The institutionalized stratification of the Chinese higher education system

Abstract To promote research excellence, China’s government has been offering substantial financial support for a small group of selected universities through three national programs (Project 211, Project 985, Double First Class). However, admission to these may not be completely merit based. Based on statistical analysis Chinese universities’ scientific activities, this paper shows that institutionalized hierarchy is supported by empirical data performance, which contributes inequalities and inefficiencies in higher education. build maintain capacity, China must meritocracy across the system.