A total of 477 people in Macao have applied to study master or doctor courses at the universities and colleges in the inland areas of China this year, an increase of 23 percent over that of last year.

The applicants, who are to study in 32 institutions of higher learning in the inland areas, will have entrance examinations in early April, according to a press release issued Monday by the Macao Foundation which is entrusted by China's Ministry of Education in relevant recruiting work.

The application started on December 2 last year and ended on January 10 this year.

Among the applicants, about 30 percent applied to study in the Zhongshan University in Guangzhou City, which is about two hours drive from Macao.

Sources with the Macao Foundation said all necessary data of the applicants have been mailed to the expected universities and colleges, and exam permits can be delivered to the examinees in early March.

It is the seventh year that the foundation helps recruit Macao people who wish to study master or doctor courses in the inland areas.