Regulations governing overseas schools run by Chinese universities
will come into effect on February 1 as the government seeks to
promote foreign exchanges and cooperation in the education sector.
In
the regulations, "overseas schools" refers to educational
institutes run independently by Chinese universities, or jointly
with their legal counterparts in other countries and regions, which
give lessons, grant qualifications or academic degrees to overseas
citizens.
The regulations emphasize that schools should abide by relevant
laws and rules of China, obtain legal licenses and shoulder
responsibility in countries and regions concerned.
The schools should primarily give lessons in China-related subjects
or of advantage in Chinese higher education, according to the
regulations. China encourages local universities and colleges to
open overseas schools teaching a wider range of academic
subjects.
The regulations also said overseas schools giving bachelor degree
education or above should be approved by the Ministry of Education
(MOE) through examination by local government and
administrations.
The MOE said the regulations offered a set of rules for
fast-growing overseas schools run by Chinese universities and
enhanced the international competitiveness of Chinese higher
education in line with China's entry into the World Trade
Organization.
In
recent years, more Chinese universities have actively participated
in international competition and cooperation. So far, nearly 20
Chinese universities and institutes have opened overseas schools,
showcasing the country's opening up and achievements in science and
education.
(People's Daily January 8, 2003)