The Chinese mainland will suspend students at various academic levels from going to Taiwan for further studies because of the current COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control measures and cross-Strait relations, China's Ministry of Education said on Thursday. 

However, students who have already studied at universities in Taiwan can continue their studies there.

Mainland students enrolled in Taiwan colleges and universities are now unable to return to the island amid the COVID-19 outbreak, due to the entry restrictions on mainland residents issued by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration on February 6. 

The ministry said it's urgent to solve this problem and protect the students' legitimate rights and interests. 

Currently, over 8,300 mainland students are enrolled in Taiwan colleges and universities.