Tsering Drolma said she is very pleased with the central government subsidy she receives that covers all her school costs — including tuition, accommodation and basic study materials — and it is a big help for a rural herding family like hers.

The 17-year-old attends the No 3 Middle School of Nagchu, which is located in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. She has been benefiting from the regional free education policy since she entered kindergarten.

Tsering Drolma's home is located in a remote village, in a place more than 4,300 meters above sea level. Her family makes a living mainly from herding livestock, and they don't make much money.

"It's so great that my parents don't need to spend money on my schooling because my family's financial situation is not very good," she said.

"Our school even provides us with daily needs such as bedding, mattresses and cleaning supplies," she added.

The subsidies Tsering Drolma receives are an example of the efforts the region is making in its educational development.

According to the Xizang Education Department, the region will offer a new round of subsidy increases for students this autumn.

It will be the 21st time the region has raised subsidy standards for students since the central government adopted its sanbao policy, which pays for children's school meals, lodging and tuition. The subsidies, which are distributed by the Xizang government, cover children from kindergarten through senior high school.