Rebel University

To review

The South University of Science and Technology of China (SUSTC), became the only university to recruit students through its independent exam rather than the National College Entrance Exam adopted by almost all public universities in China. The president of the university, Zhu Qingshi, wants to bring change to China's higher education system by establishing what he calls "China's first independent university". According to the Chinese Higher Education Law, high school students are required to take the National Entrance Examination held each June to get a university place. In June 2011, the Ministry of Education asked SUSTC’s students to take part in the National Entrance Examination but most refused.

We say

Reform is an effort to reach an ideal, whether for a whole country or for a little shop on the corner. The education system is a big industry run by Ministry of Education as the general manager. SUSTC's reform is a pilot project for the whole country, which may break some rules, causing some to fear it is out of control. But this is the key to any reform and the ministry should become more courageous about reform, not fear it.