BEIJING -- The central government of China will begin a program this year for medical colleges to educate a total of 5,810 students to work in central and western China, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said in a statement Saturday.

The program, which covers financial aid, education and guaranteed employment for participating students, will be open to those who take the college entrance exam, which is scheduled for early June.

Only students from rural areas may apply for the program, and the seven majors they may choose from include the traditional medicine of Chinese ethnic groups, according to the statement.

Those admitted by medical colleges will receive five years of free undergraduate education. After graduation they will be assigned to jobs at local medical institutions in villages and towns of central and western China.

Before receiving their letters of admission, the students will have to sign agreements with their local governments on their education and employment after graduation, the MOE said.