Chinese universities will soon be offering free tuition

Some 12 000 students will benefit this year from four years of free tuition in six prestigious universities thanks to a new Chinese government policy.

Wang Xuming, spokesman of Chinese Ministry of Eduation said Friday at a news conference that six universities in Beijing, Shanghai, Changchun, Wuhan, Xi’an and Chongqing plan to admit approximately 12 000 students after the national college entrance examination which will begin in June

Most students will come from the west and center, “noted Wang.

In September when the autumn semester begins, tuition and board will be waived for new students majoring in education in six universities under the Ministry of Education.

Students will also benefit. Costs will be covered by the central budget, according to an experimental program approved May 9 by the Board of State Affairs.

Those who benefit from free tuition must commit to teach at least ten years in an elementary school or secondary school after completing their degrees and teach the first two years in a rural school.

Students who want to change lanes can choose another profession after completing their degrees under the new policy, but they must pay all fees.

The central government asked all departments of education and all schools to prepare to secure a job in a primary or secondary for each of the 12 000 students graduate, said Song Yonggang, deputy director of the Office of ‘Education Department at the same press conference.

China has maintemant more than 10.43 million teachers in its primary and secondary schools. Most schools, especially rural schools lack qualified teachers.

Tuition, board and expenses in most Chinese universities amount to an average of about 10 000 yuan (1 U.S. $ 280) per student per year, and measures representing savings of about 40 000 yuan (U.S. $ 5 120) for four years of study.