A set of revised implementation measures regarding a government-funded undergraduate-postgraduate education program for college students majoring in teaching specialties at normal universities directly under the leadership of the Ministry of Education has been approved by the State Council.

The program involves six universities: Beijing Normal University, East China Normal University, Northeast Normal University, Central China Normal University, Shaanxi Normal University, and Southwest University. Students participating in the program can receive free tuition and accommodation as well as subsidies for daily expenses, supported by the central government’s budget.

The program is aimed at cultivating more primary and middle school teachers with postgraduate degrees for the central and western regions.

According to actual needs and capacity of the six normal universities, the Ministry of Education will make joint efforts with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security to create overall enrollment plans for the free education program.

Students participating in the program will accept a four-year undergraduate education and a two-year postgraduate education. Underperforming students will be asked to withdraw from the program.

After graduation, students in the program must go back to their hometown province, and serve as teachers in middle or primary schools for at least six years. Those working in urban schools should serve at least one year in rural primary or middle schools.

Students who fail to fulfill their due teaching obligation will receive marks in their credit history, which can be seen on a national credit information platform. It will also be placed in the students’ personal files.