China’s Top Universities Expand Enrollment to Focus on AI and Strategic Technologies
In a bid to strengthen its capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) and other key sectors, several of China’s leading universities have announced plans to expand their undergraduate programs. This move is part of a broader effort to address national strategic needs and develop expertise in high-demand fields such as AI, integrated circuits, and biomedicine. The announcements come shortly after Chinese institutions began offering AI courses inspired by the achievements of AI startup DeepSeek, which has garnered international attention for creating advanced AI models at a fraction of the cost of similar technologies in the U.S.
Peking University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions, revealed it would add 150 undergraduate positions in 2025 to focus on disciplines like information science, technology, engineering, and clinical medicine. The expansion is designed to help meet the country’s needs in fundamental and emerging frontier fields. Renmin University also announced plans to add over 100 spots in AI-related fields to enhance innovation and further China’s vision of becoming a global leader in education and digital technology.
Similarly, Shanghai Jiao Tong University is set to increase its enrollment by 150 spots, prioritizing areas such as AI, healthcare, integrated circuits, and new energy technologies. These efforts align with the Chinese government’s broader educational reform initiatives, aimed at building a “strong education nation” by 2035. The country’s growing emphasis on STEM education reflects its ambition to advance in key sectors like AI, which have been identified as critical to China’s future economic and technological growth.
The Chinese government’s push for AI education is not limited to universities. In January, the government introduced a national action plan that outlines strategies to enhance education in emerging fields and foster innovation. Additionally, plans to integrate AI education into primary and secondary schools were announced in December, aiming to cultivate creativity and digital skills from an early age, ensuring China’s future workforce is well-prepared for the digital era.
SOURCE: REUTERS