China foresees drastic reforms in its colleges and universities after the country's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), including the opening of its higher education sector to various investors and significant
changes in the curricula.

   The Chinese government will consider issuing treasury bonds and inviting investment from international financial institutions, foreign government and individual investors to foster the country's education three to five years after its WTO entry, Thursday's Beijing Evening News quoted a source from the Ministry of  Education (MOE) as saying.

   The access of more foreign universities and colleges into the Chinese market after its WTO entry will have an impact on domestic higher education institutions, according to the article, quoting a source from the Beijing-based University of International Business and Economics.

   With the country's coming WTO accession, some Chinese universities are restructuring their curricula, said the report.

   By 2004, five to ten percent of the major courses at local colleges and universities will be given in English, including information technology, bio-technology, finance and law, the report said.

   Meanwhile, the MOE has stepped up efforts to compile English textbooks and introduce original versions of textbooks from English-speaking countries into Chinese universities, it said.

   On the other hand, short-term vocational training and online training will see more students who wish to find a job or improve themselves in business administration, international trade and some other fields, the report said.