The French cosmetics company L'Oreal donated 1.3 million yuan ($204,000) to 10 universities, including Nankai University, Fudan University and Minzu University of China, to help students from poor families.

It's the ninth year L'Oreal has provided financial aid to college students since the company joined up with China Youth Development Foundation to set up the L'Oreal Scholarship in 2003.

Last year, L'Oreal also initiated a student development fund to support student societies' charity events. A total of 46 student organizations received the money in 2011. L'Oreal China's vice-president Lan Zhenzhen says the goal isn't only to provide financial aid but also to help students develop a sense of social responsibility and hone public activity organizing skills.