TAIPEI: Taiwanese universities are preparing to attract top-notch students from the Chinese mainland, an official said yesterday, setting the stage for the dismantling of another barrier amid warming ties across the Straits.

Despite a decade of cultural exchanges, Taiwan has barred mainland students from studying for college degrees on the island for political reasons.

But deputy education head Lin Chung-ming said students from 40 leading mainland universities can apply to study on the island.