In 2003 academic year, yunnan possessed 31 institution of higher learning, of which 14 are undergraduat colleges,17 are training schools, Meanwhile, yunnan possessed 121 trade schools, 2,267 middle schools and 20,595 primary schools. The number of students in higher education. middle school and primary school is 326.7 thousand. 2.51 millon and 4.51 million respectively.Over 170 scientific research institutes have been set up in the province, employing a large number of highly qualified scientific research personnel.

In 2001, there were 126 cultural centers and 147 public libraries in the province. The rapid expansion of broadcasting and TV programs has enabled the dissemination and popularization of culture and knowledge. 89% of the provincial population can now receive broadcasts, and the TV coverage rate has reached 90.5%.

Yunnan has 12,552 public health institutions, 1,540 of which are rural hospitals. The majority of the population now has access to some form of medical and health care.