The Degree Act, which is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2025, is expected to change the higher education system in China and open the door for more cross-border cooperation. Renowned academics Yuzhuo Cai and Wenqin Shen claim that the new rule represents a radical shift in China’s higher education system toward “standardization, decentralization, and diversification.”
Important Changes:
– Decentralization: Elite institutions will have more freedom to design their own master’s and doctoral programs, while provincial education authorities will have more power to award master’s degrees.
– Standardization: In accordance with international norms, the law creates extensive rules on degree procedures and quality assurance.
– Flexibility: Rather than following a set time frame, degree requirements will put an emphasis on reaching particular learning objectives.
It is expected that the new rule will simplify dual-degree partnerships with foreign partners, increasing their appeal and efficiency over time. Chinese universities can more effectively compete with foreign colleges if they offer one- to two-year degree choices.
China’s new Degree Act introduces two significant provisions that promise to enhance flexibility and global connectivity in higher education. Notably, students pursuing professional degrees can now fulfill requirements through practical outcomes, such as creative works, rather than traditional thesis writing. This shift towards experiential learning allows students to demonstrate their skills and expertise in a more tangible and innovative manner.
Furthermore, the law ensures a global reach by mandating that degree requirements apply equally to degrees awarded abroad and to international students pursuing degrees in China. This provision facilitates greater collaboration and recognition between Chinese and international institutions, paving the way for increased mobility and exchange of ideas.
Notwithstanding the new Degree Act’s intention to improve global cooperation, problems still exist. There is still disagreement over the 1980 Degree Regulation’s central control and designation of degrees from higher education as national credentials. Different admission rules make it challenging to integrate Chinese and international students into combined degree programs.
China’s government backing for its universities that offer degree programs overseas is probably going to rise as the country’s higher education system continues to improve. Although the new Degree Act is a big start in the right direction, realizing its full potential will require resolving the current issues.
