"Higher Education Institutions" collectively refer to universities, specialized colleges, higher vocational-technical colleges, and higher specialized colleges, abbreviated as HEIs. Based on institutional nature, Chinese HEIs are primarily classified into regular higher education institutions and adult higher education institutions, distinguished mainly by their target student populations and educational formats. As of June 20, 2024, China has 3,117 HEIs, including 2,868 regular higher education institutions (1,308 undergraduate universities and 1,560 vocational colleges) and 249 adult higher education institutions.
The development of HEIs and regional growth are often mutually reinforcing. On one hand, regions provide institutional resources such as financial support and land allocation. On the other hand, HEIs contribute to regional development through talent cultivation, scientific research outputs, technical services, and cultural influence. Topics like regional socioeconomic development and educational equity are closely tied to the rational distribution of higher education resources.
The administrative affiliation of HEIs significantly impacts their developmental trajectory. Institutions directly managed by central ministries (e.g., State Council departments) or jointly administered by central and provincial governments typically receive more resources. These institutions often pioneer reforms and serve as exemplars in enhancing teaching quality, scientific innovation, and social services.
The CnOpenData China HEIs List Database compiles official Ministry of Education records, organized into two sub-tables: regular HEIs and adult HEIs. Key fields include School Name (学校名称), School Code (学校标识码), Administrative Department (主管部门), Location (所在地), Education Level (办学层次), Remarks (备注) (e.g., private status), excluding institutions in Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR.
Time Coverage
As of June 20, 2024
Field Display
Sample Data
National Regular HEIs List
National Adult HEIs List
Relevant Literature
- Fan Jianyong, Zhang Feng, Tang Wei, 2024: "Disciplinary Quality of HEIs and Regional Technological Innovation," World Economy 4.
- Ge Jinfeng, Zhang Nan, Yuan Zhigang, 2024: "Heterogeneous Policy Effects of Technology Transfer Reforms in Chinese Universities," Economic Research Journal 2.
Data Update Frequency
Annual updates