A university president encouraged some universities to become vocational colleges.

"Our society needs pragmatic talents and our country needs young graduates to work in the manufacturing industry," said Li Jianbao, a National People's Congress deputy and the president of Hainan University, adding that the policy caters for society's needs and future trends.

However, Li said that the policy does not apply for all universities because "the function of a university is not just for employment".

A university also nurtures students' innovation, Li said, adding that the policy should target new universities which were upgraded from vocational college a few years ago.

Premier Li Keqiang said in the 2015 government work report that the country will encourage local colleges to become applied colleges.

"We will work to comprehensively promote the development of a modern vocational education system. We will guide a number of local undergraduate institutions to transform themselves into applied colleges."

Li hopes local colleges could meet the central government's demands and serve society's diverse needs.