China Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in china, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Education
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China has the world’s largest state-run education system, with hundreds of millions of students and millions of teachers. The Ministry of Education (MOE) oversees a centralized structure covering compulsory education (grades 1-9), secondary education, vocational training, and higher education. With education spending exceeding 4 percent of GDP, China ensures universal primary and lower secondary education under its Nine-Year Compulsory Education Law and boasts the world’s largest university enrollment, surpassing 44 million students. MOE priorities include advancing vocational and technical education, expanding digital and online learning, fostering international collaboration under stricter regulations, strengthening STEM education, and overseeing private and foreign-funded education. 

However, the education sector faces mounting regulatory uncertainty. Since 2021, Chinese authorities have imposed a sweeping crackdown on private tutoring and for-profit education providers, significantly curtailing the extracurricular and online learning industries. The campaign—originally framed around reducing student stress—has disrupted large swaths of the EdTech and tutoring sectors, with lingering implications for U.S. firms engaged in remote learning, curriculum licensing, or teacher training. Foreign education providers also face heightened scrutiny from Chinese public security organs, particularly regarding content regulation and ideological conformity. In some international K–12 programs, especially those located in inland or politically sensitive provinces, local authorities have exerted increasing pressure to align instruction with government narratives and restrict foreign content. 

These developments have raised compliance costs and reputational risks for U.S. institutions. In addition, the education sector remains on China’s “Negative List” for foreign investment. This means foreign entities may only operate in the pre-school, high school, or secondary education space through joint ventures in which the Chinese partner holds a controlling stake. Full foreign ownership is not permitted, and all such JVs are subject to stringent curriculum, staffing, and content controls. U.S. citizens involved in for-profit education ventures in China also face rising legal risk. In addition, the resurgence of underground tutoring—despite the formal ban—has increased the exposure of American citizens to potential legal enforcement or detention. Companies should ensure compliance with Chinese law and be aware of local enforcement trends.

Despite geopolitical tensions, demand for U.S. education remains strong, particularly among China’s growing middle and upper-class populations seeking international study options and partnerships. The government’s focus on workforce development and education modernization presents opportunities for U.S. institutions in joint degree programs, vocational training, and online education platforms.  

Leading Sub-sectors

International K-12 Education: The demand for international high school programs, particularly those offering Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and A-Level curricula, is rapidly growing among affluent Chinese families seeking pathways to prestigious universities worldwide, especially in the U.S. These programs are seen as crucial for academic rigor, college admissions success, and global competitiveness. U.S. educational institutions have an opportunity to capitalize on this trend by partnering with Chinese schools to offer these internationally recognized programs or establishing branch campuses in China. Additionally, U.S. companies that provide educational resources, curriculum development, and exam preparation services can tap into this expanding market as Chinese families prioritize high-quality education that aligns with global academic standards. 

Vocational Education: As China faces a shifting manufacturing landscape and growing demand for skilled workers, the government is increasingly prioritizing vocational education to enhance the technical capabilities of its workforce. The revised Vocational Education Law, passed in April 2022, upgrades the status of vocational education and encourages collaboration between enterprises, schools, and international partners. With over 11,000 vocational schools and nearly 35 million students enrolled as of 2023, China’s vocational education system offers opportunities for U.S. companies and institutions to provide high-quality, reputable education. Despite a strong government push, Chinese parents still favor traditional academic degrees, presenting U.S. community colleges with a chance to offer vocational programs and transfer options that cater to both technical skill development and higher education aspirations. 

Online and Hybrid Learning: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online education, and interest in digital learning solutions remains high. U.S. universities and EdTech companies offering online degrees, certification courses, and training programs can tap into this demand. 

English-Language Training: English proficiency remains a priority for Chinese students, driving demand for ESL programs, test preparation (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT), and English immersion experiences. 

Opportunities

China’s education market presents significant opportunities for U.S. institutions and businesses.  

  • Higher Education Partnerships: Establishing joint programs, dual-degree collaborations, or satellite campuses with Chinese universities can facilitate market entry while ensuring compliance with government regulations.
  • Vocational Training & Workforce Development: U.S. institutions can collaborate with Chinese technical colleges and corporations to offer specialized training in fields such as advanced manufacturing, AI, healthcare, and green technologies.
  • EdTech & Online Learning: U.S. education technology firms can partner with Chinese platforms or develop localized content tailored to Chinese students seeking international certifications or professional development.
  • Testing & Certification Services: Companies that provide standardized testing services, English proficiency assessments, and industry-specific certifications can benefit from the growing emphasis on credentialing and skills verification in China. 

To capitalize on these opportunities, U.S. companies should develop a strong market entry strategy. Strict regulations require foreign educational institutions to partner with local entities and comply with changing government policies. U.S. EdTech firms must also navigate China’s cybersecurity laws and cross-border data flow restrictions when offering online courses. Local competition is increasing as Chinese universities and online providers improve quality and affordability. Partnering with local schools, universities, and training centers is essential for gaining market access and managing regulatory challenges. U.S. companies should adapt curricula and technology platforms to meet Chinese standards and preferences. Leveraging Chinese alumni as brand ambassadors and utilizing local platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and Bilibili for marketing can enhance visibility and engagement. 

Resources

  • China International Education Exhibition Tour – Beijing, Wuhan, Shanghai, Guangzhou, April 11-20, 2025  
  • ICEF China – Beijing, October 15-17, 2025  
  • China Education Expo – Beijing, Wuhan, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai, October 31–November 9, 2025