Since 2004, the University of Science and Technology of China has provided "invisible financial aid", which uses big data technology to identify impoverished students and without fanfare provide them with a monthly subsidy of 160 yuan ($23.81) for 10 months of the year.

The university monitors students' consumption in the canteens, and provides the subsidy to students whose monthly expenditure in the canteen is less than 200 yuan.

The university's invisible financial aid project respects the students' privacy and is a good example for other universities to follow. The China National Center for Student Financial Aid has required student financial aid staff nationwide to learn from University of Science and Technology of China's successful experience to improve their student financial aid work, especially at the beginning of the new academic year.

The student financial aid system covers students with financial difficulties in all stages of education, and both public and private schools. The system aims to prevent any students with financial difficulties being deprived of education.