Lin Gangming, a recent graduate of Yangjiang High School in Guangdong province, surprised observers last summer by choosing Shenzhen Polytechnic University over more prestigious institutions despite achieving a high score on the gaokao, China’s notoriously competitive national college entrance examination. His decision, reported by the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, reflects a growing trend among Chinese students who are increasingly prioritizing vocational training and immediate employment prospects over the traditional pursuit of academic prestige.
For decades, the gaokao has been the primary determinant of a student’s future in China, with top scores guaranteeing admission to elite universities. Though, a shifting economic landscape and concerns about graduate employment are prompting a reassessment of the value of a traditional four-year degree. China is currently facing an oversupply of graduates in many fields, leading to higher unemployment rates among university graduates compared to those with vocational qualifications.
Shenzhen Polytechnic University, and other undergraduate vocational colleges, offer bachelor’s degrees focused on practical skills and technical expertise. This approach is particularly appealing to students seeking a direct pathway to employment in sectors experiencing labor shortages, such as advanced manufacturing. According to a recent report by Bloomberg, China is actively encouraging students to pursue studies in manufacturing to address a critical need for skilled workers in its factories.
The shift is as well being driven by universities themselves. Institutions are increasingly offering job guarantees to attract top gaokao scorers to vocational programs. The Standard (HK) reported that several vocational universities are actively recruiting high-achieving students with the promise of employment upon graduation. This represents a significant change from the past, when vocational schools were often seen as a fallback option for students who did not perform well on the gaokao.
Gerard Postiglione, a professor specializing in education in China at the University of Hong Kong, explained that this recalibration is a response to both economic diversification and rapid technological development. “China is making an effort to integrate rather than segregate the academic and vocational-technical components of higher learning,” he said. This integration is intended to create a more flexible and responsive workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
The trend also comes as China continues to refine its education system, with a continued emphasis on fairness within the gaokao itself. Xinhua reported on the ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access and assessment within the examination process, acknowledging the significant role the gaokao plays in shaping the nation’s talent pool.
CUHK-Shenzhen, a collaborative institution between mainland China and Hong Kong, recently reviewed its ten years of achievements, highlighting its contributions to innovation and talent development in the Greater Bay Area, according to China Daily. While not exclusively vocational, the university’s focus on applied research and industry collaboration demonstrates a broader move towards skills-based education.
