New 'bank' stores academic credits

A Shanghai university launched an "academic credit bank" yesterday allowing people to achieve flexible and lifelong education.

Local residents including expats are welcome to set up their credit bank account to store their study experience at the Shanghai Open University, the former Shanghai TV University.

People can pause their studies for marriage, work and other reasons and store their credits at the bank.

They will be able to regain the credits when they want to resume their studies at a time in the future.

The courses are currently taught in Chinese. University officials said they may introduce courses taught in English in the future.

The credits are recognized by domestic universities and industry organizations.

Once sufficient credits are gained, students can obtain a college degree or skill certificates.

The university provides degree studies, vocational training and recreation programs including flower arrangement and opera singing.

There are no requirements for entrance but students have to pass strict tests if they want to transfer their credits for degrees.

Applicants need to bring their ID cards to apply to open their credit account, which is free to the public.

The address is 288 Guoshun Road. For consultation, call 2565-3114.