Several of China’s top universities have declared plans to expand undergraduate enrollment in 2025, with a sharp focus on national strategic priorities and cutting-edge technologies.
Both Tsinghua and Peking universities announced plans to expand their undergraduate intake by around 150 undergraduate spots each. Tsinghua University will establish a new undergraduate general education college to focus on cultivating interdisciplinary talents in artificial intelligence (AI). The new enrollment plan of Peking University will center on fields of national strategic needs, fundamental disciplines, and emerging frontiers.
Renmin University will add over 100 places in areas such as AI. Other institutions, such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Wuhan University, are expanding places in AI, renewable energy, and integrated circuits to meet national strategic needs.
The 2025 government work report emphasizes the importance of continuously promoting the “AI Plus” initiative, aiming to better integrate digital technology with manufacturing and market strengths. It advocates for extensive application of large language models and the development of next-generation intelligent products.
China in January issued its first national action plan to build a “strong education nation” by 2035, to help coordinate its education development, improve efficiency in innovation and build a “strong country.”
(With input from agencies; Cover via VCG)