Preferential Policies for Ethnic Minorities and Educational Equality in Higher Education in China

Poverty and Exclusion of Minorities in China and India

“…Policies to promote greater access of ethnic minorities to education have included lower entrance requirements at different levels of education, exemption from payment of school fees and 'bonus points' for taking examinations in Chinese instead of a minority language (Bhalla and Qiu, 2006;Teng and Ma, 2009). It is not clear whether these policies have actually helped narrow the gaps, and there is some evidence to the contrary (Sangay, 1998).…”

“…With colleges suffering from financial shortages, in 1997 the Chinese government introduced a system of tuition fees for higher education for minority students as well as for others. Annual tuition fees and accommodation costs range from about 5,000 to 10,000 yuan (or US$740 to 1,500) (Teng and Ma, 2009), which most ethnic minorities in the lowest income class earning a net annual income of between 500 and 700 yuan (or US$ 75-100) simply cannot afford. 16 Despite the fact that some financial assistance in the form of scholarships is offered to minority students, 30 per cent have difficulties in paying the fees (Zhou, 2002).…”

Why Is There No Income Gap between the Hui Muslim Minority and the Han Majority in Rural Ningxia, China?

“…4On preferential policies for minorities in education, see Teng and Ma 2009. For the recent debate about China's ethnic policy, see Sautman 2010.…”

Why is There No Income Gap between the Hui Muslim Minority and the Han Majority in Rural Ningxia, China?

“…Minority children primarily using their own language face difficulties as instruction in Chinese schools is predominantly in Mandarin. Family circumstances such as low educational attainment of parents and financial difficulties in the household can also contribute to ethnic gaps in length 1 On preferential policies for minorities in education see Teng and Ma (2009). For the recent debate about China's ethnic policy see Sautman (2010).…”