BEIJING -- China will protect the interests of student interns from vocational schools by stipulating the minimum wage during their internships, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced on Wednesday.

The salary for student interns should be no less than 80 percent of the probationary wage for regular employees in the same position, said a circular co-released by the MOE along with another four central departments.

The regulation is the first of its kind, aimed at avoiding exploitation of students through cheap labor, the ministry said.

Vocational schools and employers hiring interns are also forbidden from charging deposits of any kind, including salary commissions and management fees, the regulation said.

Student interns should account for no more than 20 percent of total employees in a company, and internships in entertainment venues such as bars, night clubs and bath centers are strictly prohibited, according to the regulation.

Interns, vocational schools and employers must sign a tripartite agreement before the internship to draw clear lines of responsibility and protect students' rights.