China's higher education population reaches 270 million

(ECNS) -- The number of people in China who have received higher education has reached 270 million, a Ministry of Education official said Wednesday. 

Wang Guangyan, vice minister of education, said universities led about three-quarters of general projects receiving China's top three national science and technology awards in 2025, while vocational education supplied more than 70% of newly added skilled workers.

China has also issued guidelines to deepen university reform, encouraging institutions to develop along research-oriented, application-oriented and skills-oriented paths based on their strengths and missions.

Guo Peng, director of the Department of Development and Planning at the Ministry of Education, said China plans to support the development of about 200 high-level application-oriented universities during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

He added that skills-oriented universities will strengthen cooperation with industries, particularly in advanced manufacturing and modern services, to provide more highly skilled workers.

(By Helen Mo & intern Liu Shuangjing)