China’s national college entrance exam kicks off; 13.35 million students sit the annual gaokao

China’s 2025 national college entrance exam, known as the gaokao, commenced on June 7, with 13.35 million students participating.

Gaokao

China’s gaokao requires students to use all their knowledge acquired to this point, testing them on subjects including Chinese, English, mathematics, science and humanities.

University

The exam results are critical for gaining admission to university — and determining whether they will attend a prestigious or more modest institution.

An Economic Boom

Higher education has expanded rapidly in China in recent decades as an economic boom pushed up living standards — as well as parents’ expectations for their children’s careers.

About E. J. McKay

E.J.McKay is a Shanghai-headquartered investment bank with a special focus on mergers & acquisitions. We are one of the most long standing independent investment banks in China, with core business of mergers & acquisitions and financing advisory.