China to Introduce Mandatory AI Education in Schools from September 2025

Kazi Abul Monsur#

To spread a nationwide technological revolution, the Chinese government, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, is set to make Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based education mandatory in primary and secondary schools starting from September 1, 2025. Under this new initiative, students will receive at least eight hours of AI-focused education each year, covering both fundamental concepts and practical applications.

The primary goal of this policy is to positively engage children with technology and innovation from an early age. This marks a new era in China’s education system. According to the country’s Ministry of Education, primary-level schools will have the option to incorporate AI into their existing curriculum or introduce it as a separate, dedicated course. This will allow students to gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in AI through practical activities.

At the secondary level, students will learn about the real-life applications of AI, while in higher secondary levels, they will study advanced AI technologies and their innovative implementations in greater depth. Chinese Education Minister Huai Jinpeng stated that AI is not just a technology but a “transformative force” that could change the very nature of education. He further added that a white paper outlining China’s AI education strategy, policy guidelines, and long-term implementation plans will be published within 2025.

The Chinese government has already expanded AI education at the university level. Top institutions such as Tsinghua and Peking University have established AI departments and added 150 new seats dedicated to this field. In addition, interdisciplinary AI courses have been launched, integrating artificial intelligence with disciplines like humanities, medicine, and agriculture.

According to forecasts by U.S.-based consulting firm McKinsey & Company, China will need approximately 6 million skilled AI professionals by 2030 to meet the growing demand in its technology-driven industries and service sectors. To achieve this goal, China is revamping its entire education system, integrating AI education from the primary to tertiary levels to build a future-ready, tech-competent workforce.

Currently, 15 of China’s leading universities have jointly launched AI research programs, creating a strong bridge between primary, secondary, and higher education levels. Recently, China also passed a new law aimed at reducing academic pressure on students. However, despite the intent to ease student burdens, adding AI courses in schools might unintentionally increase the academic load.

Nevertheless, China’s Ministry of Education is already preparing a strategic plan to train teachers and ensure the technological infrastructure needed to implement AI education nationwide. Although technological limitations in rural areas may pose challenges to the nationwide rollout of AI curricula, the overall initiative is expected to significantly boost students’ abilities in higher education and research.

Experts believe this move will place China ahead in the global technology race. Moreover, this groundbreaking decision to integrate AI into early education could serve as a model for developing countries like ours, aiming to prepare future generations for the global challenges of the 21st century through innovation and technology.##