Archive · 20 Aug 2025
Chinese School's Cash Prizes for University Admissions Stir Debate
A school in China gave big cash prizes to students who got into the best universities.
One student going to Tsinghua University got over a million rupees!
Other students going to different universities also got money, but less.
This caused a lot of talk online.
The government told the school to stop doing it because it's not supposed to show off high test scores.
Some people think schools should care more about helping kids choose the right careers instead of just trying to get into famous schools.
Dajiang International School in China sparked debate for awarding cash prizes to students admitted to top universities.
A student entering Tsinghua University received a one million yuan (Rs 1.21 crore) cash reward at the graduation ceremony.
Other students admitted to lower-ranked universities also received smaller cash rewards.
The Guigang Municipal Education Bureau ordered the school to halt the practice.
Education experts criticize the focus on elite university admissions and financial incentives.
- Who
- Dajiang International School, students admitted to top universities, and education officials.
- What
- A school awarded cash prizes to students for university admissions.
- When
- Early August (graduation ceremony), 2022 (previous award amount)
- Where
- Dajiang International School in Guigang, Guangxi Zhuang, China
- Why
- To incentivize students and to showcase the school's success, but it was seen as prioritizing financial rewards over student's long-term development.
Criticisms of School's Actions
School's Perspective
Purpose of the Rewards
Criticisms of School's Actions
Critics argue that the focus on financial incentives and elite university admissions distorts priorities and promotes a narrow view of success. Schools should emphasize students' long-term development and individual career paths.
School's Perspective
The school likely views it as a marketing strategy to attract elite students and a reward for academic achievement.
- School
- Dajiang International School
- Location
- Guigang, China
- Top Prize
- 1 million yuan (Rs 1.21 crore)
- Top University
- Tsinghua University
- Education Bureau
- Guigang Municipal Education Bureau