-level commissions; those under provinces, autonomies and municipalities; those under local major cities, and private universities. Independent institutes are neither inferior to nor subordinate to universities in China.

To ensure the quality of students admitted for higher education, China has set up a strict entrance examination system. The students graduating with senior school diplomas can enter universities or institutes for higher education only after they pass the united entrance examinations held once a year in July.

The academic year of a full time university is generally divided into two semesters (A few are trying a three-term system). The first terms begins in early September, and the second, in middle February. Each semester lasts about 20 weeks, and with each week, 5 days. In addition to Winter and Summer vacations, students have one day off for every New Year's Day (January 1) and International Labors' Day (May 1), and two days for National Day (October 1). No holidays are permitted for other occasions include traditional festivals and anniversary during the academic terms.

China's Academic Degrees

China's Academic Degrees include Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate. There are 12 fields of learning: Philosophy, Economics, Law (including Politics, Sociology, study of Ethics), Mathematics, Pedagogics (including Physical training studies), Literature (including Language studies, Art studies, Library science), History, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Administration, Medicines and Military.

Bachelor's degree

Undergraduates who have completed all the requirements by education planning can graduate after the authorities' examinations. Students are allowed to graduate and receive Bachelor' degrees only if courses grades and diplomas (including graduating resolutions and other practical links concerned with graduation) meet the requirements will receive bachelor' degrees.

Master's degree

Postgraduates of universities and scientific research institutes, or individuals of equivalent educational level who have passed the examination and thesis for Master's are awarded the Master's degree.

Doctorate degree

Doctoral students of universities and institutes of scientific research, or individuals of equivalent educational level who have passed the examination and thesis for Doctorate are conferred the Doctorate degree.

Teaching and Scientific Research in China's Universities

University Teaching is strictly conducted according to the teaching program and syllabus. University Education has classroom lecture, classroom discussion, laboratory lessons, exercises and guidance lectures. On the spot instruction, instruction tours, instruction experiment and social studies are often organized to supplement the classroom instruction. These activities are intended to consolidate the results of classroom instruction and improve the ability of students in work independent and the capacity to apply acquitted knowledge. The library or resource center at the university level and departmental level are open to students and provide them with a favorable environment for studying and research. Universities are equipped with advanced teaching facilities and modernized teaching methods to ensure education quality.

Scientific research of the China's Universities constitutes is an important basic of the advancement of science and technology and economic development. The China's Universities established 3402 research institutes and ten thousands of faculties to meet need of the various degrees. since 1984, the government had established 104 national key laboratories and 58 faculties in various universities. in 1996, invention project annually of universities has more than 50.6% in china, and earns science and technology annually more than 31.34%, and earns to projects financed by the National fund for Social Sciences more than 65.9%.

Students Administration in China's Universities

Students are required by universities to complete registration procedures on time. Students enrollment in the universities are subject to re-examination result.

China's universities check both students' attendance and achievement. Students are prohibited absence without reason. Participation in examinations as specified by the teaching program is compulsory. When the students have completed all courses offered in teaching program and passed the examinations, they advance to the next grade. In universities, a credit system has been introduced such that a credit is obtained when student passes the examination for a course. Failure in an examination will result in repetition, back to a lower grade or expulsion of schooling by university regulations.

Students of excellence with high marks are awarded scholarships, and students who do not abide by the rules and regulations would be punished by university regulations.


Campus Civilization in China's Universities

Chinese universities and colleges attach much importance to constructing a sound campus culture with its own characteristics, and stick to the opinion that this kinds of environment can directly influence and benefit the university students.

The Campus Culture in China includes well-arranged campus, sound personal relationships, courteous everyday behaviour. The universities and colleges often organize community activities for university students, including scientific experiments, academic exchanges, the art performances, sports, activities of the public good and so on. The foreign students may volunteer to participate in community activities; specially, the universities organize for international students entertainment performances, sports, Chinese-speaking performance and traveling, etc. These activities can not only further deepen the foreign students' understanding and favour of Chinese culture, but also promote the exchange of thoughts and culture between them and their Chinese teachers and schoolmates.

Campus life in China
There are dormitories and students' dining halls in Chinese universities, and most of students live and have dinners there. For the convenience and comfort of the foreign students, universities also have dormitories and dining halls specially for foreign students. Beddings are available，so the students do not need prepare.

The universities and colleges encourage friendly exchange between foreign and native students to promote understanding and friendship.

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