China's education watchdog has opened a 24-hour hotline for students who want to go to university but cannot afford the tuition fees.

The hotline would remain open until September 15, the Ministry of Education said on its Website.

The hotline provides information for parents and students about the country's financial aid programs targeted at college freshmen with financial difficulties. It allows students to report universities which fail to implement these programs, according to the ministry.

The ministry pledged earlier this year that the government would ensure no student dropped out of college or university due to poverty.

Every public college and university had opened a "green passage" to let poverty-stricken first-years enroll and begin their studies before paying tuition fees.

More funds would be earmarked to assist students, especially those from areas hit by the May 12 earthquake, the ministry said.

China's new term in college usually starts from the end of August or early September each year. Previously, all students had been required to pay tuition fees before commencing their studies.

The ministry printed six million booklets in June featuring its financial aid policy for students and has urged every college to attach it to each admission notice for would-be students.

The government has widened its financial aid system for students to provide more scholarships, stipends, student loans and emergency financial allowances for poor students. Students have also been offered campus work opportunities and free education in teachers' colleges, and tuition fees have been cut for students from groups such as the disabled or ethnic minorities. The hotline numbers are 086-10-66097980 and 66096590.

(Xinhua News Agency August 18,2008)