Non-government-run education is becoming a second channel of training young people. To put it on a legal footing, in 1997 the government officially promulgated and implemented Regulations on Education Run by Social Forces. Starting from 1998, all non-government-run schools should apply for new licenses for running schools. According to relevant regulations, a school run by social forces without a license is illegal. By 2001, there had been 76 non-government-run institutions of higher learning around China, including 72 regular ones and four adult ones, which were permitted to grant higher academic credentials.
With flexible thinking, these schools have also paid great attention to improving the quality of the teaching staff and the conditions for running schools in recent years. As their economic efficiency and social benefits are increasing each year, the schools are growing in their capability and social influence. These schools have taken the lead in cooperating with foreign universities, and it was through them that many foreign universities were introduced to China. Such cooperation has enriched China?s education, and eased the way for Chinese students to pursue further studies.
