Number of University Graduates in China Hits New High; Ministry Acknowledges Heavier Employment Task
China expects 12.7 million university graduates this year, a record high. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security stated that the task of promoting employment is increasingly difficult and will focus on expanding channels and enhancing demand matching.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 15:29
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Shanghai, April 28 (CNA) — The number of university graduates in China will reach 12.7 million this year, setting another record. China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS) admitted that as the scale of graduates continues to expand, the task of promoting employment has become more burdensome. The ministry will focus on broadening employment channels, strengthening supply-demand matching, and promoting the value of hard work.
The MHRSS held a regular press conference this morning, where Yun Donglai, Deputy Director of the Employment Promotion Department, responded to issues regarding graduate employment.
According to the transcript of the press conference, Yun mentioned that the scale of graduates continues to grow this year, increasing the pressure on employment promotion. The ministry is focusing on five key points to meet students' job-seeking needs and will continue to strengthen employment policies and service delivery.
He stated that the ministry is broadening channels through policy support, such as tax and fee reductions and financial subsidies to encourage enterprises to hire graduates. Follow-up measures will include extending 'stable job returns' (subsidies to prevent layoffs) and social security subsidies to support enterprises in stabilizing and expanding job roles.
He also mentioned continuous efforts to advance supply-demand matching. Recently, the MHRSS and the Ministry of Education launched the '100-Day Action for Public Employment Services on Campus,' allowing graduates to receive counseling, recruitment info, and vocational training without leaving school. Additionally, an employment capacity enhancement plan and a 'million internship positions' development program are being pushed.
Yun emphasized the need to promote the spirit of struggle among youth. He cited the release of stories about '9 most beautiful graduates' to highlight responsibility and upward mobility. Case studies of young people serving the country through skills and hard work in various industries will be promoted to lead graduates toward practical struggle.
For graduates who fail to find jobs after leaving school, the ministry will launch 'one person, one strategy' personalized assistance services, especially for graduates from low-income families, zero-employment families, or those with disabilities.
Latest statistics show that China's youth unemployment rate (16-24 years old) in March was 16.9%, a 4-month high. With 12.7 million graduates expected, external observers generally believe this will bring another wave of pressure to China's labor market. (Editor: Chen Kaiyu) 1150428
The MHRSS held a regular press conference this morning, where Yun Donglai, Deputy Director of the Employment Promotion Department, responded to issues regarding graduate employment.
According to the transcript of the press conference, Yun mentioned that the scale of graduates continues to grow this year, increasing the pressure on employment promotion. The ministry is focusing on five key points to meet students' job-seeking needs and will continue to strengthen employment policies and service delivery.
He stated that the ministry is broadening channels through policy support, such as tax and fee reductions and financial subsidies to encourage enterprises to hire graduates. Follow-up measures will include extending 'stable job returns' (subsidies to prevent layoffs) and social security subsidies to support enterprises in stabilizing and expanding job roles.
He also mentioned continuous efforts to advance supply-demand matching. Recently, the MHRSS and the Ministry of Education launched the '100-Day Action for Public Employment Services on Campus,' allowing graduates to receive counseling, recruitment info, and vocational training without leaving school. Additionally, an employment capacity enhancement plan and a 'million internship positions' development program are being pushed.
Yun emphasized the need to promote the spirit of struggle among youth. He cited the release of stories about '9 most beautiful graduates' to highlight responsibility and upward mobility. Case studies of young people serving the country through skills and hard work in various industries will be promoted to lead graduates toward practical struggle.
For graduates who fail to find jobs after leaving school, the ministry will launch 'one person, one strategy' personalized assistance services, especially for graduates from low-income families, zero-employment families, or those with disabilities.
Latest statistics show that China's youth unemployment rate (16-24 years old) in March was 16.9%, a 4-month high. With 12.7 million graduates expected, external observers generally believe this will bring another wave of pressure to China's labor market. (Editor: Chen Kaiyu) 1150428