China has introduced 29 new undergraduate majors to better meet national strategy needs and promote high-quality development. The Ministry of Education announced these changes on Tuesday, marking a significant reshuffle in university disciplines across the country.
In 2024, Chinese universities launched 1,839 new undergraduate programs. At the same time, they suspended 2,220 programs and fully eliminated 1,428. Additionally, 157 existing programs changed in either study duration or degree classification. These moves reflect a sharper focus on aligning education with evolving national priorities.
The newly added majors include disciplines tied closely to national strategy needs. These include regional and country studies, carbon neutrality science and engineering, marine science and technology, and health and medical security. The government expects these fields to play key roles in supporting strategic goals.
Moreover, China added majors linked to emerging technological fields. For instance, universities now offer intelligent molecular engineering, medical device and equipment engineering, and spatiotemporal information engineering. These areas aim to keep pace with global advances in science and technology.
New programs also address shifting market needs and evolving industry demands. Universities have introduced international cruise management and aeronautical sports programs. At the same time, AI-related majors such as AI education, digital theater, and smart audiovisual engineering reflect the growing role of technology in daily life.
To respond even faster to pressing national strategy needs, the ministry created a special “green channel.” This emergency mechanism allows rapid approval of majors tied to urgent development goals. For example, six universities including Beihang University have launched low-altitude technology and engineering majors. These aim to support China’s rising low-altitude economy.
China now offers over 62,800 undergraduate programs across its higher education system. The Ministry of Education urged universities to better align academic offerings with employment trends. Officials emphasized that future programs must support both innovation and economic growth.
This reshuffle clearly demonstrates how universities can adapt to serve national strategy needs while preparing students for future challenges.
