China plans to enroll 330,000 graduate students next year, 20 percent more than this year, sources with the Ministry of Education said in Beijing Monday.

An official with the ministry said this figure was worked out according to demand raised by economic construction, technology advancement and social development in China, and more importantly, the capacity of higher institutes to cultivate graduates.

He said China, with a view to better educate graduate students, will further support new subjects, and discontinue courses that do not meet market demand and social development.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2003)