Policy initiatives

The grim employment prospects for graduates have become a social problem and the issue has attracted attention nationwide.

In response, the central government has rolled out policies and measures to boost employment, such as increasing the number of jobs in the western regions and encouraging entrepreneurship.

However, Tang Min, vice-director of Youcheng China Social Entrepreneur Foundation, a nonprofit foundation, said the measures will only be effective over the short term. In the long run, the problem will only be solved by reform of the college system.

Tang suggested that Chinese colleges should adopt European methods and introduce vocational education so students can obtain practical skills to supplement their theoretical knowledge.

"Instead of providing experimental and scientific subjects to cultivate the skills society urgently needs, many universities simply provide low-cost subjects such as finance and law," he said.

"Does our society really need so many economists and executives? The reform should be carried out soon, the sooner the better. Otherwise, the grim employment prospects will continue and that will definitely affect social stability."

Han Junhong and Yu Ran contributed to this story.