Facts: China and education

Country: China, offical name: People's Republic of China. In 1949 Mao Zedong called out the People's Republic of China. The Chinese education system took its current form between 1977 and 1980. The total duration of primary and general secondary education was set at 12 years, and a national higher education entrance examination instituted. Universities started with 4-year bachelor’s degree programmes and 3-year master’s degree programmes.
Responsible for education: the Chinese education system is supervised by the Ministry of Education. The Ministry creates the policy, after which the provincial education offices implement it.
International treaties: in 2005 a recognition agreement was signed between the Netherlands and China. The document contains agreements about the admission of Chinese students to Dutch higher education and the admission of Dutch students to Chinese higher education.
Compulsory education: ages 6 to 15 years.
Language of instruction: Mandarin or a minority language (from recognised minorities) in primary and secondary education, and Mandarin only in higher education.
School year: September to July, 41 study weeks, including 11 weeks of vacation.
Final examinations for secondary education: the provincial final examination (general ability test) is twice a year.
Academic year: September to July (2 semesters of 20 weeks).