New college students from low-income families have been urged to go ahead and register for college even if they are not sure how they will pay for tuition, reports Guangzhou Daily.

The government will ensure that all qualified students are able to pursue a college education, promised Li Xiaolu, a deputy director of the Provincial Education Bureau.

After registration, universities will examine students' family incomes and grant loans or financial aid accordingly.

"No college students in Guangdong have had to drop out simply because of tuition problems for the last two years," Li added.

The number of students who cannot afford or struggle to meet tuition fees has risen rapidly in recent years, due to the widening income gap, college enrolment expansion and tuition hikes at some colleges, the official said.

About 15 to 20 per cent of college students need financial aid, compared to 6 to 8 per cent five years ago. And 8 per cent are considered "especially poor", compared to 2 to 3 per cent five years ago.

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