Jane Chen / Shanghai Daily news

A growing number of this year's university graduates are seeking jobs out of Shanghai, according to university officials.
In 2003, only more than 200, or short of 10 percent, of graduates from Fudan University, a key university in Shanghai, opted for jobs out of the city, Fudan officials said.  The number jumped to 490 last year and is expected to double this year.
The cutthroat competition of local job market has forced many students to turn around to other cities for job opportunities, the officials said.  Yangtze River Delta area, Pearl River Delta area and west and middle China areas that are accelerating the development are among the hot picks.
The apparently higher pay offered by some companies from other cities are attractive, the officials added.
For example, the starting yearly salaries could be as high as 100,000 yuan for postgraduates, plus other subsidies, housing allowances and funding for scientific research programs.  The salaries for some undergraduates reach 70,000 yuan.
These offers are obviously more competitive than offers by many local employers.  The first year salary of last year's undergraduate students in Shanghai averages at about 1,600 yuan a month, or short of 20,000 yuan a year.