University graduates might have a harder time finding jobs this year, but the government is taking measures to address their concerns.

Companies are given incentives to hire new graduates, while more students will be able to enroll in master’s programs this year, Ni Minjing, vice director of Shanghai Education Commission, told a press conference yesterday.

About 193,000 students will graduate from the city’s universities and colleges this year, around 3,000 more than last year. About half will graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

State-owned companies have been mobilized to leave a certain number of new openings for graduates, and companies which recruit them will be entitled to cuts in taxes and social security fees, Ni said.

More university graduates will also be recruited by primary and middle schools this year, while graduates are being encouraged to join the army.

Universities administered by the city government will enroll 15 percent more students in their master’s programs this year, and the percentage of graduates from vocational colleges enrolled in bachelor’s programs will increase from eight to 10.

One problem is the lack of job fairs. The government said it will organize eight fairs for students from this month, with about 3,200 companies expected to offer 45,000 jobs. Companies are also encouraged to take students in their year of graduation as interns and to allow them to work from home.

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