Chinese Universities Embrace AI Integration, Encouraging Students to Harness Technology
In a significant shift from many Western educational institutions often cautious or conflicted about artificial intelligence (AI), top universities across China are actively encouraging their students to utilize AI tools as an integral part of learning. This approach, rooted in a cultural and governmental embrace of technology as a driver of national progress, marks a growing AI revolution within Chinese higher education.
From Caution to Encouragement
Only a few years ago, AI usage among Chinese students faced restrictions and skepticism. For example, Lorraine He, a 24-year-old law student, recalls that when she first entered university, AI tools like ChatGPT were blocked nationally and only accessible through unofficial mirror sites, often considered taboo or at best tolerated. Professors typically cautioned against AI use for assignments.
Today, the attitude has dramatically transformed. Educators no longer discourage students from using AI; instead, they promote its responsible and effective usage. AI is viewed not as a threat to academic integrity but as a critical skill to be mastered. According to a survey by the Mycos Institute, a Chinese higher-education research group, AI tool usage is nearly universal on campuses — only 1% of faculty and students reported never using AI, while nearly 60% engage with these tools frequently.
AI as a Learning Partner
Professors like Liu Bingyu at China University of Political Science and Law describe AI as multifunctional, serving as “instructor, brainstorm partner, secretary, and devil’s advocate.” Liu has integrated a dedicated session on AI guidelines into her lectures following university policy encouraging “responsible and confident” AI use. She urges students to use generative AI for tasks such as writing literature reviews, drafting abstracts, creating charts, and organizing ideas.
Liu emphasizes that AI outputs depend heavily on high-quality input and smart prompting, and importantly, AI cannot replace human judgment. “The ability to interact with machines is one of the most important skills in today’s world,” she tells students. This openness contrasts with the often secretive or restrictive environment in many Western institutions.
Institutional and Government Support
This shift is not limited to isolated professors but is part of a broader educational transformation. MIT Technology Review’s analysis of 46 leading Chinese universities found widespread adoption of interdisciplinary AI general-education courses, AI literacy modules, and new degree programs incorporating AI education beyond traditional computer science departments.
Premier institutions like Tsinghua University are establishing undergraduate colleges dedicated to combining AI studies with fields such as biology, healthcare, and humanities, while universities like Renmin, Nanjing, Fudan, and Zhejiang offer AI courses accessible to all students. Starting in 2024, Zhejiang University plans to make an introductory AI course mandatory for all undergraduates.
This rapid educational expansion aligns with policy directives from the Chinese government. In April 2025, the Ministry of Education issued national guidelines mandating comprehensive “AI+ education” reforms designed to promote critical thinking, digital fluency, and real-world skills from K-12 through higher education. Beijing’s municipal government has also mandated AI education across all city schools.
Local AI Platforms and Accessibility
With Western AI platforms like ChatGPT often restricted, many Chinese universities deploy domestic AI models such as DeepSeek on campus servers, offering more extensive functionality tailored for educational use. These “full-blood versions” provide longer contexts, unlimited dialogue, and broad capabilities, free to students via their university credentials, ensuring equitable access.
The Chinese adoption of AI echoes Western trends, where companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have launched campus-focused offerings. However, in China, universities themselves typically lead AI deployment initiatives rather than relying on commercial providers.
Addressing Digital Literacy Gaps and Ethical Concerns
Experts stress the importance of formal AI literacy education to reduce disparities in access and proficiency. As Fang Kecheng, a communications professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, notes, “There’s a big gap in digital literacy” that effective education can help bridge.
Despite institutional support, students often experience anxiety about using AI ethically and effectively. Reports indicate the rise of an informal market where students pay third parties to “AI-detection-proof” their work, illustrating confusion and stress around policies and ethical boundaries.
Students express appreciation when professors provide clear, practical guidance rather than mere prohibitions. For many, AI proficiency is not just a study aid but an essential skill for employment. A 2025 report by Chinese media outlet YiCai found that 80% of job listings for fresh graduates identified AI-related skills as desirable, underscoring AI’s significance in a competitive job market.
A National and Cultural Embrace of AI
China leads global enthusiasm for AI, with approximately 80% of Chinese respondents reportedly excited about new AI services compared to 35% in the United States and 38% in the United Kingdom, according to research from Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence.
Fang Kecheng attributes this to a longstanding belief in technology as a cornerstone of national progress, dating back to initiatives championed by Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s emphasizing science and technology as key productive forces.
Looking Forward: Rethinking Originality and Education
As AI reshapes education, researchers like Meifang Zhuo from Warwick University argue the focus should shift from restricting AI to guiding students in harnessing it for effective learning and higher-order thinking. “We need to rethink what is considered ‘original work’ in the age of AI,” Zhuo emphasizes, highlighting universities as central to evolving this critical conversation.
With sweeping reforms, cultural acceptance, and government backing, Chinese universities are not merely adapting to AI but actively integrating it as a tool to empower students and maintain global competitiveness in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
