Private higher education in China: evolution, role, and prospects

The article presents the author’s analysis of key trends, prospects, and problems in the development of private higher education (PHE) in China, in the context of the state strategy of turning the country into a world leader in the field of education. Having revived in the 1980s after a long break and having received legislative formalization, the PHE sector has been rapidly developing thanks to consistent state support (subsidies, benefits, reduction of administrative barriers). By 2024, private universities accounted for more than a quarter of all higher education institutions, enrolling about 9.94 million people and significantly expanding the availability of higher education. Their competitive advantages - management flexibility, the ability to quickly respond to labor market demands, and a focus on practical specialties - contribute to improving the quality of personnel training. PHE is financed mainly through tuition fees and private investment, including the active participation of large corporations creating research universities to support technological sovereignty. The latest trend is internationalization, attracting foreign students and partnerships. Despite impressive growth and optimistic forecasts, the sector faces challenges such as shortages and high turnover of skilled personnel, limited research funding, competition, and the need to adapt to demographic shifts. The successful future of private higher education and its contribution to achieving government goals depends on addressing these challenges through revenue diversification, cooperating with businesses, and further adjustment of regulatory policies.

private higher education, China, education policy, global leadership, quality of education