China’s gaokao exam gets less competitive as more teens opt to skip university
China’s *gaokao* exam registrations dropped to 12.9 million this year, a second consecutive decline of 450,000, as economic slowdown and graduate job shortages deter teens from pursuing university degrees. Experts attribute the shift to worsening youth unemployment and employers favoring top-tier university graduates, pushing students toward vocational training or employment instead.
China’s National Higher Education Entrance Examination, or *gaokao*, saw a 450,000 drop in registrations this year, totaling 12.9 million students, according to data from the Ministry of Education. This marks the second consecutive annual decline, following a 70,000 decrease in 2025 registrations. The *gaokao* has long been seen as a defining exam for Chinese students, with families viewing it as critical to future success. However, economic challenges are reshaping priorities, as millions of graduates struggle to find jobs amid China’s economic slowdown. This summer, a record 12.7 million fresh graduates will enter the job market, intensifying competition. Employers are increasingly favoring candidates from top universities, leaving graduates from less-prestigious institutions at a disadvantage. Recruitment agents report that many students now prioritize employment or vocational training over higher education due to the oversupply of talent. Chen Zhiwen, a member of the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy, noted that students are shifting focus toward securing jobs rather than pursuing degrees. The trend reflects broader concerns about youth unemployment, which has worsened in recent years, pushing families and students to reconsider the value of university education.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.