Core Viewpoint - The emergence of "本科生回炉" (undergraduate students returning to vocational schools) is gaining attention, particularly with Zhengzhou Railway Vocational and Technical College's 2025 enrollment plan that specifies certain programs will only accept undergraduate graduates, leading to a phenomenon referred to as "本升专" (undergraduate to vocational) [1][3]. Group 1: Enrollment Trends - Zhengzhou Railway Vocational and Technical College has increased its enrollment of undergraduate students from 30 in 2022 to a planned 135 in 2023, highlighting a growing trend of undergraduates seeking vocational education [2]. - Other vocational institutions, such as Guangdong Lingnan Vocational Technical College and Shandong Qingdao Technician College, have also started offering programs specifically for undergraduates looking to retrain [3]. Group 2: Employment Challenges - A report by Zhilian Recruitment indicates that undergraduates face difficulties in the job market, where positions requiring higher education often favor master's and doctoral candidates, while practical skill-based roles are better suited for vocational graduates [4]. - The increasing pressure of employment has led many undergraduates to consider vocational training as a viable path to transition into more stable job opportunities [5]. Group 3: Student Experiences - Interviews with students who returned to vocational training reveal motivations such as job security and the desire to acquire practical skills that are in demand [6]. - Students enrolled in "订单班" (order classes) report mixed experiences, with some finding the promised job placements to be less reliable than advertised, often resulting in labor contracts rather than direct employment [19][23]. Group 4: Industry Insights - The trend of undergraduates pursuing vocational education reflects a broader shift in the labor market, where blue-collar jobs are becoming increasingly attractive due to competitive salaries and job stability [41]. - The average monthly salary for blue-collar workers has risen significantly, indicating a narrowing wage gap between blue-collar and white-collar jobs, which may further encourage undergraduates to seek vocational training [41].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the emergence of new research-oriented universities in China, specifically mentioning Fujian Fuyao University of Science and Technology, Greater Bay Area University, and Ningbo Oriental Institute of Technology as part of the recent increase in higher education institutions [1][2] - As of June 20, 2025, there are a total of 3,167 higher education institutions in China, with 2,919 being regular higher education institutions, including 1,365 undergraduate schools and 1,554 vocational (associate degree) schools [1] - The number of regular higher education institutions has increased by 51 compared to the same period last year, with 57 new undergraduate institutions added, marking the highest number of new research-oriented universities in recent years [1][2] Group 2 - New research-oriented universities are characterized by innovative governance models, talent cultivation methods, and research organization forms, focusing primarily on scientific and technological research [2] - The distribution of these universities is mainly concentrated in economically developed coastal regions of China, where there is a strong demand for high-tech talent due to local economic and industrial needs [2] - The number of vocational undergraduate institutions has reached a new high of 36, following significant expansion in the previous year, reflecting a growing trend in vocational education [2][3] Group 3 - In 2024, vocational undergraduate enrollment is projected to reach 109,600, with an additional 44,100 students enrolling in associate degree programs [3] - There is a notable trend of university graduates returning to vocational schools to acquire practical skills, with 52.2% of graduates believing that this will enhance their employment opportunities [3] - The increasing popularity of vocational undergraduate programs is evident, as some institutions have seen rising admission scores, indicating a growing recognition of the value of these programs [3]