Low-income Chinese girl aces gaokao, inspires live-streamers offering help

July 8, 2026 - 04:41

A young woman from a low-income family in China has become an internet sensation after achieving a near-perfect score on the national college entrance exam, known as the gaokao. The student, identified only by her surname Han, has since received admission offers from both Tsinghua University and Peking University, the country's most prestigious institutions.

Her story has resonated deeply online, particularly after reports emerged of her family's financial struggles. In response, a wave of live-streamers and ordinary citizens have publicly offered to cover her tuition and living expenses. Some have even pledged monthly stipends to ensure she can focus entirely on her studies without worrying about money.

Han's achievement is especially notable given the intense pressure and competition surrounding the gaokao, which determines university placement for millions of students each year. Her success has sparked discussions about educational inequality and the barriers faced by talented students from rural or impoverished backgrounds. While many have praised the outpouring of support, others have cautioned against turning her story into a spectacle. For now, Han has reportedly thanked the public for their kindness but has not yet decided which university to attend.