Lifelong Learning Policies in China: The Role of University Continuing Education Programs

Abstract

Lifelong learning has become a cornerstone of educational policy worldwide, and China is no exception. In recent years, China has elevated lifelong learning to a national strategy to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. University continuing education programs – encompassing adult education, online education, self-taught examinations, and open universities – play a pivotal role in this lifelong learning system. This theoretical review analyzes policy documents, statistical reports, and recent studies (2019–2025) on China’s lifelong learning initiatives and university continuing education. We synthesize data from government sources and scholarly research to evaluate how continuing education programs in universities contribute to national lifelong learning goals. The review finds that China’s government has been the primary driver in expanding lifelong learning opportunities through an extensive continuing education network. As of 2021, 1,725 higher education institutions offered continuing education, enrolling about 12.09 million adult learners – roughly 25% of all higher education students. Policies such as the Education Modernization 2035 blueprint reaffirm the goal of a learning society, and recent guidelines (2022–2025) emphasize shifting from expansion to quality improvement in continuing education. Continuing education programs have enabled a “second chance” for millions of adults to obtain higher qualifications, contributed to the massification of tertiary education, and increasingly leverage digital platforms to broaden access. University continuing education in China has significantly advanced lifelong learning, evidenced by positive outcomes like improved career prospects and personal development for adult learners. However, challenges remain in ensuring program quality, relevance to market needs, and learner engagement. The discussion considers reforms such as the 2022 termination of the separate online college pilot to integrate resources, the rise of open universities, and the need for innovative teaching models in adult learning. China’s experience illustrates that strong policy support and university initiative can greatly expand lifelong learning opportunities. As China transitions from an enrollment-driven approach to one focused on quality and inclusiveness, university continuing education programs will remain central to building a learning society. This review offers insights into how policy and practice converge to sustain lifelong learning at scale, and what challenges must be addressed to further improve the system.