China's leading universities are gearing up to cultivate the next generation of innovators, with several institutions expanding undergraduate enrollment in artificial intelligence (AI) and other strategic fields by 2025. The move aligns with national priorities to accelerate technological self-reliance and drive economic transformation.
Tsinghua University will add approximately 150 undergraduate spots under a new interdisciplinary general education college focused on AI talent development. Similarly, Peking University aims to broaden enrollment in foundational sciences and emerging technologies critical to national strategy. Renmin University plans to increase AI-focused admissions by over 100, while Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Wuhan University expand programs in renewable energy and integrated circuits.
This educational shift comes amid China's push to implement its "AI Plus" initiative outlined in the 2025 government work report. The policy emphasizes integrating AI with advanced manufacturing and leveraging large language models to develop intelligent products. The expansion also supports the country's 2035 action plan to build a "strong education nation," enhancing innovation capabilities in tech-driven industries.
Academic leaders emphasize the reforms will address growing demand for interdisciplinary professionals in smart manufacturing, green energy, and semiconductor sectors—fields identified as key to China's global competitiveness.
