Chinese universities are massively revising their list of degree programs: enrollment in humanities, language, and creative fields is being cut, while new specialties related to AI are being launched instead. In 2021–2025, more than 12,200 bachelor's programs have already been closed/suspended, and about 10,200 new ones have been launched.
Universities are abandoning translator preparation
A telling example is the Central Academy of Fine Arts, where officials decided to abandon translator preparation programs: staff concluded that such specialties no longer provide graduates with sufficient demand on the job market. The cuts also affect other language programs. A survey of 70 Chinese universities found that five translation programs were cut, eight in Japanese, and five in German. However, experts note that language and translation education gives students more than just professional skills: it also helps develop an understanding of communication principles, critical thinking, and the ability to develop one's own style.
Priority areas — microelectronics, robotics, and AI
The changes at universities are taking place against the backdrop of a state campaign to redirect students toward industries considered strategically important for China's economy. These include microelectronics, robotics, and artificial intelligence. At the same time, hybrid educational programs are emerging in which humanities/arts studying is combined with learning AI tools. This approach, according to experts' reasoning, should help graduates adapt to changes in the job market.
One recent example is the prompt engineer working with scripts for neural networks: they can bring in AI to develop characters, scenes, and plot twists.
China's university system is gradually moving toward a model in which traditional specialties give way to programs focused on human-AI interaction. Requirements for specialists are changing even in creative and humanities fields — even here, the ability to work together with automated systems is playing an ever-greater role, not just talent and inventiveness.
