Chinese PhD graduate unable to secure university job after 60 applications

Banh Huy, a philosophy PhD who completed his doctorate in 2023 at Peking University – China’s top university – applied for academic positions at roughly 60 prestigious Chinese universities (the 985 and 211 projects). Only one university, Zhengzhou University, replied; the rest gave no response.

The candidate discovered that hiring standards now require at least three papers in top‑tier journals and give strong preference to applicants whose bachelor's, master’s and doctoral degrees all come from elite institutions. Although Banh Huy holds degrees from two leading Chinese universities, his research output falls short of the implicit publication threshold, explaining the widespread silence.

His experience has sparked discussion on Chinese academic labor markets, highlighting that elite credentials alone no longer guarantee a stable university post and that the publication record has become a decisive hiring criterion.