China Aims to Become a Global Education Powerhouse by 2035

In January 2025, China announced a major reform initiative aimed at transforming the country into one of the world’s leading “education powers” by 2035. The new strategy, developed by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, covers all levels of education and has already begun to take effect in schools and universities nationwide.

So how does China plan to achieve this ambitious goal? Here's a closer look at the key measures already underway.

Education as the Foundation for the Future

According to the official document 《教育强国建设规划纲要（2024–2035年）》 (Master Plan for Building a Strong Education Nation), education is viewed as a critical driving force for scientific, technological, and social progress. The primary aim is not just to modernize the current system, but to make it one of the most advanced and influential in the world.

Key targets include:

• By 2027: Establish a high-quality education system capable of cultivating homegrown talent to support national development.
• By 2035: Reach world-class standards in the accessibility and quality of basic education.

A Scientific Mindset from Primary School

One of the top priorities of the reform is cultivating scientific thinking in children from an early age. The Ministry of Education has introduced new requirements:

• Every primary and secondary school must employ at least one teacher with a master’s degree in natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics.
• A new mandatory position — vice-principal for science — will be created in each school to coordinate science education and external collaborations.
• Extracurricular science programs will be developed in partnership with universities, research labs, and science museums to foster interest beyond the classroom.

These measures are already being implemented: cities like Tianjin, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have reported the launch of hundreds of science clubs and student labs in recent months.

Universities: Quality over Quantity

Higher education is also undergoing transformation. In 2024, universities across China reviewed and revamped their academic offerings. According to the Ministry of Education:

• 1,673 new undergraduate programs were introduced to better align with the modern economy.
• More than 1,600 outdated courses were eliminated.

New academic tracks are being developed in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, neuroscience, green technologies, and space science.

International Exchange and the “Brain Bridge”

China is not only working to export its educational model but also aims to become a global hub for academic exchange. One key goal is to build lasting intellectual connections—known as a “brain bridge”—between China and the West.

By 2028, the government plans to:

• launch 800 international summer schools,
• host tens of thousands of international students and educators in China — including up to 10,000 French students and 50,000 American students each year,
• expand joint degree programs with universities across Europe, the U.S., and Asia.

Meanwhile, Chinese students will be encouraged to study abroad — with strong incentives to return and contribute to national development.

Digitalization and Lifelong Learning

The reform also emphasizes the integration of digital technologies into education, including:

• adaptive and online learning systems,
• smart digital platforms,
• AI-driven teaching tools.

Another key component is the development of a lifelong learning system, making reskilling and adult education a formal part of China’s long-term educational strategy.