Non-international status hampers search for schools

Chinese students who return to the country after residing overseas quickly learn two things: not only is their choice of colleges and universities limited, but it's also far tougher to gain access to graduate schools.

Liu Runmei was born and raised in Mongolia, but holds Chinese citizenship through her family. However, when the 22-year-old began studying Chinese language and culture at Jinan University in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, in September 2011, it was the first time she had ever attended a class in the country.

In June, Liu will graduate from the university, which was founded to serve Chinese students returning after living overseas, and she's concerned about her prospects of gaining admission to postgraduate programs in China.