The Open University is a new type of institutions of higher learning directly under People's Republic of China (PRC), supported by modern information technology, combining academic education with non-academic education and implementing distance open education. It emphasizes the gathering, integration and enjoyment of high-quality educational resources, explores the deep integration of modern information technology and education, and provides educational services for all members of society. The predecessor of Open University is Radio and TV University, and its academic qualifications belong to the national education sequence. The diplomas issued are electronically registered in the Ministry of Education and have the same effect as those issued by ordinary universities. Therefore, the degree of the Open University is recognized by the state.

The academic credentials of the Open University can not only be found on the China Higher Education Student Information Network (Xuexin.com), but also be supported by laws from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labor and Personnel's Notice on Several Issues Concerning Graduates of Radio and TV Universities. The notice clearly stipulates that students of radio and TV universities in all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions who have completed the prescribed courses and passed the prescribed examinations and obtained graduation certificates are recognized as college (or undergraduate) graduates. The "Central Radio and TV University" here is now the "National Open University".

To sum up, the academic qualifications of the Open University are recognized by the state. The Open University is a new type of higher education institution, which aims to provide flexible and convenient academic education and non-academic education services for members of society.

Legal basis:

People's Republic of China (PRC) Higher Education Law

Article 18

Higher education is implemented by institutions of higher learning and other institutions of higher education. Universities and independent colleges mainly implement undergraduate and above education. Colleges and universities carry out specialized education. With the approval of the education administrative department of the State Council, scientific research institutions can undertake the educational tasks of graduate students. Other institutions of higher education implement non-academic higher education.