Overseas students and experts in Beijing are able to apply for scholarship from the municipal educational committee now, the educational authority announced Friday.

 

With the establishment of the scholarship on Friday, overseas applicants are expected to get tuition fees in different amount if they pass the required examinations, according to Xian Lianping, deputy director with the committee.

 

Overseas postgraduate students for doctorate will get around 40,000 yuan (US$5,000) every year, postgraduates will receive some 30,000 yuan (US$3,750) each year, while undergraduates can get an annual aid of 20,000 yuan (US$2,500).

 

Senior overseas experts who make research in Beijing will enjoy a 20,000 yuan aid every semester and students studying language or other specific majors are also expected to get some scholarship.

 

The move is expected to attract more overseas students and experts, and maintain Beijing's leadership in the education of overseas students, said Xian.

 

A management committee will conduct regular assessment on the distribution of the scholarship and decide whether the students or experts can continue to enjoy the aid in the next year.

 

Beijing started to receive foreign students in 1950 and more than 40,000 students from some 172 countries have studied in 66 universities here, official statistics show.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 24, 2005)