Although many studies have discussed the internationalisation of higher education in China, few have addressed internationalisation in the context of Chinese higher vocational education (HVE). This research examines the historical evolution of internationalisation in Chinese HVE, analyses the current internationalisation strategies deployed by HVE institutes in China, and compares these strategies with those implemented by Chinese research universities. The research is based on document analysis, including analysis of government policy documents, government statistics and the websites of government agencies and HVE institutes. The results show that the internationalisation of Chinese HVE is based on strong government-driven policies. The development of China’s HVE sector was originally based on a combination of Western models and the demands of local industry. For example, the initial model of Chinese HVE was influenced by several Western models, such as the German dual-track model, the Australian technical and further education model and the British apprenticeship model. In the process of internationalisation, Chinese HVE institutes have since implemented various additional initiatives, such as using English as the medium of instruction, recruiting international students, organising exchange programmes with overseas institutes and student internships in multinational companies, establishing branch campuses and developing curriculums to meet the requirements of international qualification frameworks. These strategies differ from those implemented by research universities in terms of their emphasis on industry collaboration, regional economic development and local labour market demands. Based on these findings, the study makes policy recommendations for the internationalisation of HVE institutes and explores its implications for the local economy. © 2020, Southeast Asian Association for Institutional Research. All rights reserved.
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