Peking University students parade through a major shopping street in Beijing to promote awareness of AIDS, Nov. 30, 2003. (Photo : REUTERS)
China's Ministry of Education issued a notice that forbids colleges from laying down student gender ratios during enrollment.
The ministry has also previously prohibited universities from recruiting students based on gender.
These emphasizes the country's observance of a balanced male-to-female ratio in university admission.
However, set ratios are allowed for military academies, national defense and public security colleges.
Universities also have the right to set specific ratios for majors such as geology, mining and navigation, as women are not allowed to take on such fields of endeavors.
Over a year ago, there were complaints filed by female students that were discriminated in admissions to 11 prestigious universities. Several universities were also accused of lowering their passing rate for entrance-admission tests for male applicants.
Among the other prohibitions imposed by the ministry through its notice are the reduction of requirements set for enrolling unqualified students or rejecting the qualified.
It also prohibited teachers from the accepting gifts or fees from both students or parents as well as filling out college applications on behalf of students.
The notice added that competition winners in math, science and sports would no longer receive extra points on their college applications, while bonus points based on good morals and physical performance will also be cancelled.
The ministry noted that China would continue with its efforts to expand enrollment plans in poverty-stricken central and western areas and improve trans-provincial admission rates.
The ministry has also reiterated its support for the less privileged, and assured better assistance to physically challenged students during college applications.
The ministry also plans to issue relevant regulations on safeguarding the rights of the disabled in attending college entrance examinations.
