China’s State Council has passed a number of draft laws at a meeting on deepening education reform. The objectives of the amendments are to:

• Improve access to modern education at all levels.

• Improve approval systems for the establishment of education institutions and management of funds at provincial level.

• Permit the establishment of for-profit private institutions and introduce differentiated management systems.

• Strengthen control and disciplinary measures to discourage unlawful practices, such as illegal student enrolment and the provision of fake certificates, and unethical academic behaviour, such as plagiarism and cheating in exams. The role of academic committees in managing conflicts will be strengthened.

The draft laws will be submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for approval.

Analysis:

The reforms highlight the strategic importance China places on access to education, including pre-school education and lifelong learning. There is likely to be increased interest in drawing on overseas experience and good practice, opening opportunities for UK institutions to share their expertise.

The decentralisation of approval rights for the establishment of higher education institutions, joint programmes and agencies is part of a wider, ongoing trend of giving provincial authorities greater decision-making power in educational development issues, encouraging innovation and addressing local market needs.

UK institutions should pay more attention to market scoping at a provincial level. As differences in policy and development priorities between provinces are likely to increase, institutions looking to build relationships are advised to adopt a tailored approach when proposing new cooperation partnerships so as to position themselves as key partners.

Please direct any queries about the China market to liu.jing@britishcouncil.org.cn

Source：http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2015-01/08/c_133905298.htm