China Sees Surge in Returning Overseas Students Amid Global Job Crunch, Launches Support Platform

• China experienced a 19.1% increase in returning overseas students in 2024, with 495,000 coming back, driven by tighter visa curbs and shrinking job markets abroad.
• The Ministry of Education launched a national platform, partnering with 50 organizations, to help these returnees find employment and start businesses.
• Returnees are recognized for driving innovation and entrepreneurship, with over 70% of leaders in key national projects and universities being former overseas students.
• Despite domestic economic challenges and local graduate resentment, China aims to leverage this talent, identifying needs in sectors like AI and new materials.
• The trend is expected to continue, reflecting a strategic shift in China's talent acquisition and development.

Why It Matters: China actively supports a surge of returning overseas students to boost innovation and talent amid global challenges.