The COVID-19 pandemic and post-graduation outcomes: Evidence from Chinese elite universities

This article examines the patterns and trends of undergraduate post-graduation outcomes among nine top Chinese universities (the C9 League) over the past decade against the broader context of geo-politics and COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing data from the institutional report of graduate placement from 2013 to 2022, we find that most C9 university graduates choose to continue education immediately after receiving their bachelor's degree. There is a marked trend that more students choose to further their education domestically rather than study abroad after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly staying at the same university from which they received their bachelor's. The US is losing its advantage as the top destination country for Chinese education elites whereas the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore are receiving more Chinese students. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the post-graduation decisions of Chinese elite graduates, who demonstrated a clear shift towards choices associated with lower risk and uncertainty.