In China, colleges and universities are strictly classified. According to the regulations of China's education department, universities are divided into two categories, namely, ordinary universities and adult universities.

Ordinary institutions of higher learning are well known, such as colleges and universities (such as Tsinghua University and Xingtai University) and some specialized vocational and technical colleges (Taishan Vocational and Technical College).

Adult colleges generally include radio and TV universities (such as Gansu Radio and TV University), management cadre colleges (such as Chengde University for the Aged) and staff universities.

Naming methods of colleges and universities

The naming basis of full-time universities, independent colleges, higher vocational schools and junior colleges is the Interim Measures for the Naming of Ordinary Colleges and Universities issued by the General Office of the Ministry of Education.

Colleges at undergraduate level are called XX University or XX College, colleges at junior college level are called XX Vocational and Technical College or XX College, and vocational schools at undergraduate level are called XX Vocational and Technical University/Vocational University. According to the characteristics of the region, industry and discipline where the school is located, appropriate qualifiers can be added.