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Project 211 Universities

The Chinese higher education system has undergone multiple rounds of reform over the last 40 years. In an attempt to build out a basic classification system of Chinese universities similar to ranking systems in other countries, there are three basic classification nomenclatures: Project 985, Project 211 and C-9. This is similar to the US university classification system of Tier 1 to Tier 3.

Project 211

Project 211 (Chinese: 211工程; pinyin: 211 gōngchéng) is led by the National Key Universities and Colleges, and was initiated in 1995 by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, with the goal of raising the research standards of high-level universities and cultivating strategies for socio-economic development.

The name for the project comes from combining an abbreviation of the 21st century and the approximately 100 participating universities.

Today, China has more than 2,200 institutions of higher education. About 5 percent of them are 211 institutions. Earning the title of 211 institution means that a university has met certain scientific, technical, and human resource standards established by the Ministry of Education. Project 211 schools take on the responsibility of training four-fifths of doctoral students, two-thirds of graduate students, half of the students from abroad and one-third of undergraduates. They offer 85% of the state's key subjects, contain 96% of the state's key laboratories, and utilize 70% of China’s scientific research funding.

211 universities are dispersed throughout China for national access. The central government provides additional funding to 211 universities to continue research and doctoral programs. Currently there is a greater emphasis on study abroad programs, and the central government has provided additional funding to these programs to help support students while abroad.  

Study Abroad at University of California, RiversideStudy Abroad at Columbia UniversityStudy Abroad at University of California, San DiegoStudy Abroad at University of Wisconsin-MadisonStudy Abroad at Boston UniversityStudy Abroad at University of PennsylvaniaStudy Abroad at The George Washington UniversityStudy Abroad at The London School of Economics and Political ScienceStudy Abroad at University of TorontoStudy Abroad at The University of AdelaideStudy Abroad at University of Victoria

It was an amazing experience studying and living in sunny California. UCR is like a garden where the flowers of knowledge, freedom, respect, and happiness are in full blossom. Grab a cup of coffee, sit in the lovely sunshine, open my favorite book, and start my brand new day.
Xiaoxuan Zhang
Xi'an International Studies University

While studying at Columbia University, I was taken to the real science. This is not the "textbook science", but science at the frontier. With the inspiration from the professor, I started trying to solve the critical problem independently and the process has been full of excitement. No doubt the spirit of independence and the capacity of foresight would be indispensable for my future life. Columbia University is definitely an amazing place to improve you at the fundamental level.
Duo Guo
Xi'an Jiaotong University

The UC San Diego ELI(Intensive Business) program brought me not only the experience studying in a world class university, but also the friendship with all my Extension teachers, international classmates and some acquaintances who own super awesome working experience to share. Studying in this program, my English, especially business English skills, got improved, which will make my job hunting easier. I am just so glad to be in part of this program.
Yun Chen
Zhejiang Gongshang University

You live the same way as others and feel comfortable in home country.Only those who have studied in a foreign country understand the opportunities and the challenges you have to confront. Never give up and you will obtain not only knowledge but also the courage to face uncertain future.
Xin Zhou
Tianjin University of Finance and Economics

I had a really wonderful time at CELOP and made a lot of friends that I still keep in touch with today. My instructors were great and taught me a lot both inside and outside classroom. I also had a conversation partner who was very helpful in improving my English. My experience at CELOP really helped me learn more about American culture and schools which has allowed me to succeed in my current position. I wish I could go back and study there again and again. You will never forget your experience here.
Qian Wang
Wuhan

If you ask me what the most awesome activity is while I study at Metropolitan College Boston University in regards to academics, my answer is definitely networking events and professional conferences. Boston is home to many institutions of higher education like MIT, Harvard, and Boston College. Every year an increasing number of elite specialists in different industries from all over the world come to Boston for specific events. I joined Aite group for internship, and worked as a full-time employee. Even though the project I was assigned was a little bit tough for me, I learned a lot from my teammates. Thanks to this certificate program, I entered a small international arena to learn from different people from different countries.
Jen
Beijing