On the 5th, the General Office of the State Council issued the “Opinions on Gradually Implementing Free Preschool Education.” Starting from the autumn semester of 2025, tuition fees for the final year of public kindergarten education will be waived. Details
What are the benefits of waiving tuition fees for the final year of public kindergarten education? Who directly benefits from this policy? Let’s take a look↓
Who benefits? How much?
For example: Starting this autumn semester, Xiao Bao will enter the final year of kindergarten.
If the local public kindergarten’s tuition fee is 600 yuan per month, under the new policy, parents will no longer need to pay this amount.
For private kindergartens in the same region, a reduction of 600 yuan per month will also apply, matching the public kindergarten standard.
It’s important to note that, whether public or private, additional fees such as bedding and meals will still apply and are not covered by this policy.
Why only waive the final year?
Experts explain that the biggest beneficiaries are parents of children in the final year of kindergarten, as the direct removal of tuition fees reduces household childcare costs.
Free preschool education policies require time and conditions for implementation, and must be introduced gradually based on development levels and practical circumstances.
For families, the amount waived varies by region. Nationally, preliminary estimates suggest an annual cost of 30 to 40 billion yuan. Starting with the final year ensures a smoother and more sustainable rollout.
Experts: Free Preschool Education Policy
Is a Key Investment in Human Capital
Experts note that waiving tuition for the final year of kindergarten, while seemingly a small step, has far-reaching implications for families and societal development.
Economically, studies show that early education offers the highest return on investment, with early human capital accumulation generating multiple times the social return. This policy helps enhance national human capital and prepares a high-quality workforce.
In terms of equity, the policy helps narrow gaps in preschool resources between urban and rural areas, ensuring early education access for disadvantaged groups such as migrant and disabled children, while directing quality resources to underdeveloped regions.
Internationally, the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for “at least one year of free, compulsory, and quality preschool education.” By implementing free preschool education this year, China is fulfilling this commitment ahead of schedule.
This year’s government work report emphasizes prioritizing people’s livelihoods in macro policies and directing more resources toward human development. The free preschool education policy exemplifies this approach. It addresses key concerns like high childcare costs and educational disparities while fostering long-term growth through institutional reforms and optimized resource allocation.
