BEIJING - China poured 87.65 billion yuan ($13.4 billion) to support impoverished students last year, an increase of 30.71 percent year-on-year, figures from the Ministry of Education indicate.

Zhang Guangming, an official in charge of government financial support under the ministry, said that out of the total amount, some 65.8 billion was allocated by the government, and the rest came from various schools and social organizations.

According to Zhang, this year, the government decided to raise the life subsidy standard for needy college students from 2,000 to 3,000 yuan in a bid to cope with the surging consumer price index.

"We will try our best to help ease the tension of poor students who are the most sensitive to the soaring price of food and life necessities," Zhang said.

To ensure that every student understands the country's policy support, the ministry will also open a hotline for questions and complaints regarding students' financial support from August 15 to Sept 15.