<p>Based on the data of Chinese Household Income Project, the role of provincial opportunities for access to higher education and individual opportunities is investigated by building the cross-classified generalized linear mixed models (logit link). The study reveals that provincial opportunities for access to higher education are positively associated with individual opportunities. Moreover, the role of the family background factors, such as type of father's employer and the type of hukou, in individual opportunities for access to higher education are negatively moderated by provincial opportunities; females’ advantages in individual opportunities are also positively moderated by provincial opportunities. While individual opportunities are largely pre-structured by the enrollment rate of the individual's province, the government could consider reducing the disparities in annual enrollment rates across provinces. Furthermore, it is recommended that individuals with disadvantaged status be granted equal access to higher education. It is also worth noting women's advantages in general higher education opportunities and their disadvantages in selective institutions.</p>