Volunteerism among Chinese University Students (2010–2025): A Review of Participation Patterns and Influencing Factors

HRMARS - Volunteer service has become an important avenue through which Chinese university students participate in civic affairs and engage in experiential learning. This study maps the research landscape of volunteering among Chinese university students from two main perspectives: patterns of participation and the determinants shaping such participation. The existing literature reveals several structural characteristics of volunteer participation among Chinese university students. Although the range of volunteer activities has expanded considerably, services that require specialized professional skills remain underrepresented. Moreover, channels for obtaining information about volunteering opportunities are still relatively limited, and participation is often characterized by intermittent or short-term engagement. Research generally identifies several key factors influencing volunteer participation, including students’ civic cognition and value orientations, institutional arrangements, mobilization mechanisms, and the availability of organisational support. Empirical findings also suggest positive associations between volunteering and students’ competency development, contributions to community governance, and the strengthening of moral and civic education within higher education institutions. While the literature has attempted to assess the applicability of established Western theoretical frameworks within the Chinese context, it also highlights contextual dynamics that are not fully captured by Western-centered approaches. Nevertheless, current research continues to exhibit several limitations, including restricted sample coverage, insufficient theoretical localisation, and a relative lack of practice-oriented empirical evidence. Future studies would benefit from greater attention to underrepresented student groups, the adoption of longitudinal research designs, the development of more context-sensitive theoretical frameworks, and the exploration of more effective intervention strategies and collaborative mechanisms.