The Chinese Conceptual Model of Higher Education and the Soviet Influence on its Development in the 19th–20th Centuries

From the late 19th century through the 20th century, China's higher education underwent significant transformations shaped largely by Western educational thought and the Soviet educational model. At the close of the 19th century, the introduction of Western educational practices began shifting China's educational system away from the traditional imperial examination system. In the early to mid-20th century, particularly during the 1950s following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the Soviet educational model exerted profound influence on the structure and direction of Chinese higher education. This study investigates the Soviet Union’s impact on the Chinese higher education system by analyzing the historical evolution of educational concepts in China. It specifically addresses the methods by which the Soviet model was introduced, adapted, and integrated into China's unique socio-cultural environment. Findings suggest that the Soviet educational framework significantly accelerated the modernization of Chinese higher education and facilitated the development of substantial technical, engineering, and scientific expertise. However, the implementation of this model also encountered practical challenges, necessitating adjustments tailored to China's specific circumstances. The paper further explores aspects of the educational system, curriculum design, and pedagogical methods introduced from the Soviet Union. It critically evaluates the model's effectiveness, adaptability, and limitations, ultimately proposing recommendations for the continued evolution and improvement of China's higher education.