China has announced a comprehensive educational roadmap aiming to establish a robust, modern education system by 2035, aligning with the nation’s broader goals of modernisation and rejuvenation. The master plan for 2024–2035, issued jointly by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, highlights education as a cornerstone of national progress.
The proposed system will emphasise ideological and political leadership, talent development, scientific innovation, social synergy, and global competitiveness. By 2027, the plan envisions a high-quality education framework that enhances independent talent cultivation and fosters innovative individuals. By 2035, the nation aims to fully modernise its education sector, ensuring exceptional accessibility and quality across all levels.
Higher education reforms form a key component of the blueprint. The plan outlines measures to accelerate the development of advanced research universities, strengthen postgraduate professional programmes, and foster interdisciplinary studies. A dynamic system will align academic disciplines with advancements in science, technology, and national strategies. Efforts will also focus on introducing urgently needed disciplines while supporting foundational and emerging fields, such as intelligent maritime equipment and soft matter science.
China also seeks to bolster its global academic presence. The blueprint includes initiatives to enhance international collaboration, attract global talent, and expand youth exchanges. Over the next three years, China plans to launch 800 key international summer school projects and invite tens of thousands of students from countries like the United States and France for cultural and academic exchanges.
In addition, the plan highlights the importance of demographic monitoring to address shifting school-age populations and calls for balanced urban-rural integration in compulsory education. It also aims to cultivate a skilled workforce, including master craftsmen and highly specialised workers.
By embracing innovation and global cooperation, China’s education modernisation blueprint reflects its ambition to build a world-class education system that not only supports national development but also contributes to global progress.