Overview of China's Student Physical Fitness Enhancement Plan in Higher Education

The Ministry of Education (MOE), alongside the National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and General Administration of Sport, issued the 'Opinions on Implementing the Student Physical Fitness Enhancement Plan' on November 19, 2025. This comprehensive policy outlines 20 targeted measures across eight key areas to bolster student physical health nationwide, with specific provisions for universities and colleges. In higher education, the focus is on enforcing mandatory physical education (PE) hours—144 for undergraduates and 108 for vocational students—while expanding diverse courses for third-year undergraduates and above, including graduates. Universities are tasked with organizing at least three weekly intense extracurricular activities to foster lifelong exercise habits.

This initiative aligns with China's broader 'Education Powerhouse' vision through 2035, aiming for a modern school sports system that integrates health into holistic student development. By 2027, universities should see marked improvements in physical fitness qualified and excellent rates, alongside higher graduate exercise adherence.

Key Measures Tailored for Universities and Colleges

The plan's higher education components emphasize structural reforms. Institutions must strictly adhere to PE credit minimums, revising teaching guidelines to promote progressive skill-building from basic fitness to specialized training. Diverse offerings, such as martial arts, team sports, and emerging activities like e-sports fitness hybrids, cater to varied interests.

• Weekly minimum three sessions of moderate-to-high intensity exercise, monitored via digital platforms.
• Development of 'new-type high-level university sports teams' blending competitive athletes with regular students for demonstration effects.
• Integration of PE into talent pipelines, easing transitions for elite athletes into professional leagues or advanced studies.

Additionally, the 'University Student Physical Fitness Enhancement Special Action' launches in spring 2026, requiring each university to devise a customized ('one school, one policy') implementation plan. This addresses sedentary lifestyles prevalent among college students amid heavy academic loads.

Addressing Critical Health Challenges in Chinese Universities

Chinese university students face escalating health issues, including myopia rates exceeding 80% and rising obesity—projected to hit 10% among youth by 2030—fueled by screen time and academic pressure. Physical inactivity risks are high, with studies identifying factors like poor campus environments and stress as contributors. National data shows overall student qualified fitness rates at 93.6% in 2025, up 8.2% since 2020, yet university-specific declines in endurance and flexibility persist due to urban campus constraints.

The plan mandates precise interventions, including digital health profiles combining exercise, nutrition, and hygiene data for personalized plans. This 'monitoring-intervention' loop aims to reverse trends, with universities piloting AI-driven fitness tracking.

University Implementations: Tsinghua and Peking University Leading the Way

Elite institutions are at the forefront. Tsinghua University hosted a 2025 national seminar on healthy school construction, sharing its 'Student Health Promotion Action Plan'—28 tasks across safe environments and sports integration. The university's model emphasizes 'sports + precise intervention,' boosting participation via clubs and events. Peking University, listed among inaugural national healthy schools, has expanded PE electives and high-level teams, aligning with the plan's demonstration goals.

Other examples include regional pilots: Beijing universities commit to 'one school one policy' enhancements, increasing exercise quotas and facility upgrades. For faculty jobs in sports education, explore opportunities at higher ed faculty positions to contribute to these reforms.

Vocational colleges focus on practical skills, like fitness coaching certifications, tying into national talent needs.

Building Robust PE Faculty and Infrastructure

A novel teaching force model positions full-time PE teachers as core, augmented by coaches and social partners. Universities must optimize staffing amid demographic shifts, with incentives like equal treatment in promotions and awards. Training via 'National Training Program' emphasizes digital tools and safety.

Funding supports expansions, with public facilities opening free to students post-class. For career advice on PE roles, check higher ed career advice.

Competition, Culture, and Evaluation Reforms

Universities will refine intramural leagues and national student games, fostering 'everyone has a project, every class competes.' Evaluation shifts to holistic metrics: fitness gains, skills, participation over rote tests. Digital monitoring ensures accountability, with certificates for graduates meeting standards.

Culturally, sports embody 'sunny, upward' ethos, with brand events building school spirit. Family-society synergies guide parental involvement in home exercises.

Expected Impacts and Future Outlook

By 2035, expect a transformed higher ed sports ecosystem, reducing health burdens and enhancing graduate employability. Early wins: 2025 qualified rates up, with 2026 action accelerating gains. Challenges like urban space limits spur innovations like VR training.

Stakeholders praise multi-department synergy for sustainability. For those eyeing China higher ed opportunities, this signals booming demand in sports academia.

Photo by Antonella Vilardo on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for University Administrators and Students

• Administrators: Prioritize 'one school one policy' by Q1 2026; audit facilities.
• Students: Join clubs early; track via apps for credits.
• Faculty: Leverage training for certifications; apply via university jobs.

Rate professors contributing to PE reforms on Rate My Professor. Explore higher ed jobs in sports education.