More than 142 billion yuan ($ 22.1 billion) was allocated to student assistance programs in 2014, up 19.92 percent year on year, according to a report released by the Ministry of Education on Aug 18.

A total of 85,437,800 students from preschool up to university, received financial aid last year, up 6.86 percent from 2013.

Since July 1, 2014, the maximum loan for college students has been increased from 6,000 to 8,000 yuan, and for postgraduates it has been raised from 6,000 to 12,000 yuan.

Since 2014, all rural students, urban students with majors relating to agriculture, and students from poor families are exempt from secondary vocational school tuition fees.