Joint pilot training program

A joint pilot training program allowing high school graduates to study in both military academies and universities has been approved by the Central Military Commission (CMC) and President Xi Jinping.

The first batch of 87 would-be pilots will be trained by military academies and Peking University, Tsinghua University and Beihang University, according to a statement jointly issued by the Ministry of Education, the General Staff Department and the General Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

Graduates who have enrolled in the military academies will participate in a one-month physical training and flight experience program there. Those with excellent academic and practical performances will be selected to pursue their studies in one of the three universities starting in August.

Eligible high school graduates must be under the age of 19, according to the statement.

The universities will be tasked with providing basic knowledge education, while the military academies are primarily responsible for professional theory education and flight practice training, the statement revealed.

After four years of study and training, qualified graduates will be awarded a bachelors degree and be sent to the air units of the country's army, navy and air forces, according to the statement.