Beijing municipality has increased the allowance for soldiers who join the People's Liberation Army for the third consecutive year, with higher amounts for better-educated recruits.

A university student or graduate who has a Beijing hukou, or household registration permit, will receive at least 186,000 yuan ($28,500) in cash in allowance if they join the PLA this year and serve at least two years, the Beijing Municipal Conscription Office announced on its website on Friday.

The money, 9,000 yuan higher than last year, includes subsidies for the soldier's family, reimbursement for university expenditures, service pay as well as job-finding assistance. They will be given to the soldier and his or her family during the service term and after he or she retires from the military.