China cuts 12,000 university majors as AI reshapes higher education

China's Ministry of Education announced the elimination of about 12,000 university degree programs, roughly one‑third of the nation's offerings. The cuts target majors in the arts, humanities and languages, which officials label as “obsolete” or “oversaturated.” In their place, more than 10,200 new programs centered on cutting‑edge technology are being introduced to align graduates with the country's economic development goals. The restructuring has already affected institutions such as Shanghai University of Science and Technology, which dropped its product‑design program.

The reforms come amid a sharp decline in entry‑level job vacancies, with Hong Kong reporting a 55% drop in new positions for recent graduates this year. Commentators warn that AI is automating routine tasks, reducing the need for large numbers of young workers and prompting universities to shift focus toward technical skills. A broader analysis underscores that while AI can process information rapidly, uniquely human qualities—curiosity, social intelligence and the ability to ask novel questions—remain essential for future innovation and employment.