New private university to issue PhDs

China's first private university aimed at cultivating high-level talent in advanced technology and reaching the forefront of scientific research has won approval to open in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, officials announced on Monday.

Approved by the Ministry of Education, Westlake University will be a new type of research-oriented university, with emphasis on basic and advanced scientific and technological research.

Launched by the Hangzhou Westlake Education Foundation, the university will be a nonprofit organization for higher education and advanced academic research. The university's plan shows it will enroll a total of 1,220 full-time students during the next five years, growing to 5,000 students after a decade.