BEIJING - Taiwan's Fu Jen Catholic University opened an office in Beijing on Saturday to recruit more students from the Chinese mainland.

As one of the island's most prestigious universities, Fu Jen has recruited 99 mainland students so far this year, exceeding its planned number of 40, said Liu Zhaoming, head of the university's office of academic affairs.

The university plans to offer scholarships and give primary admission to students selected from prestigious high schools on the mainland starting from next year, according to a statement issued by the university on Saturday.

This year, Taiwan began allowing students from six mainland provinces and municipalities - Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian and Guangdong - to study at the island's 100-plus universities and colleges.

Scholarships for mainland students who wish to complete bachelor's degrees at Fu Jen amount to 500,000 New Taiwan dollars ($17,200) per year, helping them to cover their tuition and living expenses, the statement said.

Scholarships for students pursuing master's degrees amount to 250,000 New Taiwan dollars.

"The scholarship program is specifically designed for mainland students," said Liu, adding that the program provides not only a fellowship, but also includes guidance for the students' studies, internships and employment.