Group 1 - The core focus of the article is on the expansion of higher education in China, particularly the establishment of new undergraduate institutions and the rise of vocational undergraduate education since 2025 [1][3] - As of June 23, 2025, the Ministry of Education has announced 57 new undergraduate institutions, including 36 vocational schools and 3 new research-oriented universities [1][3] - The plan aims to increase the enrollment scale of vocational undergraduate institutions to 550,000 by 2025, reflecting a rapid development in vocational education since the first vocational undergraduate universities were established in 2019 [4][6] Group 2 - Vocational undergraduate institutions emphasize practical skills and are designed to meet the demand for high-skilled talent in the workforce, with a focus on hands-on training [7][16] - The vocational undergraduate programs are not merely extensions of associate degrees but are systematically restructured to ensure that their diplomas hold the same value as traditional undergraduate degrees [7][16] - Key performance indicators for vocational undergraduate programs include 100% completion of practical training projects and at least 50% of total course hours dedicated to practical teaching [9][11] Group 3 - Many vocational undergraduate institutions have shown impressive admission scores, often exceeding those of traditional undergraduate programs, indicating a shift in perception regarding vocational education [12][15] - For instance, Shenzhen Vocational University achieved a maximum admission score of 600 in the physics category, surpassing the provincial control line by 158 points [14] - The rise in admission scores for vocational programs reflects the growing alignment between regional industrial development and talent cultivation [15] Group 4 - New research-oriented universities are characterized by a focused curriculum aimed at key national technology sectors, with a small and specialized academic structure [25][27] - Ningbo Oriental University of Technology plans to recruit 70 students in 2025, focusing on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing, with personalized mentorship from experienced professors [27][29] - The Bay Area University in Guangdong aims to recruit 80 students, offering a diverse range of programs and emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration to meet the needs of modern industries [31][32]