Having successfully applied for the state educational loans, a
freshman surnamed Sun from the Micro-Electronics Department of the
East China Normal University was able to pay his 5,000 yuan
(US$625) tuition and 800 yuan (US$100) accommodation fees.
"The fees are reasonable and acceptable. Maybe they are the
lowest in Shanghai," said Sun.
The average charge standard for Shanghai's universities and
colleges is 5,000 yuan (US$625) per academic year and according to
local regulations, without the formal approval of educational
authorities, tuition and accommodation fees cannot be raised
arbitrarily.
Jin Liyan from the East China University of Political Science
and Law said that the average tuition fee for law is 7,000 yuan
(US$875), higher than other majors.
"Several years ago, the average costs were as much as about
10,000 yuan (US$1250). But now we pay less and our accommodation
charges do not rise. It is great for us students," Jin added.
Qiu Sainan from Shanghai Normal University said: "As a student,
no matter how high the education fees are, we have to pay for
it."
She questioned the need to pay 5,000 yuan tuition for one
academic year. "It is too vague and unclear. We do not know how
these charges are made."
Her schoolmate Hu Xiaowen also had the same doubts and suggested
the fees should be counted by academic credit hours.
Fan Zihao from the Fine Arts School of Shanghai Normal
University also wanted to know why, at an average of 10,000 yuan
(US$1250), fees for arts are always higher than other majors, but
even his teacher could not answer him.
A circular issued by the Shanghai Education Commission on
September 3 clarified and detailed all the charges. Fees for
services provided by a college must be non-profit and assented by
students themselves.
(China.org.cn by Wang Ke, September 11, 2007)