How China is reforming education: AI, STEM, and global talent initiatives

Kazinform correspondent in Beijing, Ruslan Suleimenov, explored the nuances of China's education system.

High workload, discipline, and competition

Professor Sofia Ushurova from Xi'an Jiaotong University’s School of Law notes that the average Chinese student today has a strong foundation in mathematics, thanks to the country’s strict and structured education system. Even in elementary school, students master fundamental math concepts such as fractions, percentages, and the basics of geometry and algebra. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on developing logical and analytical thinking, as well as solving multi-step problems.

By the time they reach high school, Chinese students are capable of solving complex problems, including proofs, combinatorics, number theory, and mathematical analysis.

Mathematics is also a key subject in the national college entrance exam, known as the "Gaokao," which is why students devote significant time to mastering it.

Overall, China’s modern education system emphasizes discipline, constant revision, and solving a large number of problems. Students often attend additional tutoring sessions or courses to prepare for exams.

While curricula may vary by region, academic standards across the country remain consistently high. According to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), students from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ranked among the world's top performers in mathematics, reading, and science.

“Chinese students study long and hard, spending almost the entire day at school. In elementary school, classes officially start at 8 a.m., but arriving at that time is considered late. Students are expected to come at least 30 minutes early for extra preparation. Most stay at school until 6 p.m. to complete their homework before heading home, and that’s just in elementary school,” noted Professor Ushurova.

Since 2020, programming has been a mandatory subject in elementary and middle schools. In 2024, major cities in China also introduced the basics of artificial intelligence into elementary school curricula.

Science as a priority

According to additional provisions from China’s Ministry of Education regarding the country’s plan to become an “education powerhouse,” there are plans to strengthen science education in elementary and middle schools. Each elementary school must have at least one teacher with a master’s degree in natural sciences or engineering sciences. Additionally, every school must appoint a deputy principal for science, responsible for overseeing science lessons and developing scientific curricula.

Additionally, the Ministry of Education plans to expand extracurricular activities in science to spark students' interest in the field. Schools are expected to provide platforms that encourage students to pursue science-related studies at universities and colleges.

Higher education reforms

China’s higher education reforms, known as the "Project 211" (aimed at improving the quality of about 100 universities) and the "Project 985" (focused on creating world-class universities), were launched in the 1990s to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Chinese universities.

According to Sofia Ushurova, universities included in the "Project 211" received substantial government funding, allowing them to improve infrastructure and attract top-tier professors and researchers. The initiative also helped develop higher education in less developed regions of China.

Meanwhile, universities under the "Project 985", such as Peking University and Tsinghua University, have made it into the top 100 global rankings. These leading institutions have become hubs for innovation and research, particularly in technology, engineering, and the natural sciences.

China has also established its own version of the Ivy League, an elite group of top universities. This includes Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, the University of Science and Technology of China, Harbin Institute of Technology, and others.

In 2017, the national "Double First-Class" initiative selected around 140 universities to develop "world-class universities" and "first-class disciplines." This initiative aimed to expand the number of top-tier institutions, ensure a more even distribution of resources, and elevate more universities to global standards.

"As a result of these higher education reforms, China has become a global leader in scientific publications, many of which come from universities under the 211 and 985 Projects. These institutions have played a key role in advancing high technology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other cutting-edge fields," noted Professor Ushurova.

According to China's new roadmap, which extends to 2035, the country aims to accelerate the development of high-level research universities, align academic disciplines with scientific and technological advancements, and integrate education with national strategic goals.

The roadmap calls for urgent efforts to develop critical new disciplines and specializations, as well as to strengthen fundamental, emerging, and interdisciplinary fields.

In 2024, China introduced 1,673 new undergraduate programs essential for implementing national strategies while eliminating 1,670 programs that no longer align with the country’s socio-economic development.

Attracting global talent

A new policy document on education places significant emphasis on openness to the world. China aims to expand its capacity for training and attracting global talent, increase youth exchange programs with other countries, and implement international summer school initiatives.

Over the next three years, China plans to launch 800 key international summer school projects. Additionally, in the next five years, 50,000 American teenagers will be invited to China for exchange programs, while 10,000 French students will participate in similar programs over the next three years.

According to the document, China will expand international academic exchanges, strengthen educational and research cooperation, and support its top research universities in initiating and participating in global scientific programs.

China also plans to take an active role in global education governance and support the establishment and development of international STEM institutions.

Impressive numbers

As of 2023, China had 498,300 educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities.

The country’s education system employed 18.92 million full-time teachers, while the number of universities reached 3,074, an increase of 61 institutions compared to 2022. These universities employ 2.07 million faculty members, while student enrollment in higher education surpassed 47.63 million, marking a 1.08 million increase from the previous year.

In 2023, over 10.42 million students were admitted to universities, colleges, and vocational schools, marking a 2.73% increase from 2022. The gross enrollment rate in higher education reached 60.2%.

In 2024, the number of university graduates reached 11.79 million, an increase of 210,000 compared to 2023. By 2025, this number is expected to rise to 12.22 million, adding another 430,000 graduates.

As reported previously, 11 branches of foreign universities are set to open in Kazakhstan this year.