BEIJING — China will set up a national scholarship for students at secondary vocational schools, starting this autumn semester, according to the Ministry of Education.

Students at secondary vocational schools who excel at both conduct and learning can apply for the scholarship, the ministry said in a letter to junior high school graduates.

According to the letter, students who study agriculture-related majors at secondary vocational schools and those from economically difficult families can apply for grants and exemption of tuition. Students from rural areas can also enjoy exemption of tuition.

In April this year, the State Council decided to use 100 billion yuan (around $14.48 billion) for vocational upskilling to enhance the ability of the Chinese workforce to land jobs or start businesses.

This year’s government work report also laid out concrete goals and actions for targeted vocational skills training.