Abstract:

The aim of this scientific paper is to identify how “Project 211” and “Project 985” that were initiated by the Chinese government in 1995 and 1998, contributed to the overall improvement of the quality and internationalization of tertiary education in China. In order to obtain a holistic view of contemporary education system in China and its outcomes, following indicators are analyzed: The Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), world's renowned university rankings (namely: The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the QS World University Rankings and the ARWU), the number of registered patents and acquired citations. Subsequently, top 4 leading Chinese universities (selected based on their performance in rankings) are analyzed with the aim to identify factors behind their success. Partnerships of these institutions with European universities and their participation in internationalization activities are also scrutinized in this scientific paper. In the conclusion, authors confront their findings with the contemporary state of tertiary education in the European Union, and subsequently present their recommendations concerning further development of educational activities in this area. 

Keywords:

China, education, leadership.