Private students and public students are not paid at public expense, which refers to an incentive system in which the state exempts students from high tuition fees, handles medical insurance for them and issues monthly living allowances because of their excellent grades or moral character. Under the long-term planned economy system, college students are guaranteed tuition and distribution by the state, and they have the status of "iron rice bowl" and cadres, so the selection is strict.

At that time, college students were envied by their classmates and parents. After the enrollment expansion from 65438 to 0999, secondary school students, junior college students and undergraduates are generally self-funded students, and the public expenses for master students and doctoral students were not cancelled until 20 14. In 2007, six normal universities directly under the Ministry tried out free education for normal students, starting from 20 16, and there were also publicly funded medical students and publicly funded agricultural students. One class.

The plan to recruit self-funded students is part of the national enrollment plan. The proportion of self-funded students is determined by the state in the total enrollment approved by various regions and departments, and is compiled separately by colleges and universities in accordance with the requirements of the state for compiling the annual enrollment plan, reported to the competent department for summary and balance, incorporated into the annual enrollment plan and student source plan, and implemented after approval.

All departments, regions and institutions of higher learning can recruit less or not according to the specific circumstances, but without the approval of the State Education Commission and the State Planning Commission, the number of self-funded students shall not be increased beyond the total number of students approved by the state. Local colleges and universities may not recruit students at their own expense across regions.