China paid out $29b in student aid in 2017

Student financial aid in China increased for the 11th consecutive year in 2017, reaching 188.2 billion yuan ($29.68 billion), the Education Ministry said on Thursday.

The total sum given to students at all education levels rose 11.45 percent year-on-year, according to the latest ministry data.

"Almost 96 million students received financial aid last year from various sources, including central and local governments, schools and social groups," said Ma Jianbin, deputy director of the National Center for Student Financial Aid.

He said government funds remain the main source, accounting for almost 65 percent — more than 120 billion yuan — last year.

However, funds from nongovernmental sources such as schools, enterprises, social organizations and personal donations saw a significant increase in 2017, up 15 percent to 67.2 billion yuan.

Ma said China's financial aid program is aimed at ensuring no child is prevented from attending school because of poverty by 2020.

"It's an ongoing process," he added. "More input can be expected."