年度重磅！《中国-世界高等教育趋势报告（2026）》正式发布

Group 1: Core Insights - The report highlights that demographic changes are profoundly reshaping the future of global higher education, with China's "declining birthrate" impacting basic education and subsequently higher education [4] - It emphasizes that the next seven years will be a critical window for structural adjustments in higher education institutions, particularly for those lacking competitive advantages [4][12] - The value of degrees is being redefined, shifting from merely obtaining diplomas to focusing on actual capabilities and skills [5][6][7] Group 2: Key Trends in China - The report indicates that the impact of declining birthrates is leading to a crisis in student enrollment, with projections showing that the population of school-age children in higher education will peak in 2032 [4][12] - Private institutions are entering a "cost-performance" competition era, as high tuition fees lead to enrollment shortages [13] - There is a noticeable decline in the reverence for degrees, with employers increasingly valuing practical skills and competencies over traditional academic credentials [14] Group 3: Global Higher Education Trends - The integration of AI in higher education is becoming comprehensive, with over 90% of faculty and students using AI tools in their academic and administrative tasks [18] - The report notes a global oversupply of PhD graduates, with a mismatch between the number of graduates and available positions in academia and industry [19] - Soft skills are becoming essential in the AI era, as employers prioritize critical thinking, communication, and collaboration over technical skills [20] Group 4: Institutional Challenges and Reforms - Higher education institutions are facing financial pressures, leading to budget cuts and restructuring efforts to enhance operational efficiency [11][22] - Many universities are undergoing internal reforms, including reducing unnecessary courses and merging departments to improve governance and resource allocation [15][17] - The report suggests that the ability to adapt and restructure within the next seven years will significantly influence the competitive positioning of higher education institutions [11]