Xi'an Jiaotong University said students are no longer required to pass the College English Test (CET-4 and CET-6), a national English exam, to graduate or earn a higher degree, according to local website Xibujuece.

The results of other English proficiency tests will also not be used to determine whether a student can graduate or earn a degree.

It is common for many Chinese universities to ask their students to pass the CET-4 to qualify for a bachelor's degree and the CET-6 to qualify for a master's degree.

The rule took effect on Sept 1.