Fudan University in Shanghai will launch a new program offering free extracurricular education on basic disciplines for first-year senior high students in March.

The program will allow applicants to take weekend courses on its campus for 10 subjects, including biological sciences, economics and math, the university announced on Tuesday.

Students will also get access to university resources, such as libraries, canteens and on-campus activities during the course.

The number of students enrolled in each course will be capped at around 50.

The university has since 2014 been cooperating with several high schools in the city to explore education approaches that involve cultivating innovative talent through curriculum and teaching reforms.

The new program aims to further bridge the gap between higher education and compulsory education, nurture high school students' comprehensive abilities, and expand their domain knowledge, the university said.

Fudan has recommended that students take no more than two courses as the curriculum will be challenging. Each course will culminate with a final assessment.

Students can exchange the credits gained from the program for academic credits if they are admitted to Fudan University in the future.

Further details and requirements regarding application will be published on the university's WeChat account.