Doctor's degree is an academic title that indicates that the education level and academic level of the grantee have reached the prescribed standards. Among bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctor's degree, doctor's degree is the highest level.

China's doctorate was awarded by universities and scientific research institutions awarded by the State Council.

Postgraduates in institutions of higher learning and scientific research institutions, or persons with the same academic ability as postgraduates, may be awarded doctoral degrees after passing the course examination and thesis defense for doctoral degrees and reaching the prescribed academic level.

Anyone who supports the Constitution of People's Republic of China (PRC), abides by laws and regulations, has good conduct, has made achievements in teaching, scientific research, professional technology and management, has the same academic ability as graduate students, and the academic level or professional technical level reaches the standard for degree conferring (hereinafter referred to as the equivalent academic personnel) may apply for a doctorate from the relevant degree conferring units in accordance with these Provisions.

With the approval of the the State Council Academic Degrees Committee, a unit that has the right to confer doctorates on people with the same academic qualifications may confer doctorates on people with the same academic qualifications in disciplines and majors that have already been awarded postgraduate degrees.

Degree awarding standards at all levels shall be implemented in accordance with the Regulations of People's Republic of China (PRC) Municipality on Academic Degrees and the Interim Measures for the Implementation of the Regulations of People's Republic of China (PRC) Municipality on Academic Degrees.