UK Universities Launch Tailored Career Support for Chinese Graduates Returning Home

By Aahana May 20, 2025
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The University of Birmingham and the University of Glasgow have joined forces to provide targeted career support for Chinese graduates returning to China, in a new partnership with JOBShaigui.

Through this initiative, Chinese alumni of both institutions will receive personalised assistance in navigating the competitive job market in China. Support includes virtual sessions on recruitment trends, early access to employers via JOBShaigui’s vast network, and in-person networking events designed to foster connections between alumni and potential employers.

The move follows growing concerns over the lack of career guidance for Chinese students in the UK. A 2024 report by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Uoffer Global revealed that nearly 80% of Chinese students had not received adequate career support during their studies. Despite comprising 22% of the UK’s international student population, Chinese graduates accounted for only 10% of those securing post-study employment in the country.

Adam Tickell, vice-chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said international students are an essential part of the university community. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to offering them continued support as they transition into their careers,” he said.

His counterpart at the University of Glasgow, Anton Muscatelli, echoed this view, stating that the initiative reflects their ongoing efforts to help international students succeed beyond graduation.

The universities also announced plans to extend similar support to Indian graduates, with a dedicated graduate careers advisor to be based in India, and enhanced career support available to Chinese and Indian students during their academic journey in the UK.

This new approach comes amid increasing scrutiny of how UK universities engage with international students. The HEPI report noted that many Chinese students feel they are treated more as revenue sources than valued community members.

As competition rises globally for international enrolments, the UK must work harder to retain the trust and satisfaction of students from countries like China, which remain vital to the higher education sector.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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