学历 (xuélì) is far more than just a line on a resume in China; it's a cornerstone of social identity and mobility. The intense focus on acquiring a high-level 学历 is the driving force behind the notoriously difficult college entrance exam, the 高考 (gāokǎo). For millions of families, a child's success in this exam and their subsequent admission into a prestigious university is seen as the primary path to a secure and successful future. A good way to understand its weight is to compare it to the concept of “pedigree” or “alma mater” in the West, but amplified. In many Western countries, particularly the US, strong work experience can often overshadow a person's university background, especially several years into a career. In China, however, your 学历 often acts as a permanent, foundational filter. Many large companies and government positions have strict 学历 requirements (e.g., “must be a graduate from a 985 university”), and candidates who don't meet this baseline may not even have their resumes reviewed, regardless of their skills or experience. This emphasis reflects a deep-rooted, Confucian-influenced respect for scholarship as a measure of a person's worth and capability.
学历 is a term you will encounter constantly in formal and professional contexts.
The single most important nuance for a learner is the difference between 学历 (xuélì) and 学位 (xuéwèi).
Common Mistake: In most cases, a university graduate in China receives both, so the terms are often used together or interchangeably in casual speech. However, they are technically distinct. It is possible to have a 学历 without a 学位. For example, if a student completes all coursework (earning the 学历) but fails their final thesis, they may not be granted a 学位. False Friend: Do not confuse 学历 with the general English word “education.” “Education” as a broad concept of learning and upbringing is 教育 (jiàoyù).