In the administrative hierarchy of China, the ministerial level is the highest level, and the minister appointed by the National People's Congress holds this position, while the minister of education is the chief executive at the provincial and ministerial levels.

The responsibilities of the Ministry of Education include taking charge of the national education and language work, formulating the national education development plan, undertaking the work related to the reform of the management system of colleges and universities, and drawing up the enrollment plan of higher education and the setting standards of colleges and universities.