More Students Return to China as Jobs, Visas Shrink Abroad

• Tightened international visa policies have reduced overseas employment prospects, driving Chinese graduates back home.
• China’s government launched a national support platform to help returning students find jobs or start ventures.
• Returning overseas graduates are increasingly valued for innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced technical skills.

China is witnessing a significant rise in returning overseas students as job opportunities abroad and international visa access become more limited. In 2024, about 4.95 lakh Chinese students came back to the country after completing their studies overseas marking a 19.1% increase from the previous year, according to the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Experts attribute this surge to tightening visa restrictions and fewer employment prospects in traditional study destinations such as the United States and Western countries. Zheng Jinlian, Vice-President of the Beijing-based think tank Centre for China and Globalizations, suggests that although China’s domestic economy faces challenges, its current conditions may still compare favorably with those abroad, influencing many graduates to return.

Historically, millions of Chinese students have pursued education overseas, with more than 7.43 million students completing studies abroad between 1978 and 2024. Out of those, 6.44 million chose to return home, contributing to sectors like technology and innovation.

To better integrate this returning talent pool, the Chinese government has unveiled a national employment and entrepreneurship platform designed to support returnees in finding jobs or launching businesses. The Ministry of Education has partnered with over 50 organisations to provide mentorship, career guidance, and direct job matching with both government and private sector needs.

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Despite some public skepticism about the value of foreign degrees, policymakers continue to emphasize the importance of returnees in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in areas like artificial intelligence and advanced materials.

The initiative coincided with the 30th anniversary of China’s “Chunhui” programme a longstanding state effort to encourage overseas students to contribute to national development. Officials highlighted that many leaders of key projects, university heads, and hospital directors are former overseas students, underscoring their influence on China’s growth.

However, the influx has also intensified competition within China’s job market, where millions of graduates already seek limited positions, contributing to heightened employment pressure.