Tsinghua expands admissions to nurture AI professionals

Tsinghua University, one of China's top universities, will increase its undergraduate admissions by approximately 150 students in 2025, as it doubles down on efforts to cultivate interdisciplinary talents with a foundation in artificial intelligence.

The university recently announced plans to establish a new undergraduate college of general studies, where the additional students will enroll.

Emphasizing the role of AI as a driving force in education, research and innovation, the new college will pool Tsinghua's academic resources across various disciplines, integrate AI with multiple fields and explore AI-enabled educational paradigms.

The aim, according to the university, is to nurture interdisciplinary talents with a robust foundation in AI, mastery of AI technologies and exceptional innovative capabilities.

In support of these efforts, Tsinghua University will enhance its talent cultivation system, strengthen its teaching workforce and optimize the allocation of teaching resources.

According to Xinhua News Agency, these measures are part of Tsinghua University's broader initiative to advance the cultivation of AI-related professionals, aiming to provide robust talent support for the country's high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-strengthening.

A spokesperson from the university's academic affairs office noted that 117 courses and 147 classes at the university have already piloted AI-empowered teaching and learning, with various applications such as intelligent teaching assistants, lesson preparation aids and intelligent grading systems being developed.

Additionally, students are equipped with AI learning assistants that are continuously upgraded to create a personalized learning environment.

Tsinghua University is also developing minors and credential programs in AI, including the introduction of 38 AI-related general education courses, to help students better understand and master AI-related knowledge.

Xu Nuo contributed to this story.