3 March 11,2022the national postgraduate admission score lines were released.2022 the number of postgraduate applicants reached4570,000. Universities plan to enrol approximately1100,000 students this year, meaning approximately3000,000+ candidates will miss out — with an admission rate of only24%.

Postgraduate study is a growing trend — where do 4.57 million applicants come from?

If postgraduate study isn’t strictly necessary, why do applicant numbers keep rising each year?

1. Employment pressure

Employment pressure is the single biggest reason candidates choose to pursue postgraduate study. It is understood thatnearly 60% of applicants choose to sit the entrance exam in order to strengthen their competitiveness in the job market. The majority of organisations and companies in China are also raising their educational requirements for employees, and the proportion of postgraduate-qualified workers in the workforce has been rising steadily year on year.

2. A “ticket” to tier-one cities

Beyond easing employment pressure, a master’s degree can also serve as a stepping stone for young people looking to settle in a tier-one city. For example, from November 2021, Shanghai introduced a new residency policy: recent postgraduate graduates from certain districts who meet basic requirements can register their household in Shanghai directly.

All of these factors have contributed to the intensely competitive postgraduate entrance exam frenzy in China today.

In recent years, universities have expanded postgraduate enrolments in response, but this growth has fallen far short of the surge in applicants. The postgraduate exam craze shows no sign of slowing, which is why a growing number of students are consideringstudying overseas for their postgraduate degree.

Study-abroad programmes combine an application-based system with merit-based assessment. Compared with China’s exam-driven admission model,the barriers to obtaining a postgraduate qualification are lower, and upon graduation you can apply to the Chinese Ministry of Education for recognition of your overseas degree, equivalent to a domestic postgraduate qualification,and in many cases carrying even greater prestige — it can also contribute bonus points for tier-one city household registration.

Australia’s education system is held in exceptionally high regard internationally. On education.com’s global ranking of the top 10 most popular study-abroad destinations, Australia leads by a significant margin — making it the most sought-after country for international students. Beyond its outstanding natural environment and quality of life, Australia offers relative advantages in university rankings, the application process, and time-to-completion, with strong career prospects after graduation.

Internationally recognised qualifications that open doors to global employers

Many Australian universities rank among the world’s top 1%,with their education systems and innovative teaching policies recognised worldwide. If you are planning to join a multinational company after completing your postgraduate degree, an Australian university qualification will set you apart from the competition.

Straightforward application process with less academic pressure

For most coursework master’s programmes in Australia, there is no entry exam. You simply need to provide your bachelor’s degree certificate, undergraduate academic transcripts, and an IELTS score.Compared with the domestic postgraduate exam, the academic pressure is far lower; compared with other study-abroad destinations, the application process is simpler and faster —with offers possible in as little as 2–4 weeks,and many programmes offer July or August intake dates, meaning students preparing for the domestic postgraduate exam can pursue this option at the same time.

Shorter study duration, lower costs, and an earlier start to your career

Australian master’s programmes are typically short in duration,generally two years, though there are also intensive one-year programmes available (both are covered below). Students can complete their postgraduate studies on a timeline that suits their needs, enter the workforce sooner, and benefit from lower tuition and living costs.