Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to examine the empirical status of corporate universities (CUs) in China. An a priori CU framework was employed in an attempt to describe the key functions that an ideal type of CU in China should perform. Design/methodology/approach: Three case studies were conducted to test the relevance of this framework across the three major forms of ownership in China: a Sino-foreign joint venture (JV); a wholly owned foreign subsidiary corporation (WOFE); and a state-owned enterprise (SOE). Findings: It was found that both of the CU case organizations with foreign investment fulfilled the functions outlined in the a priori CU framework. However, certain sub-processes were either missing or nebulous in the case of the SOE. Certain pre-conditions must be present before the framework could be fully applied. Practical implications: A successful CU requires continuous learning and self-reflection. With greater understanding of the CU practices and development in China, it will help both organizational decision makers and educational providers to evaluate their responses towards what is clearly a growing phenomenon. Originality/value: The a priori CU framework encompassed the unique characteristics of CUs in China, providing the direction upon which subsequent research efforts could be expended. (Contains 1 figure.)