Primary and high schools in Beijing are not allowed to arrange overseas commercial study tours through tourism companies, according to a new regulation in the capital.

The city's education commission said on Thursday that overseas exchanges between schools should be organized by eligible agencies and agreements should be signed.

Primary and high schools in the capital have to apply for approval half a year in advance before participating overseas exchange activities or international contests.

The education commission also said that students should reach a certain age before going on such tours.

Schools and education agencies are not allowed to arrange overseas study tours for the purpose of making profits for cultural and tourism companies, it said.