HONG KONG, March 10 (Reuters) – Several of China’s leading universities have announced plans to significantly expand their undergraduate enrollments, with a strategic focus on cultivating talent in fields critical to national interests, including artificial intelligence (AI).
The announcements come after Chinese universities began implementing AI courses based on the DeepSeek AI startup, which has gained considerable international attention since February. DeepSeek is credited with developing AI models that rival the most advanced technologies from the United States, but at a considerably lower cost. This achievement has been hailed as a pivotal moment for China’s AI development, akin to the “Sputnik moment.”
Analysts suggest DeepSeek’s success demonstrates the impact of Beijing’s long-term investment in a large domestic talent pool for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. They also cite recent U.S. restrictions on Chinese student visas as a contributing factor, effectively accelerating China’s progress in the AI sector.
Peking University stated on Saturday that it would add 150 undergraduate positions in 2025, focusing on areas of “national strategic importance,” fundamental disciplines, and “emerging frontier fields.” These newly-available spots will largely be in information science and technology, engineering, and clinical medicine.
Renmin University also announced plans to add more than 100 places, specifically targeting areas such as AI to bolster innovation. The expansion is directly linked to the national strategy of transforming China into a “powerful education country” and growing talent relevant to the digital era.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University will introduce 150 additional positions with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and emerging industries with urgent needs, particularly in AI, integrated circuits, biomedicine, healthcare, and new energy.
In January, China issued its first national action plan designed to build a “strong education nation” by 2035. This plan aims to coordinate education development, improve innovation efficiency, and strengthen the country’s overall position.
Furthering the trend, education authorities announced in December that AI education would be introduced in primary and secondary schools to cultivate creativity, scientific interest, and digital skills among younger students.
