As graduation season arrives for international students, "where to go after graduation" once again becomes a hot topic.
Especially with the tightening global employment situation and still uncertain visa policies, a noticeable increase in students choosing to develop their careers back in China has been observed.
According to the latest China Returnee Employment Survey Report released by Zhaopin, the number of students returning from overseas for job hunting in 2025 is 1.51 times that of 2018, with the number of fresh graduates returning home increasing by 12% year-on-year, hitting a new eight-year high. The pressure of domestic employment competition should not be underestimated.
Latest Survey Report on China's Returnee Employment
Changes in Returnee Numbers
Looking at data from the past three years, in 2023, influenced by the international situation and overall environmental changes, the number of returnees seeking jobs in China experienced a periodic decline, with the return trend slowing down.
In 2024, as the benefits of returnee employment policies continued to be released, the job-hunting enthusiasm among fresh international graduates further increased. The number of returnees seeking jobs grew by nearly 20% year-on-year, reaching more than double the figure for 2018.
In 2025, driven by national policy support and the attractiveness of high-quality domestic economic development, the number of fresh graduates returning from overseas for job hunting surged by 12%, setting the highest record in eight years.
Distribution of Returnees' Study Destinations
Among returnees seeking jobs in 2025, the top three destinations of study remain the United Kingdom (33.5%), Australia (21.6%), and the United States (7.8%).
The year-on-year growth rates for returnees who studied in Malaysia and Singapore reached 65.0% and 50.1% respectively, making studying in Asia a new hotspot.
Distribution of Returnees by Degree and Major
Overall, among those returning for employment, master's degree holders account for a large proportion and are the main force, reaching 80.9%; bachelor's degree holders account for 16%, while doctoral degree holders are at 3.1%.
In terms of major distribution, business remains dominant, with finance and accounting taking the lead. STEM majors such as computer science and technology, data science, mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence, and materials science and engineering all rank among the top 20 popular majors for returnees.
Industry Demand for Returnees in the Domestic Market
Dominating the top spot is the education and training industry, accounting for 30.3%, followed by consulting services at 8.7%, and trade/import-export at 3.4%, with average monthly salaries ranging from 12,000 to 16,000 RMB.
As China's manufacturing industry transitions toward high-end, intelligent, and green production, and as companies accelerate their international expansion, returnees with technical backgrounds and international experience are becoming increasingly sought after.
From the perspective of positions that international students themselves are applying for, the fastest-growing sector is currently high-tech industries. Sectors like new materials, optoelectronics, and robotics have high R&D investment ratios, high technical thresholds, and a high degree of internationalization, making them increasingly attractive to returnee talent.
City Distribution of Returnee Job Applications
First-tier and new first-tier cities remain the top choices for returnee job seekers, with Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu ranking in the top four.
Meanwhile, third-, fourth-, and fifth-tier cities are attracting high-end talent through measures such as tax reductions, housing subsidies, and research support, emerging as new "blue ocean" markets.
Rational Planning: Seize the Golden Window
In response to emerging policy benefits, trends, and challenges, international students planning to return to China for development should integrate information, plan early based on their own circumstances, and consider the following suggestions.
Pay Attention to Policies and Trends
In recent years, many cities have introduced policies to compete for talent.
For instance, third- and fourth-tier cities, through industrial relocation and research funding allocations, have provided more development space for overseas returnees. Additionally, the lower costs of entrepreneurship and living in these cities, coupled with housing subsidies and entrepreneurship support policies specifically for returnee talent, make them attractive options.
As the job landscape becomes increasingly diversified, international students can broaden their horizons and find the right track for themselves.
Seize Industry Opportunities
If you are still in the stage of considering study abroad options and have not yet decided on a major, you can consider fields related to "new quality productive forces" such as AI, new energy, biomedicine, and high-end manufacturing.
With the rapid development of technologies like artificial intelligence, large models, and intelligent manufacturing, the demand for relevant talent in domestic enterprises continues to grow, and returnee international students are becoming increasingly sought after.
Meanwhile, fields like new energy, biomedicine, and new materials are also undergoing rapid development and transformation, with continuously growing demand for talent with professional backgrounds and international perspectives. International students can also focus on these areas.
Adjust Salary Expectations and Adapt to the Work Environment
Due to differences in economic development, salary levels at home and abroad will inevitably differ. It is recommended that students returning for employment adjust their salary expectations reasonably based on local living costs and evaluate from multiple perspectives.
At the same time, plan for future career development during your studies. Accumulate internship experience both domestically and internationally while still in school, understand the work environments at home and abroad, and strengthen local internship and practical skills to better adapt later on.
In short, whether you choose to continue striving overseas or return to your familiar homeland for a fresh start, there is no absolute right or wrong path—only what suits you best.
In a constantly changing employment environment, only by recognizing your direction and forging ahead with determination can you carve out your own path. May every graduate who has studied abroad fear no challenge and shine brilliantly in life.
