The sudden outbreak of the novel coronavirus has drastically changed lives, especially of those wanting to study abroad. Because of the pandemic, many Chinese students have had to postpone or drop their plans of studying abroad, as visa and flight restrictions have curtailed travel like never before.

Some of the students headed for colleges abroad this year could not make it, and as they did not sit for admission entrance exams in China, they cannot take admission to local colleges, so they are staring at an uncertain future now, leaving their families to worry a lot. Aware of their plight, the Ministry of Education is trying to help them out.

Through a document introduced on Sept 16, the ministry is allowing domestic universities to increase the admission quota to undergraduate and postgraduate programs jointly held with foreign universities.

Chinese students who had got admission to overseas universities for bachelor's or master's degrees or doctorates in the 2020 autumn semester are qualified to apply for these joint projects.

There are 90 universities in 19 provinces and regions that have joint undergraduate and postgraduate programs with foreign universities, and they are the ones being asked to provide an opportunity for those who want to continue their studies this year.

The ministry also recognizes the plight of Chinese citizens who were home on holiday but could not return to campuses abroad because of the outbreak. It said it will take into consideration the circumstances that forced them to attend online courses of foreign universities from home and it will not affect recognition of their foreign degree in the future.

Considering how the novel coronavirus outbreak dashed the hopes of those who were planning to study aboard, the new policy gives the students a second chance, while easing their anxiety and saving them valuable time. Apart from helping the students and their families, it is also conducive to cultivating new talents.