University students urged to use scholarships 'wisely'

As students across China receive their annual State-level scholarships and financial aid, universities are urging them to use the funds responsibly and avoid excessive spending.

With the conclusion of the application and evaluation process for these financial aids, institutions are emphasizing the importance of managing the funds wisely.

Several universities, including Hunan University of Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology and Baoding University of Technology, have issued public statements encouraging students to prioritize tuition, accommodation, textbooks and daily necessities over luxury goods or nonessential expenditures such as extravagant travel or throwing parties.

On Friday, Hunan University of Science and Technology's financial aid management center posted on social media that scholarship funds should be used primarily for education-related expenses.

The message urged students to "resist lavish expenditures" and avoid spending money on "catchup consumption," such as treating friends or indulging in nonessential items.

"Scholarships not only recognize students' academic achievements but also serve as vital support for those facing financial challenges," the university emphasized. "The funds should be valued and used responsibly."

Similarly, Henan Institute of Science and Technology warned students against spending aid on luxury goods or expensive electronics, while the Baoding university in Hebei province went a step further, warning that misuse of funds could result in the retrieval of financial aid.

The Ministry of Education noted that State-level financial aid, funded by central and local governments, is designed to help students with financial difficulties. Eligible students must demonstrate a frugal lifestyle alongside proving financial need.

The issue of financial aid misuse has sparked debate online. A recent case at Zhejiang University drew attention after a student who received financial assistance was found to have spent considerable funds on international travel. Critics questioned whether such expenses were consistent with the purpose of the aid. The student has since been disqualified from receiving the scholarship.

One netizen shared, "I used to be a beneficiary of State-level financial aid. The primary purpose of the aid is to cover tuition and living expenses for students who cannot afford the cost of education and daily life."

In response to rising concerns over financial aid allocation, China increased the amount of scholarships and financial support available to students this October.

Under a new initiative by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, students facing financial difficulties will now receive an average of 3,700 yuan ($508) annually, up from 3,300 yuan ($453) in previous years.