Top Chinese universities expand enrollment in AI majors

(CLO) Several of China's top universities have announced plans to expand enrollment to prioritize fields considered "national strategic needs," especially developing talent in artificial intelligence (AI).

The announcement comes after Chinese universities launched AI courses in February, inspired by the startup DeepSeek, which attracted widespread attention.

DeepSeek has developed AI models that can compete with the most advanced technologies in the United States but at a significantly lower cost, an achievement that has been described as China's "Sputnik moment" in the field of AI.

Analysts say DeepSeek’s success – largely driven by researchers from China’s top universities – reflects Beijing’s investment in its domestic STEM talent pool, while recent US visa restrictions on Chinese students are also helping China narrow the gap in the field.

Peking University announced on Saturday that it will add 150 undergraduate admission slots by 2025, focusing on fields of “national strategic importance,” basic sciences and “frontier technology fields.” Priority fields include information science and technology, engineering and clinical medicine.

Peking University announced that it will add 150 undergraduate admission slots by 2025, focusing on fields of “national strategic importance.” (Photo: Peking University)

On the same day, Renmin University said it would increase its enrollment by more than 100 places in fields such as AI to promote innovation. The school stressed that the expansion is in line with plans to build China into a “strong education nation” and cultivate talent in the digital age.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University also announced an additional 150 admissions slots, focusing on “cutting-edge technology” and emerging industries such as AI, integrated circuits, biomedicine, health care and new energy.

Earlier in January, China issued its first national action plan to build a “strong education nation” by 2035, with the goal of developing education, promoting innovation and strengthening national strength.

Additionally, in December, Chinese education authorities announced that they would incorporate AI into the curriculum in primary and secondary schools to encourage creativity, passion for science and digital skills among students.

Ha Trang (according to BJU, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cac-truong-dai-hoc-hang-dau-trung-quoc-mo-rong-tuyen-sinh-cac-nganh-ai-post337895.html