Universities are reshaping academic programmes to match economic priorities.
Chinese universities are carrying out a broad restructuring of their academic offerings to align higher education with national development goals and emerging industries. According to data from the Ministry of Education, between 2021 and 2025 institutions revoked or suspended 12,200 undergraduate programmes while introducing 10,200 new ones. As a result, more than 30% of university degree programmes underwent adjustments.
Technology-focused fields are replacing programmes with weaker employment prospects.
The reductions have been concentrated in areas such as arts, humanities, foreign languages, and management. Meanwhile, universities have expanded programmes linked to strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence and embodied intelligence. Nine universities have introduced majors related to embodied intelligence, supporting national efforts to accelerate the integration of next-generation AI into the economy. Several institutions have also cited employment outcomes as a factor in programme changes, particularly as graduate numbers continue to rise and youth unemployment remains a challenge.
Experts call for greater flexibility in higher education.
The restructuring has generated debate about how universities should adapt to rapid technological change. While some educators view programme consolidation as a necessary response to new labour market conditions, others argue that repeatedly replacing one major with another may not provide a long-term solution. Researcher Chu Zhaohui suggested that universities adopt more flexible systems that allow students to select courses according to their interests, strengths, and career goals. The article also highlights a growing perception that undergraduate degrees now serve as a foundation for continuous learning rather than a direct pathway to lifelong employment.
Reference
Yang, C. (2026, June 15). China’s universities cut 12,000 ‘obsolete’ degrees amid race to embrace AI era. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3356913/chinas-universities-cut-12000-obsolete-degrees-amid-race-embrace-ai-era?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article