Driven by intensifying job market competition, Chinese students are increasingly choosing specialized universities linked to government agencies, pushing admission scores at these institutions above those of traditionally prestigious universities.

The message is clear: in a tough job market, the promise of a secure position often outweighs the appeal of an elite academic pedigree. Practical job security has become the paramount concern shaping students' university choices, experts said.

At Beijing Police College, a public institution dedicated to training police officers, a Beijing applicant with a score of 646 on the national college entrance exam, or gaokao, was among this year's enrollees.

Such a score is high enough to gain entry to many top-tier universities. The highest achievable score on the gaokao is 750.

Similarly, in Jiangsu province, Shanghai Customs University, which is managed by the General Administration of Customs, now requires an entrance score of 657-higher than many elite universities. The Beijing Electronic Science and Technology Institute, affiliated with the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, recorded a minimum score of 657 for one program group in Jiangsu, also surpassing numerous leading institutions.

The main driver behind the shift is securing employment. An official from Shanghai Customs University told Jiupai News that students are very likely to secure jobs in the civil service sector after graduation, especially in customs.

According to employment reports released by Beijing Electronic Science and Technology Institute, the university had 428 bachelor's degree graduates last year, with an employment rate of 96 percent. Among its class of 2022,390 — or 95 percent — found work in government institutions.

Experts said the shift stems from deep anxiety about future job security. With 12.22 million university graduates expected to enter the workforce this year and government job creation targets set at just 12 million, the pressure is intense.

Opting for a specialized university that offers direct entry into stable government or high-demand industry roles is a strategic move to hedge against uncertainty, said Chen Zhiwen, editor-in-chief of online education portal EOL.

He noted that the popularity of such institutions lies in their close alignment with specific industry needs, which translates into strong recruitment outcomes.

While acknowledging the potential for limited career flexibility, Chen said the trend underscores a critical direction for higher education reform: "Curriculum design and training models must align with real industry demands."

zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn