The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has announced it will add 100 undergraduate admission slots, all assigned to foundational disciplines and emerging engineering fields.

This decision is part of a broader initiative by the Chinese government aimed at enhancing undergraduate education quality and expanding enrollment within the higher education system.

Wang Haobo, head of USTC's recruitment office, stated that this expansion aligns with national policies designed to reform higher education, which includes a government target to add a total of 20,000 slots across various institutions.

The strategy focuses on fostering institutions recognized under the 'Double First-Class' initiative, which aims to elevate the standards of Chinese universities.

The newly allocated slots at USTC are intended to support the cultivation of future professionals equipped with strong foundational knowledge, diverse perspectives, and significant development potential.

In tandem with the additional slots, the USTC has introduced a range of new majors that cater to high-demand sectors, emphasizing advancements in engineering technologies and health sciences.

Notably, for the first time, USTC will enroll students specifically for the quantum information science major through the national college entrance examination, known as the Gaokao.

Additionally, the university will independently enroll students in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and has established a dedicated school of AI and data science to train innovative professionals aligned with academic and industry needs.

This move follows the government's encouragement for the 'AI+' initiative, which emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and positions AI as a critical area for future development.

In March, several leading universities, including Peking University and Tsinghua University, announced similar measures to increase their undergraduate admissions, with a clear focus on national strategic interests and emerging fields.

Peking University revealed plans to augment its intake by 150 students in 2025, while Tsinghua University will add around 150 slots and inaugurate a new general education college aimed at nurturing interdisciplinary talents in AI and related domains.

As the world’s largest higher education system, China continues to face challenges in cultivating top-tier innovators and meeting global standards in education quality.

Wang Peng, a research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, noted that despite the extensive expansion of higher education, there remains a notable gap in developing high-end, innovative talent, especially as the demand for skilled professionals accelerates amid rapid technological advancements, particularly in AI.