Implementation of the Law of the People’s Republic of China «On Higher Education» in China: Achievements, Problems and Solutions

Abstract

The Law of the People’s Republic of China «On Higher Education» is the main regulatory act in the field of higher education in China. It was adopted in 1999, had a significant impact on the education sector as a whole, and made it possible to solve a number of key problems at that time.The paper analyzes the relevant data on the achievements of the implementation of the Law of the People’s Republic of China «On Higher Education» for a period of more than 20 years since its entry into force. The quality of staff training has steadily improved; the efficiency, scale and structure of higher education have achieved significant success. The law effectively guaranteed the right of citizens to receive higher education, gradually rationalized the internal and external management structures of higher education institutions. The causes of fundamental problems are also disclosed. The author proposes ways to improve the current legislation and ways to solve emerging problems. For example, it is suggested creating a more scientific and effective assessment and control system in order to strengthen the role of the academic council of universities; improving channels for resolving academic disputes, expanding the categories of disputes between professors and universities, subject to courts; ways of disclosing information on the assessment of the level of higher education; accelerated deep integration of modern information technologies and teaching in the field of education, etc.The Law of the People’s Republic of China «On Higher Education» gives clearer answers to a number of important issues of the development of higher education, such as the relationship between the state (government) and universities, the autonomy of universities and the internal management system of universities. However, taking into account the rapid development of society, its democratization and the growing interest in the mechanisms of protection of individual rights, the institute of higher education in China, largely built on the basis of the analyzed normative act, is hardly able to continue to fulfill its role in the conditions of modern times.