The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is a high-level university of science and technology founded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in 1958 in order to meet with the urgent demands of China's construction and the development of scientific frontiers in the world. At the headquarter in Hefei, USTC consists of nine schools, 23 departments and a Special Class for the Gifted Young, offering 44 undergraduate disciplines. From 1958 to 1999, it offered five-year programs and starting from the year 2000, it has changed to four-year programs. Over 8,550 undergraduates are studying in Hefei. The undergraduates boast of having leading scores and a comprehensive quality in the College Entrance Examination compared to other universities in China. With an emphasis on construction during China's Seventh and Eighth Five Year Plan periods, and being one of the first universities entered in the National 211 Project, USTC has become an important base for high-quality talent cultivation and high-level teaching and research. It is one of the most influential universities in China. It is also one of the first Chinese universities to attain world renown.

Backed up by the CAS, USTC boasts of exclusive advantages in promoting teaching and scientific research. Focusing in the goals of cultivating talent in new and frontier fields, USTC presents the guideline of a "solid and broad foundation, pithy and new disciplines, comprehensive development and innovative ability".

4-2-3 Program and 4-5 Program: For many years, USTC has implemented the 4-2-3 system, i.e. four years for a Bachelors degree, two years for a Masters degree and 3 more years for a Doctorate degree, in mathematics, physics and mechanics, and the 4-5 system, i. e. four years for a Bachelors degree, and five years more for a Doctorate degree. Another big step in promoting the cultivation of talent has been to increase the rate between graduates and undergraduates. USTC is making steady progress in realizing the goal of having two thirds of the undergraduates continue their study in graduate programs with exemption from examinations in three years and reaching the rate of two to three between graduates and undergraduates. In ten years, the rate may reach one to one.

The Special Class for the Gifted Young: With the special care from Comrade Deng Xiaoping and famous scientists, USTC commenced to enroll outstanding youth nationwide in 1978. Under the principle of "to teach the student in accordance with his/her aptitude", the special class has made significant achievements. Nowadays, USTC has accumulated rich experience in teaching and learning and has aroused wide attention. About 74% of the 632 students who have graduated from this class have continued their study in graduate programs both at home and abroad and one third of them have gained doctorate degrees.

Teaching Reform Experimental Class (also called 00 class): Starting in 1985, USTC elaborately selected outstanding students from the freshmen by re-examinations with strict procedures. Mathematics, physics, English and computers are centralized for the students. Three years later, they may choose any subjects in the university. In recent years, outstanding students of recommendation with exemption from the College Entrance Examination, and the top five students in the College Entrance Examination at the provincial and municipal levels have also been selected for this class.

Double Major Program: Excellent students may also choose a second major by application and with approval from the university while they study for their first major. Currently, USTC provides second major programs in the following areas: computer software, computer application, economic management, finance and insurance, and so on. Undergraduate students may acquire two bachelor degrees upon graduation.

Credit System: USTC has applied the flexible credit system for 19 years. In recent years, with continuous reform in the system and content of teaching, students are enjoying more and more freedom in choosing courses and subjects. When they pursue their first major, or second major, they may also attend courses in other fields or disciplines according to their own interests. Under the guidance of the teachers, outstanding students may graduate ahead of schedule when they accomplish all the required credits.

College Students Research Project and Seminars: The "College Students Research Project" aims at providing opportunities for cooperation in scientific research between undergraduates and teachers, researchers from the CAS, and other R & D personnel in large companies. It helps to cultivate the ability of innovation, the spirit of teamwork, exchange and cooperation, and independent working. The school has allocated special funds for this project to support the realization of their research goals. On average, over 60 % of the undergraduates may attend at least one project. At the same time, in order to meet with the demands of higher education, USTC provides various seminars featuring explorations for undergraduates and encourages the students to actively participate. For years, USTC students have made outstanding achievements both at home and abroad. During the ten years (from 1978 to 1988) of the China-United States Physics Examination and Application (CUSPEA), USTC took a leading role, with a rate of over one fourth compared to other Chinese universities. Over 60% of the undergraduates continued their study in graduate programs both at home and abroad. In the national examination of the College English Test (Band 4 and Band 6), USTC students boast a top position. Many of USTC graduates have become the backbones and nuclei in science and technology, education, and economic management with outstanding accomplishments. Over one seventh of the academicians in the CAS and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) under the age of 60 are from USTC.