BEIJING - China plans to raise the overall quality and international competitiveness of its higher education system, according to a government document.

Some disciplines and institutions of higher learning are to be made "world class" by 2020 and the nation should be a power of high education by 2050, says a master plan for building world class universities and disciplines, issued by the State Council on Thursday.

The plan said the country will establish a new evaluation mechanism for universities and adjust financial support based on performance.

More attention will be paid to the cultivation of first-class academics and innovators, it added.