China’s gross enrollment rate in higher education exceeds 60%, and “Double First-Class” universities expanded enrollment by 38,000 students.

The Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress held a press conference today on people’s livelihoods. Wei Jinpeng, Minister of Education, introduced at the meeting that, at present, China is carrying out the world’s largest and highest-quality education system. In higher education, during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, a total of 55 million talents have been delivered to society; the gross enrollment rate has risen from less than 30% before the 18th National Congress to more than 60% today, an increase of over one time. In the past two years, by expanding high-quality undergraduate programs, “Double First-Class” universities have increased their enrollment by 38,000. In addition, over the past five years, 18 regular undergraduate colleges and 70 vocational undergraduate colleges have been added, bringing an increase of 700,000 in undergraduate admissions. We have also promoted international cooperation in running schools, establishing more than 540 undergraduate-and-above Sino-foreign cooperative education institutions and programs, and adding 350,000 degree opportunities. (CCTV News)