China has unveiled a comprehensive plan to boost job prospects for the nation’s 2025 college graduates, whose numbers are expected to reach a record 12.22 million this year.
The initiative focuses on expanding employment channels, enhancing skills training, and providing targeted support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
At a recent recruitment fair at Guangxi Medical University, thousands of opportunities were showcased across sectors like healthcare, artificial intelligence, and education. Employers from both provincial and national levels participated, reflecting the scale of the campaign.
“Large fairs like this help us engage directly with employers,” said Huang Chenxi, a student aiming for an administrative role in a hospital.
Rising Graduate Numbers
The number of college graduates in China has been steadily increasing, surpassing 10 million for the first time in 2022. This upward trend continues, with an expected 12.22 million graduates in 2025, an increase of 430,000 from last year.
Expanding Job Opportunities
To create more job opportunities, government authorities are intensifying policy support, particularly for private enterprises and small-to-medium-sized businesses. In a significant policy shift, China has extended one-time job expansion subsidies to include social organizations, incentivizing a wider range of employers to hire graduates.
Since June, the government has been organizing “100 counties for 100 universities” recruitment drives to bridge the gap between local enterprises and universities. Events in cities like Ningbo and Nanning have offered thousands of jobs, with more fairs planned nationwide.
Enhancing Skills for Emerging Industries
Recognizing the need for industry-relevant skills, the Ministry of Education has launched a national program to better prepare students for the workforce. Over 2,600 “micro-major” programs and more than 1,100 professional training courses have been established to equip students with in-demand skills in emerging fields.
“New industries and economic paradigms are injecting fresh vitality into China’s economy,” said Wang Peng, an associate researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences. “These sectors have created significant employment growth opportunities and are increasingly absorbing college graduates into the workforce.”
Digital Platforms and Local Support
A national employment services platform has been upgraded with AI and big data tools, hosting over 111 online job fairs and posting more than 20 million job openings for the 2025 graduates.
Provinces are also implementing localized solutions. In Jilin Province, for instance, 69 human resources officials have been assigned to support 69 local universities, offering tailored guidance and services.
Focused Support for Unemployed Graduates
As the graduation season peaks, special attention is being given to those yet to secure jobs, especially students from underprivileged backgrounds. Backed by funding from the Ministry of Finance, dedicated job fairs have offered over 1.1 million targeted positions for the 2025 graduate cohort.
Looking ahead, continuous support will be provided through the national employment platform. Special online campaigns connecting research assistant positions and hosting livestreamed job fairs will remain active through August.
These concerted efforts underscore China’s commitment to helping graduates transition from classrooms to careers, ensuring that young talents find the opportunities they deserve.
