China is moving fast to build its future technology workforce. On April 22, 2025, the Ministry of Education announced the urgent approval of 29 new university programs. These programs focus mostly on advanced technology, semiconductor engineering, and artificial intelligence (AI). The decision supports China’s national development strategies and aims to drive high-quality growth, according to a report from Xinhua News Agency.
The new programs are a direct response to the country’s growing need for skilled workers in strategic industries. Officials say the changes will help China compete globally, modernize its industries, and secure its future in critical technology areas.
Focus on Cutting-Edge Industries
Many of the newly approved majors are directly tied to China’s strategic interests. Programs like marine science and technology, health and medical security, and smart molecular engineering are now part of the curriculum at selected universities. Other additions include medical device and equipment engineering and spatiotemporal information engineering, both reflecting the rising demand for specialized knowledge in healthcare and data sectors.
In the field of AI, new majors such as AI education, smart audio-visual engineering, and digital drama have been introduced. These programs aim to prepare students for the evolving digital economy, where AI is becoming a vital part of daily life and business.
Responding to Market Needs
The Ministry of Education is also thinking ahead about new industries. Programs in international cruise management and aviation sports have been added to match emerging market trends. This move shows China’s focus not only on technology but also on growing sectors like tourism and sports aviation.
To keep up with rapid technological changes, the ministry has created a faster system to update university curriculums. This “green channel” process allows for quicker approval of new majors that meet urgent national needs.
For example, six universities, including Beihang University in Beijing, have already launched a new major in low-altitude technology and engineering. This supports the growing low-altitude economy, which includes the booming drone industry and other airspace-related sectors.
Building Talent for the Future
Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that these new programs will help China grow its influence and support its industrial goals. Wang emphasized that by training experts in key sectors, China can strengthen its position in the global economy and secure long-term growth.
The low-altitude economy is one area of special focus. With drones and low-flying vehicles becoming more common in delivery, surveillance, and transportation, China aims to lead in this new sector. The new academic programs will train future engineers and specialists who can develop and manage these technologies.
According to the Ministry of Education, the updated university catalog now includes 93 disciplinary categories and 845 college majors. China currently offers around 62,800 undergraduate programs across the country.
Addressing a Major Skills Shortage
China’s push to expand university programs comes as the country faces serious skill shortages in several critical industries. Recent data from Xinhua show that China needs over 5 million workers in artificial intelligence alone. There is also a gap of 2.3 million workers in big data, more than 1 million in new-energy vehicles, and another 1 million drone operators for the low-altitude economy.
This shortage could slow down China’s goals for technological leadership if not addressed. By fast-tracking educational programs, China hopes to close these talent gaps quickly.
Experts say that building a strong, skilled workforce is crucial for national security, economic growth, and technological innovation. The new programs are designed to give students practical skills that match real-world demands, rather than only theoretical knowledge.
Fast-Tracking Education Reforms
The Ministry of Education’s new “green channel” approval system is seen as a major reform in the education sector. Under the old system, creating a new major could take years due to a complex application process. Now, universities can quickly launch programs that serve national strategic needs.
Beihang University’s new major in low-altitude technology and engineering is one of the first examples of this faster process. Experts believe this model will soon be used for other strategic sectors, allowing China’s education system to respond more flexibly to global changes.
