When we talk about higher education institutions in China, we usually refer to universities, colleges and higher specialized colleges. Higher education institutions have three major tasks: teaching, research and community service.

Chinese universities are classified into higher educational institutions directly under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, higher educational institutions under the auspices of the provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities directly under the Central Government,higher educational institutions run by local central cities as well as non-government schools. In china universities and independent colleges are institutions of the same level. 

To ensure the quality of students, China has established a strict entrance examination system. Students who have achieved a high school diploma need to pass the National College entrance examination before entering higher education institution.

The academic year of full-time universities is divided into two semesters (a small number of institutions have begun testing a three-semester system). The first semester begins in early September and the second semester begins in mid-February. There are about 20 weeks in a semester and 5 days per week of learning. In addition to winter and summer vacations, there is one day off for January 1 the New Year's Day, three days off respectively for the International Labor Day (May 1) holidays and the National Day (October 1) holidays. For other commemoration days or traditional festivals, students will stay in school.