Open University of China

The Open University of China (国家开放大学) is a national public university based in Beijing, China. It was started in 1978 by a special order from Deng Xiaoping and is supported by the Ministry of Education of China. This university offers education to adults all over the country through a mix of online learning and in-person classes.

It has one main office, 45 branches, and over 3,700 study centers in both cities and villages across China. Until 2012, it was called the China Central Radio and TV University (中央广播电视大学). Today, it includes 14 schools and 11 colleges focused on different subjects.

In the fall of 2022, the university offered many different programs, such as science, engineering, agricultural science, pharmacy, nursing, literature, law, economics, management, and education. In 2023, it was named the Seniors University of China by the Ministry of Education, showing its special role in helping older learners.

Colleges & schools

The Open University of China has many different schools and colleges to help students learn many subjects. It has 14 industry schools, 11 specialized colleges, and 8 research institutes.

Professional Schools

These schools focus on specific jobs and skills:

• School of Mechanical Engineering
• School of Automotive Training
• School of Metal Casting
• School of Cybersecurity
• School of Software
• School of Life and Health
• School of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering
• School of Textile Manufacturing
• School of Postal Service
• School of Coal
• School of Social Work
• School of Insurance
• School of Tourism
• School of Property Management

Specialized Colleges

These colleges offer more focused learning:

• Bayi College
• Air Force College
• Military Shield College
• Disabled Education College
• Overseas Chinese College
• Mining College
• Marine College
• Auxiliary Police Staff College

Research Institutes

These institutes study important topics to improve education:

• Theory and Policy Research Institute
• Educational Institution and Management Research Institute
• International and Comparative Education Research Institute
• Teacher Development Research Institute
• Education Quality Assurance Research Institute
• Curriculum and Teaching Research Institute
• Learning Science and Technology Research Institute
• Resources and Services Research Institute

Memberships

The Open University of China is part of two important groups for distance learning schools. It joined the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) Archived) in 1993 and the International Council of Distance Education (ICDE) in 1997. These groups help the university share ideas and support with other schools around the world.