As outlined by the ministry, in order for a learning institution to be considered for university status in China, standards include having over 100 professors, over 8,000 enrolled undergrads, at least 10 different masters degree programs, as well as specific credential requirements for instructors and number of national awards.

Liu Shaohuai, secretary of the Party committee at Yunnan University in Kunming, Yunann Province, was quoted by the Kunming-based Chuncheng Evening News as explaining that a school upgrade, such as from a college to university, helps in improving its education strength and quality, as well as strengthening its reputation and influence.

However, it is still unclear that name changes are effective or how stringently the standards are upheld by the Ministry, amounting to nothing more than repackaging the same institution to attract students and increased government funding.

Do you see the upgrade process as effective in improving its quality of education or merely a form of marketing?

Song Jun

A first-year sociology graduate student at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan

Being awarded a status change is key for schools looking to improve their reputation.

Because most high school students prefer having the word "university" over "college" when they apply, a name change will boost enrollment. If enrollment goes up, the school will be able to employ better teachers, thus improving its reputation.

Liu Ting

A business administration senior at China University of Petroleum, Beijing

A school's strength doesn't depend on what its name is. Take Massachusetts Institute of Technology for example.

It doesn't have the word "university" in its name, but it is still a prestigious institution sought after by many students all over the world.

Wang Qi

Associate professor at Hebei Normal University

The process involved in getting an upgrade is positive to the school's development, because as a "university", the school has to improve their campus, courses and faculty in order to do so.

Prof. Wang

at China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing

Changing from a "college" into "university" in title gives others an impression that the school has been improved. But the strength of a school lies in its education quality, not its name.

Some schools especially add eye-catching words such as "finance and economics" or "politics and law" to their names, but whether this is reflecting any actual change is questionable. The education department should tighten up their evaluation of schools applying for an upgrade.