Summary of Key Findings
Data from the first round of undergraduate application submissions in 2026 across 10 provinces, including Anhui and Guangxi, shows that accounting, financial management, and English are the most difficult majors to fill. Some popular engineering fields (such as artificial intelligence and computer science) are also on the list, but mainly from private institutions, while similar programs at top-tier universities are in higher demand. Additionally, an increasing number of candidates who have passed the undergraduate entrance exam are choosing public vocational colleges, valuing their cost-effectiveness and practical employment prospects.
I. Which Majors Are Most Difficult to Fill?
Accounting, financial management, and English rank among the top three most difficult majors to fill. In the applications from these 10 provinces, accounting appeared 410 times, financial management 398 times, and English 379 times. Following these are computer science and technology (372 times), Chinese language and literature (261 times), and online and new media (257 times). In other words, many schools did not manage to recruit enough students for these majors during the initial round of admissions and needed to conduct supplementary enrollments.
II. Why Are These Majors Unpopular?
The lack of interest in these majors is not accidental:
1. Overproduction of Majors: In the past, many universities (especially private ones) viewed finance and foreign language programs as low-cost options (no need for expensive equipment; a classroom rental was sufficient). As a result, the number of graduates far exceeded market demand, leading to a lack of interest from candidates.
2. AI Competing for Jobs: Advances in AI have impacted these fields significantly. For example, AI translation software has become more accurate, reducing the need for English-speaking professionals in translation and copywriting jobs. Similarly, AI can quickly process data and generate financial reports, decreasing the demand for basic roles in finance.
3. Fierce Job Competition: With a surplus of graduates in these fields, the competition for jobs is intense. For instance, there are almost as many accounting graduates as schools offering the program, meaning dozens of people may compete for each position, leading candidates and parents to question the value of pursuing such a degree.
III. Are Popular Engineering Fields Also Unpopular?
You might wonder why popular engineering fields like artificial intelligence and computer science are also on the list of difficult-to-fill majors. However, there is a clear distinction between private and top-tier universities:
- Unpopular Majors at Private Institutions: Programs in these areas at private schools often struggle to attract candidates due to subpar quality of education. Only 55% of the 2024 AI graduates were capable of working in their field, which is 18% lower than the national average.
- High Demand for Top-Tier University Programs: Popular AI programs at universities like Beijing Institute of Technology and Tongji University saw even higher admission scores this year compared to last. For instance, the lowest score required for the AI elite program at Tongji University in Zhejiang was 677 points, second only to its prestigious academic programs. The reason is simple: these schools have excellent faculty and facilities, producing graduates who meet corporate needs, making them highly sought after by candidates.
IV. Why Do Some Candidates Choose Vocational Colleges Despite Passing the Undergraduate Entrance Exam?
There are several reasons why candidates opt for vocational colleges over undergraduate programs:
- Practicality of Programs: Vocational college programs focus on technical skills (such as auto repair, nursing, electrical engineering), which align directly with job requirements, allowing graduates to enter the workforce immediately.
- Stable Employment: There is a high demand for professionals in these fields, making it easier to find jobs.
- Lower Tuition Fees: Private undergraduate programs can cost 10,000-20,000 RMB per year, while public vocational colleges charge significantly less.
Experts describe this as a rational choice for students and parents: rather than pursuing an uncertain undergraduate degree, they prefer a practical vocational education that provides both financial savings and good job prospects.
Conclusion
Candidates and parents are becoming more discerning when filling out college applications. They no longer blindly pursue popular majors or the prestige of an undergraduate degree but consider the actual employment prospects, the quality of education provided by the institution, and the cost-effectiveness of the program. For universities, it is better to focus on improving the quality of existing programs rather than simply offering popular ones, as even popular fields may not attract enough applicants if the education is subpar. For candidates, it is important to think carefully about the practical applications of the major and the quality of education offered by the school, rather than relying solely on its reputation or status.