In ancient times, a college student was an official position, which is completely different from the current academic qualifications. It is equivalent to the current Standing Committee of the Political Bureau (PSC).

In the Qing dynasty, university students were the highest-ranking officials, ranking first. It is one of the few official positions in the Qing Dynasty, and the minister who leads the guard is also a first-class official position. For example, the ministers of various ministries (equivalent to the current deputy prime ministers and State Councillors) and local governors are only in one rank, the chiefs without ministerial titles are in the second rank, and the governor, the highest governor of a province, is also in the second rank.