Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of undergraduate programs in various universities for the 2025 academic year is being implemented to align with emerging industries and societal needs, leading to the introduction of new programs and the discontinuation of less relevant ones [1][2][3]. Group 1: New Program Additions - Several universities, including Shenyang Aerospace University and Northeast Normal University, are proposing new programs such as Low-altitude Technology and Engineering, Data Science, and Intelligent Aircraft Technology, reflecting a trend towards fields that support national strategic needs and emerging industries [1][2][3]. - A total of 603 new programs have been proposed across over 150 universities, with a significant focus on areas like artificial intelligence, digital economy, and intelligent manufacturing [2]. Group 2: Program Discontinuations - Many programs are being discontinued due to poor employment prospects and misalignment with societal needs, with the top five discontinued programs from 2020 to 2024 being Information Management and Information Systems, Public Administration, and Marketing [4]. - The trend indicates a shift away from traditional programs that do not meet current market demands, with universities focusing on optimizing their offerings to better align with economic and technological advancements [4][5]. Group 3: Institutional Responses - Universities are establishing management measures to facilitate the transition of faculty from discontinued programs to related fields or administrative roles, ensuring a smooth adjustment process [6]. - The emergence of new research-oriented universities is attracting high-scoring students, prompting traditional institutions to reassess and streamline their program offerings to remain competitive [5].

Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of undergraduate programs in universities is crucial to meet the demands of economic and social development, as well as future needs [1] Group 1: Program Adjustments - Many universities are initiating adjustments to their undergraduate programs for the 2025 academic year, with a focus on optimizing their academic offerings [2] - Shenyang Aerospace University plans to add four new programs, including Low-altitude Technology and Engineering, while discontinuing six existing programs [2] - Northeast Normal University intends to withdraw seven programs, including Finance, and propose four new programs such as Data Science [3] - A total of 603 new programs have been proposed across over 150 universities, with a significant number focusing on emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy [3] Group 2: Policy and Strategic Direction - The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines emphasizing the need to align program offerings with national strategies, market demands, and technological advancements [4] - The guidelines encourage universities to develop programs in strategic emerging industries such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology [4] Group 3: Trends in Program Discontinuation - The number of discontinued programs is increasing due to factors like poor employment prospects and misalignment with societal needs [5] - The top five discontinued programs from 2020 to 2024 include Information Management and Information Systems, with 160 programs being cut [5] Group 4: Faculty Transition and Support - Universities are establishing measures to support faculty transitions when programs are discontinued, including reassignment to related fields or administrative roles [7] - Faculty members affected by program discontinuation may have opportunities to teach in related programs or transition to other academic roles [6][7]

Core Insights - The AI major has gained significant popularity among students, entering the top 10 of preferred fields for the first time, driven by high expectations for job prospects in the AI industry [2][9] - There is a stark contrast between the high demand for AI talent, with a reported shortage of 5 million positions, and the struggles faced by many graduates in securing relevant employment [9][14] - The job market for AI graduates is highly competitive, with top-tier graduates receiving lucrative offers while others face difficulties in finding jobs, leading to a perception of the field as a "trap" for some [4][7][12] Group 1: AI Education and Job Market Dynamics - The rapid expansion of AI education aligns with the industry's intense demand for skilled professionals, exemplified by Meta's recruitment of top talent with substantial signing bonuses [2][12] - Graduates from prestigious institutions often secure high-paying positions, with some earning between 450,000 to 1 million yuan annually, while others from less recognized schools struggle to find jobs [4][6] - The AI job market is characterized by a high level of competition, with many positions requiring significant experience, making it challenging for fresh graduates to enter the field [11][12] Group 2: Structural Issues in AI Talent Supply - Despite the reported talent shortage, many graduates lack the necessary skills and experience, leading to a mismatch between educational outcomes and industry needs [9][14] - The current educational framework for AI in many institutions is criticized for being inadequate, focusing on theoretical knowledge without sufficient practical application [14][15] - There is a call for educational reforms to better align AI training with industry requirements, emphasizing the need for hands-on experience and collaboration with tech companies [15][16]

Group 1 - The core trend in the 2025 college entrance examination in Shandong shows a decline in the popularity of clinical medicine and a rise in interest in artificial intelligence and related interdisciplinary fields [2][3] - The admission ranks for clinical medicine programs at 37 universities in Shandong have generally decreased compared to 2024, with notable drops at prestigious institutions such as Tsinghua University and Peking University [3][4] - Despite the decline in clinical medicine, it remains a significant option for high-scoring students, with some programs still attracting high admission ranks [4] Group 2 - Students are increasingly prioritizing "certainty" in their major choices, leading to a preference for programs like public-funded and "cultural relics comprehensive talent" courses [5][6] - The introduction of the "cultural relics comprehensive talent" program in Shandong aims to strengthen the local workforce in cultural heritage protection, with graduates required to work in designated positions for at least five years [7] - The admission scores for public-funded teacher training programs have reached new highs, indicating a shift in student preferences towards stable career paths [6][7]

Core Insights - Engineering majors dominate the list of popular fields for college admissions in 2025, with Electrical Engineering and Automation taking the top spot [1][2] - The trend of engineering majors being favored has significantly increased over the past decade, reflecting changes in job market demands and societal interests [4][6] Group 1: Popular Majors - The top ten most searched majors in 2025 are all engineering-related, with Electrical Engineering and Automation leading the list [2][3] - Other highly sought-after engineering majors include Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Automation, Computer Science and Technology, and Artificial Intelligence [3][4] Group 2: Historical Changes - In 2015, popular majors included fields like Literature, Law, and Economics, while engineering disciplines were not represented in the top ten [4][5] - By 2020, engineering majors began to dominate, with fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics gaining popularity [5][6] Group 3: Employment Trends - The choice of majors is influenced by employment prospects and personal interests, with engineering fields consistently showing high demand and job satisfaction over the past decade [6][7] - The "green card" majors, which indicate high employment satisfaction and demand, are predominantly engineering disciplines, although specific areas have shifted slightly [6][7]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that Shenzhen universities are increasingly attracting top students, with rising admission scores reflecting their growing appeal and competitiveness [1][2][4] - In the physics category, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Southern University of Science and Technology, and Shenzhen University of Technology ranked as the top three universities in Guangdong, with minimum admission scores of 662, 652, and 629 respectively [2][3] - Shenzhen's educational institutions are not only improving in quality but also expanding in number, with 17 universities now established in the city, including new programs in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity [4][5] Group 2 - The rise in admission scores indicates a significant improvement in the quality of education at Shenzhen universities, with several institutions achieving high rankings in national assessments [4][6] - Shenzhen's universities are adapting to industry needs, with a focus on practical training and collaboration with local high-tech enterprises, which enhances their attractiveness to students [6][7] - The city is also planning to expand its higher education landscape, with new projects aimed at enhancing the quality and diversity of academic offerings, thereby providing more opportunities for students [7]

Core Insights - Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) is expanding its undergraduate enrollment for 2025, with a total of 5,310 students planned, a slight increase from the previous year [3][22] - The university is enhancing its dual bachelor's degree programs, now offering 19 such programs aimed at cultivating interdisciplinary talents [4][6] - New programs in Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Management and Application, Bulgarian, and Swahili will be introduced for the first time in 2025 [7][9] Enrollment and Program Highlights - The enrollment plan includes 4,157 students for the Guangdong province, with specific allocations for rural and impoverished areas [3] - Popular majors such as Law, Chinese Language and Literature, Computer Science, and Mathematics are seeing significant increases in enrollment numbers [3][4] - The university is focusing on aligning its talent cultivation structure with national and regional development needs [3] Dual Bachelor's Degree Programs - GDUFS has established 10 new dual bachelor's degree programs, emphasizing the integration of language skills and professional knowledge [4][5] - The programs are designed to enhance students' cross-cultural communication and global competitiveness [4][6] New Majors and Curriculum Innovations - The introduction of the Artificial Intelligence major aims to develop high-quality talents with a strong foundation in AI technologies and interdisciplinary skills [7] - The Big Data Management and Application program will address the growing demand for data-related skills in the digital economy [8] - The Bulgarian and Swahili language programs are strategically aligned with China's Belt and Road Initiative, responding to the increasing need for language professionals [9] Internationalization and Global Opportunities - GDUFS has implemented various international exchange programs, including the "New Horizons" project for first-year students to study abroad [15][17] - The university has established partnerships with 511 institutions across 66 countries, enhancing its global academic network [17][22] - GDUFS has a strong track record of student placements in international organizations, with a notable increase in internship opportunities [20] Employment and Graduate Outcomes - The university's graduates have high employment rates, with many securing positions in government, multinational corporations, and prestigious universities [19] - The average salary for graduates has shown a consistent upward trend, indicating strong market demand for GDUFS alumni [19] - A significant percentage of graduates pursue further studies at top domestic and international institutions, showcasing the quality of education provided [19]

Core Insights - The report highlights the employment satisfaction of various undergraduate and vocational programs in China, indicating that artificial intelligence is the most sought-after major due to high salaries and job prospects, while automotive inspection and maintenance technology leads in vocational fields due to high employment demand [1][3]. Summary by Category Undergraduate Programs - Artificial intelligence has emerged as the top major, with average monthly salaries in first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen reaching approximately 18,000 yuan, while cities like Suzhou and Nanjing see around 14,000 yuan, and inland cities like Chengdu and Chongqing around 13,000 yuan [3]. - Since 2018, over 600 universities have introduced artificial intelligence programs, with record numbers of new approvals in 2024, reflecting the growing trend in this field [3]. - Employment satisfaction varies significantly across disciplines, with education and economics leading at an average score of 4.2, while humanities and law have lower satisfaction due to competitive job markets and lower salaries [5][6]. Vocational Programs - The automotive inspection and maintenance technology program stands out with high employment satisfaction, driven by the surge in China's vehicle ownership exceeding 300 million and a penetration rate of over 40% for new energy vehicles [3]. - Graduates can pursue traditional repair roles as well as emerging positions in new energy vehicle inspection and intelligent driving system maintenance, making them essential talents in both manufacturing and service sectors [3]. Institutional Impact - The level of the institution significantly affects employment satisfaction, with "Double First Class" universities showing higher satisfaction scores compared to non-"Double First Class" institutions [8]. - In vocational education, "Double High" colleges have a higher percentage of programs scoring above 4.5 compared to non-"Double High" colleges, attributed to advantages in faculty, industry partnerships, and employment resources [8]. - Notably, some ordinary institutions have produced "dark horse" programs that achieve high satisfaction scores, often linked to local industry needs and innovative educational models [8]. Future Outlook - Employment satisfaction serves as a barometer for the alignment between academic programs and industry needs, with the rise of fields like artificial intelligence and automotive technology reflecting shifts in talent demand due to technological advancements and industrial upgrades [10]. - The disparity between prestigious and ordinary institutions underscores the importance of resource allocation in shaping program reputation, suggesting that universities should optimize program offerings and strengthen industry collaborations to meet evolving production demands [10].

Group 1 - Westlake University is expanding its undergraduate enrollment to Henan Province for the first time, aiming to recruit 20 students in 2025 across eight cutting-edge majors [1] - The university emphasizes attracting students who are passionate about science and have innovative potential, with a focus on a high-start, small-scale, research-oriented model [1][2] - Each undergraduate student will be assigned an academic mentor, allowing them to participate in research projects from the moment they select their mentor [1] Group 2 - Shenzhen University of Technology is also initiating its recruitment in Henan Province, targeting students who have selected physics and chemistry as their subjects [3] - The university offers a unique "4+1" teaching model, where students will engage in research practice from their first year, facilitating their choice of major in the second year [4] - The institution aims to cultivate elite innovative talents through a specialized education track that includes academic, engineering, and entrepreneurial pathways [4]

Core Insights - The Ministry of Education announced the results of the 2024 undergraduate program approvals, revealing a significant restructuring in higher education with 1,839 new programs, 1,670 programs canceled, and 2,220 programs suspended [1][5][12]. Group 1: Professional Adjustments - The adjustments in higher education programs reflect a broader trend of reform, with traditional programs like civil engineering and public administration being phased out in favor of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and low-altitude technology [3][12]. - The Ministry's plan aims to optimize and adjust about 20% of higher education programs by 2025, indicating a systemic shift in educational focus [3][5]. - Notable universities like Shandong University and Sichuan University have also begun to eliminate numerous traditional programs, aligning with national policy changes [7][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The shift in program offerings is driven by industrial upgrades and changing talent demands, as China transitions from a manufacturing powerhouse to a stronghold in intelligent manufacturing [12][13]. - The job market's supply-demand imbalance has led to the elimination of programs with low employment rates, such as public administration, which has seen over a hundred programs canceled due to a lack of market demand [12][13]. - The rapid approval of new programs in fields like low-altitude technology and carbon neutrality reflects the government's response to emerging industries and technological advancements [13][14]. Group 3: Impact on Faculty - The cancellation of programs directly affects teaching positions, with faculty potentially facing reduced course loads and job security concerns [16][18]. - Universities are implementing measures to reassign faculty from canceled programs to related fields or administrative roles, but this transition may pose challenges for older faculty members [19][22]. - Continuous professional development and training opportunities are being offered to help faculty adapt to new teaching demands, emphasizing the need for flexibility and cross-disciplinary skills [24][26].