China will expand the number of postgraduate students to be enrolled on courses, as well as the number of undergraduate students from those who have graduated from junior colleges this year, the State Council executive meeting revealed on Tuesday.

The meeting, hosted by Premier Li Keqiang, also stressed the importance of stable employment and rolled out measures to encourage the employment of graduates.

The measures include expanding grassroots medical and community service positions and strengthening support for small and micro enterprises to employ graduates.

The meeting encouraged employers to postpone interview times and the times new employees enter the company. It also allowed the delaying of the time limit for graduates to register for their Hukou, or permanent residency.

The government intends for universities to treat this year's unemployed graduates in the same way next year, alongside students finishing their studies in 2021.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, schools of all levels have delayed the start of the spring semester.

(Cover image: Graduates hold their diplomas. /VCG)