"Fair education has been an issue for a long-time. But we have mainly talked about equal access to education. But fair education is about equal funding and outcomes as well as access," Shao Fengjing, vice president of Qingdao University and a NPC delegate told China.org.cn March 6.

Introducing an education reform proposal on February 28, education Minister Yuan Guiren said guaranteeing equal access to education was a principal goal for the next 10 years. Premier Wen Jiabao also referred to fairness in education in his March 5 report to the National People's Congress.

"It is just one aspect of the matter," said Shao. "In higher education, equalizing funding and facilities is more important."

"Local universities like Qingdao University cannot compete with elite national colleges in terms of resources, funding and faculties. Of course universities like Qingdao and top schools like Tsinghua and Peking have different educational goals. I agree with Premier Wen that we need to provide education services for people with different skills."

On equality of outcome, Shao stressed job opportunities after graduation and graduate employability. "Colleges should help students to develop a sound approach to job hunting and set up internships for them," said Shao. "Qingdao University has set up internship programs with local companies like Haier Group, Hisense Group and Tsingtao Beer Group."