Live Consultations Kick Off Amid AI Major Surge in Beijing Universities

Beijing's higher education landscape is buzzing with excitement as universities gear up for the 2026 enrollment season. On February 26, 2026, the Beijing Education Commission and Beijing Education Examination Institute launched the '2026 Beijing Gaokao Live Consultation Program' under the 'Education Face-to-Face' banner. This initiative signals a major push in expanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related programs, responding to China's national drive for technological self-reliance.

Four prominent Beijing universities were the first to unveil their updated recruitment strategies, highlighting new majors in AI and Integrated Circuits (IC). This expansion aligns with broader efforts to cultivate top-tier talent in strategic fields like semiconductors and intelligent systems, amid soaring demand from industries such as tech giants and state-backed initiatives. For aspiring students, this means more opportunities to pursue cutting-edge degrees right in the capital.

Details of the 2026 Beijing Gaokao Live Consultation Program

The program runs from March 2 to mid-July 2026, broadcasting daily at 5:45 PM on multiple platforms including FM107.3 Beijing City Radio, Tingting FM, Beijing Time app, Weibo, Kuaishou, and Video Account. Recruitment officers and discipline leaders from universities will share insights on policies, program directions, and job outlooks.

In mid-April, a comprehensive booklet compiling information from over 100 universities recruiting in Beijing will be freely distributed to more than 20,000 candidates through district education commissions. This accessible format ensures high school students and parents can make informed choices. Early participants include Beijing Jiaotong University and others, setting the stage for nationwide institutions to join.

Students are encouraged to tune in for real-time Q&A sessions, which could prove pivotal in navigating the competitive Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) landscape. For those eyeing higher education careers, check out higher-ed-career-advice for preparation tips.

Beijing Jiaotong University's Strategic Expansions

Leading the charge, Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) plans a moderate increase in its overall enrollment while maintaining stability. Key additions include the Integrated Circuit Design and Integrated Systems major—a critical response to China's push for semiconductor independence—along with dual-degree projects. They've also introduced an AI micro-professional to bolster interdisciplinary skills.

These moves perfect BJTU's system for nurturing top innovative talent, optimizing policies like 'zero adjustment' and 'guaranteed major' to attract high-caliber applicants. The university's focus on low-altitude technology and engineering further underscores its alignment with emerging industries.BJTU Official Site

With Beijing's tech ecosystem booming, BJTU graduates often secure roles in rail tech and smart cities, blending traditional strengths with AI innovation.

Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications Enters Embodied AI

Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT) is ramping up its Beijing-specific enrollment and debuting the Embodied Intelligence major. Embodied Intelligence (具身智能) refers to AI systems integrated with physical robotics, enabling real-world interactions like autonomous drones or humanoid robots. This program positions BUPT at the forefront of robotics and telecom-AI fusion.

BUPT's expansion reflects the growing need for talent in 5G-enabled AI applications. Explore related opportunities at research-jobs.

Vocational and Specialized Programs at Beijing Science and Technology Vocational University

As Beijing's first municipal public vocational undergraduate institution, Beijing Science and Technology Vocational University is significantly expanding enrollment. New majors target AI, new energy, and next-generation information technology, with deepened school-enterprise 'order classes' ensuring direct pathways to jobs.

This practical approach addresses skill gaps in strategic emerging industries, offering students hands-on training from day one. Such programs are ideal for those seeking faster entry into the workforce via higher-ed-jobs.

China University of Political Science and Law's National Strategy Focus

China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) introduces its first Sino-foreign cooperative programs, alongside experimental and joint training classes. These cater to foreign-related rule-of-law talent, intersecting AI ethics and legal tech—vital for regulating intelligent systems.

CUPL's initiatives blend law with tech, preparing graduates for policy roles in AI governance.

Photo by P C on Unsplash

National Policy Drivers Behind the AI and IC Expansion

China's 'Made in China 2025' and 14th Five-Year Plan prioritize AI and IC to counter tech restrictions. By September 2025, Beijing added 220 majors in AI, quantum, and related fields. Nationally, top universities like Tsinghua and Peking expanded AI enrollments by 150 spots in 2025, a trend continuing into 2026.

The Strong Base Plan (强基计划) now includes AI and IC, selecting top Gaokao scorers for specialized tracks. This talent pipeline supports goals like training 5 million AI professionals by 2030.

Understanding New Majors: AI and Integrated Circuits Defined

Artificial Intelligence (AI), or Artificial Intelligence (人工智能), encompasses machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. Beijing's new programs emphasize practical applications like embodied AI, where algorithms control physical entities step-by-step: data collection, model training, deployment, and iteration.

Integrated Circuits (IC), or 集成电路, are microchips powering everything from smartphones to EVs. Design involves VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration): schematic creation, simulation, fabrication, testing. Beijing's focus addresses the 'chip chokehold', with programs covering analog/digital design and systems-on-chip.

These majors require strong math/physics foundations; cultural context: Gaokao physics/chemistry scores key for IC.

Navigating Admissions: Gaokao, Strong Base, and Tips

2026 Gaokao uses '3+1+2' in Beijing: core subjects plus physics/chemistry/history electives. AI/IC favor physics track. Strong Base Plan targets top 0.5% scorers for elite tracks.

• Monitor live consultations for policy updates.
• Prepare portfolios for comprehensive evaluation.
• Aim for 650+ total score for top programs.

Visit sat-score-calculator analog for Gaokao predictors; rate professors at rate-my-professor.

Career Prospects: High Demand and Salaries

AI/IC grads earn 200k-500k RMB starting, with Huawei, ByteDance hiring aggressively. Projections: 1 million IC talents needed by 2030. Case: 2025 BUPT AI grads 98% employed in tech hubs.

Stakeholders: Enterprises praise skill alignment; experts warn over-expansion risks. Solutions: industry internships mandatory.

Challenges, Solutions, and Future Outlook

Challenges: Intense competition, faculty shortages. Solutions: University labs open to K-12, AI general courses upgraded. Outlook: Beijing to lead '15th Plan' with more AI platforms.

• Benefits: Accelerated innovation.
• Risks: Talent mismatch if not practical.

Actionable Insights for Aspiring Students

Step-by-step: 1) Strengthen STEM via Olympiads. 2) Attend lives March 2+. 3) Build projects (e.g., GitHub AI models). 4) Seek scholarships. Explore jobs at higher-ed-jobs/faculty post-grad.

Internal: China higher ed resources.

Photo by Bangyu Wang on Unsplash

Wrapping Up: Seize Beijing's AI Boom

Beijing's 2026 AI expansions herald a golden era for tech aspirants. Stay engaged via lives, leverage new majors. For career advice, visit rate-my-professor, higher-ed-jobs, higher-ed-career-advice, university-jobs. Post a job at post-a-job.