Premier Li Keqiang shares a light moment with entrepreneurs at a 3W Cafe in Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing on May 7, 2015. (Photo/Chinanews.com)
(ECNS) -- China has introduced new measures to support college students in postponing their studies to launch startups, according to a circular issued by the State Council, China's cabinet.
Colleges are encouraged to adopt a flexible schooling system so that students could change their study plans and finish their education within a longer time frame.
Currently, few Chinese students take a gap year -- ditching the textbooks to pursue interests - while completing a degree.
The State Council said the measures are part of efforts to deepen education reform and meet the requirements of China's innovation-based development strategy as well as economic restructuring.
China also declared 2015 the year of comprehensively deepening college innovation and entrepreneurship.
The circular states that innovation should be highlighted as an important indictor in evaluating talent training at colleges.
Scientific experiments, research papers, patents or startups that show student innovation can become credit hours.
Students are also expected to foster the capabilities of critical and innovative thinking.
