Graduates use posters to promote themselves at a job fair in Bozhou, Anhui province, on Sunday. The percentage of college graduates opting to start their own businesses has risen for three years running and the average monthly salary of self-employed graduates is higher than those working for others, a survey shows. (Photo/China Daily)

The percentage of Chinese college graduates choosing to start their own businesses has risen for three consecutive years, a survey shows. It also found that the average monthly salary of self-employed graduates is higher than those who are not.

Of the college students who graduated in 2013, 2.3 percent started their own business, higher than the figure for 2012 (2 percent), 2011 (1.6 percent) and 2010 (1.5 percent).

This is according to the 2014 Chinese College Graduates' Employment Annual Report, released on Monday by MyCOS, an education consulting and research institute in Beijing.

The survey polled 268,000 graduates from 28 provinces and regions.

Chen Yu, vice-president of the China Association for Employment Promotion, said the increase results from government efforts in recent years to support graduates in starting their own businesses, such as reduced intervention, the offer of micro loans and cuts in taxes and fees.

"These measures provide a good environment for college graduates who intend to start their own businesses," Chen said.

The survey also found the education sector is graduates' preferred choice when they decide to start a business, with 15 percent of them choosing to begin their careers in this area.

Other areas, including retail, wholesale, architecture, media, information and telecoms, are among the top choices.