The gate of Renmin University of China. [Photo/IC]

FAN DONGMEI, 48, has been rejected twice for doctorate enrollment in Renmin University of China after an interview. Fan said because of her age, no professors were interested in supervising her postgraduate studies. Beijing News commented on Monday:

It is not easy to find direct evidence of age discrimination. But although it is difficult to investigate the university's doctorate recruitment process, it is a fact that age discrimination exists in society.

According to the country's education law, Chinese citizens should enjoy equal educational opportunities, regardless of their ethnic group, sex, occupation, property status, or religious beliefs. And according to Article 9 of the Higher Education Act, citizens have the right to receive higher education whatever their age.

It is offensive to doubt the research capabilities of older candidates and reject them based on their age.

Many citizens have received their doctorate degrees later in life. Fan is even younger than some of these.

Instead of being discriminated against, older doctoral candidates should be applauded.

Age discrimination prevails in domestic universities due to the absence of basic legal awareness and the entire community's lack of a basic sense of equality.