Hsiao Yi-ting, 20, moved from Taiwan about a year ago. She studies at a university in China's inland province of Hunan.
Her scores in Taiwan's nationwide college entrance exam were not enough for the course she wanted to study. So she looked elsewhere.
"I found out that I can get into a better university in China because the passing standards for Taiwanese students are lower than for Chinese students in many schools," Hsiao explains.
Special admission for Taiwan students
The university Hsiao chose is one of more than 400 universities that offer a preferential system for students from Taiwan. The Chinese government also offers special scholarships.
According to Chinese media reports, several thousand students from Taiwan enter universities in China every year.
"Tuition and dorm fees are very low," says Hsiao. "No matter what the purpose of the preferential treatment is, we are benefiting, and we are grateful for that."
Concern about China's motives
China has expressed a strong desire to unify Taiwan. As part of that aim, it has a 'soft power' approach that includes encouraging young Taiwanese to study in China.
An online survey that was reportedly sent out to students at one university is distinctly political.
It asked respondents whether they agreed or disagreed with certain statements, such as "I'm Taiwanese", "I'm a Taiwanese of China", or "I'm Chinese." Another question asked about joining the Chinese Communist Party.
A student who received the questionnaire told NHK on condition of anonymity that they felt uncomfortable.
"I agreed because I was worried that I might be called in for questioning by the authorities. I was concerned that would affect my studies," says the student. "I think our studies should be separate from politics."
At another university, applicants must pledge their support for the unification of Taiwan with China.
Students targeted by propaganda
A Taiwanese academic suggests China is looking for ways to spread its ideology.
"Of course, young Taiwanese who go to China to study will be targeted by propaganda," says Wu Se-chih, a researcher at Cross-Strait Policy Association.
"The Chinese Communist Party will continue to impose its ideology on educational institutions. This is only going to increase."
