Education Reforms Have Led to Impressive Gains Compulsory education is key to eradication of illiteracy. China has a long history of formal education, but until the advent of the 20th century, few people could afford it. Prior to 1949, it's claimed that 80% of all Chinese were illiterate. The People's Government mandated compulsory education to remedy this, and today, most children attend free, compulsory schools for 9 years. 99% of all Chinese children attend Primary schools, with at least 87% attending Middle Schools. There are more than 1,000 universities and colleges in China, with a student population of 3 million. Other links: • Chinese Universities and Colleges • High School