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China's three-day national post-graduate entrance exam, which concluded on Monday, saw a record number 1.4 million candidates compete for 465,000 seats, the largest number of candidates since 2001 and a 13 percent increase from 2009.
Between 1999 and 2007 the number of students applying to sit the exam soared, with an average annual increase rate of 17 percent. The figure dropped in 2008, largely due to the enthusiastic job market in that year.
Indications suggest that this year's strong turnout reflects a sluggish job market, with many students opting to remain in China and pursue further studies.
A recent poll of college students due to graduate in 2010 revealed that around nine percent of them planned to pursue further studies in China after graduation and 34 percent believed further studies would lead to greater career opportunities.
Source: Xinhua News Agency, January 9, 2010
Think about it. Crisis or Opportunity?
It depends on one's perspective. Once the 465,000 seats are filled, this leaves 935,000 students who may be looking elsewhere! For the more ambitious and pro-active among us, this may create an opportunity for Canada and for our post-graduate institutions to fill the need. The opportunity for Canada to create its brand in the ever-growing trend and need for post-graduates and the apparent lack of space currently in Chinese universities, provides a "golden opportunity" for our Canadian universities to become proactive.
It's already happening to some extent. Just a few months ago, the University of Waterloo, along with a few of our Canadian universities, spent time in China interviewing potential doctoral candidates.
In Canada, we have some of the finest universities in the world. Let's get with the program!
Comments
Tom Bileski, Director of Community Relations, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener ON makes an excellent point when he states; "I read about this a week or so ago on the China Daily website. Pretty staggering numbers when you think about it. If only our government were partnering with the universities and colleges to make the study permit process happen in a reasonable time frame."
For more information as to how INFOworks education first might help access potential candiates, contact:
Norman Damaren, President, B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed.
Office Phone (Canada): 519 576 8757
E-mail: infoeduserve@rogers.com
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