Multidimensional Distance With Hometown Versus University: Which Matters More in Chinese University Graduate Migration?

ABSTRACT Migration is inherently associated with risks, uncertainties and various costs, many of which arise from barriers imposed by distance. Based on a university graduate survey conducted in 2022, this study examines the influence of multidimensional distance on the destination choices of graduate migrants, which comprises of geographical distance, administrative distance, cultural distance, informational distance and industrial distance, taking into account the dual reference points of both the hometown and the city of the university. The research findings suggest that, for university graduates who migrate to destinations distinct from both their home city and university city, the distance with the home city plays a more important role than the distance with the city of university, in determining their destination choices. Thereinto, the geographical distance, administrative distance and informational distance with hometown have a stronger influence on the destination choices of graduates, while the cultural distance with the city of university matters more in affecting their migration decisions. The industrial distance with the destination city, nevertheless, has a dual character: the complementarity of industry structure to the city of university increases the in‐migration of graduates, while the similarity of industry structure to the hometown encourages the in‐migration of graduates. In addition, the impacts of multidimensional distances on destination choices of graduates vary with their degree levels, hukou status and self‐assessed risk attitude. This study will provide enlightenment to the formulation of talent policies in different types of cities to attract university graduate migrants.