Crystal, a top 10% graduate from China’s prestigious Peking University, had four internships and stellar academics. Still, instead of securing a job, she enrolled in a master’s program. Why? Because in today’s China, even the best qualifications aren’t enough.

A dangerous mix of post-pandemic slowdown, global trade tensions, and an oversaturated job market is pushing thousands of graduates-like Crystal-into an uncertain future. Companies are hiring less, while competition has exploded. The result? Master’s degrees are now becoming a basic survival tool, not just an add-on.

According to official data, 66% of Peking University’s Class of 2024 enrolled in graduate programs-up sharply from 48% in 2019. Tsinghua University showed a similar trend. Degrees from elite colleges are no longer a golden ticket.

China’s youth unemployment crisis is highlighting a major shift in the value of education. It's no longer just about what school you go to-it’s about timing, global conditions, and luck. For students like Crystal, the job race is now longer, tougher, and more uncertain than ever.