Project 985 was a national higher education development initiative launched in 1998 with the aim of developing a selected group of leading Chinese universities into world-class institutions. The initiative was announced following a speech by then Chinese President Jiang Zemin at the centenary celebration of Peking University in May 1998.
The universities included in Project 985 continue to operate today and are widely recognised as 985 universities in China. The 985 label remains highly influential in Chinese higher education and is still commonly used by students, universities, employers, and the public when discussing the academic standing of Chinese universities.
Project 985 was later incorporated into the broader development of China's leading universities and disciplines, with the Double First-Class Initiative becoming the current national framework since 2017. However, the 985 label has not disappeared from everyday use. 985 and 211 universities continue to have strong recognition and influence in China.
For international students, a 985 university can therefore be an important reference when comparing universities. However, it is still worth looking at the specific programme and subject strength, as well as teaching language, admission requirements, tuition fees, and location.