BEIJING — The ministries of education and finance announced on Oct 25 a list of 197 vocational colleges as candidates for a program to strengthen high level vocational education.

After three stages of application and selection, the shortlisted candidate colleges are from 29 provincial-level regions.

The professional disciplines competing for the program mainly focus on majors related to new strategic industries, modern service industries, advanced manufacturing and modern agriculture.

The program, which will last for five years in each round, will evaluate the performance of all entities receiving the policy and financial support.