On March 19, 2026, the Central Education Work Leading Group Secretariat and the Ministry of Education (MOE) Party Group convened a significant symposium in Beijing to commemorate the first anniversary of the comprehensive reform pilots under the Three-Year Action Plan for Building a Strong Education Nation (2025-2027). This gathering, presided over by Vice Minister Wang Guangyan and addressed by Minister Huai Jinpeng, underscored the progress made in deepening education reforms amid China's ambitious push to become an education powerhouse by 2035.

The event highlighted how these pilots—launched in two batches comprising six categories and 41 tasks—have covered all provinces and key universities, driving multi-point breakthroughs and innovative practices. For higher education institutions, the focus has been on classified reforms to optimize university layouts, advance 'Double First-Class' initiatives, and foster top-tier innovative talent.

Background of the Three-Year Action Plan

The Three-Year Action Plan serves as the immediate implementation framework for the Education Powerhouse Construction Outline (2024-2035), issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. Aimed at transitioning China from an education giant to a powerhouse, it addresses key challenges like technological revolutions, demographic shifts, and global competition. By 2027, the plan targets significant advancements in education quality, with higher education playing a pivotal role in integrating education, science, technology, and talent development.

In higher education, specific tasks include accelerating the construction of world-class universities and disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary national centers, and reforming mechanisms for discipline and professional adjustments. These efforts seek to align talent cultivation with national strategic needs, such as advanced manufacturing, AI, and new materials, breaking down silos between disciplines and industry.

Key Highlights from Minister Huai Jinpeng's Speech

Minister Huai Jinpeng emphasized the '15th Five-Year Plan' as a critical period for consolidating foundations. He called for a correct view of political achievements, prioritizing moral education (Lide Shuren), and addressing public concerns like resource allocation and AI integration across education levels. For universities, he stressed classified reforms to refine structures, deepen 'Double First-Class' efforts, and ensure talent matches socioeconomic demands.

"Accelerate the adjustment and optimization of university disciplines and majors, deepen reforms in mechanisms for cultivating top innovative talents in key fields," Huai stated, urging breakthroughs in disciplinary and industry-academia barriers to transform research into productivity.

One-Year Achievements in Higher Education Pilots

Over the past year, pilots have yielded phased successes. In January 2026, MOE announced the first batch of 39 higher education comprehensive reform pilot universities, including elite institutions like Peking University, Tsinghua University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Dalian University of Technology. These pilots explore new talent models, such as interdisciplinary courses and industry collaborations.

For instance, Northwestern Polytechnical University pioneered 44 foundational interdisciplinary courses powered by AI, involving over 100 top faculty, including academicians. Harbin Engineering University focused on engineering elites for deep-sea and polar exploration. These cases demonstrate how pilots are enhancing innovation ecosystems and aligning curricula with national priorities like food security and ecological civilization.

Statistics show expanded enrollment in strategic majors, with 'Double First-Class' universities reporting increased high-level talent output and tech transfers supporting regional industries.

Specific Reforms Targeting Universities and Colleges

Classified reforms distinguish research-oriented, application-oriented, and skills-based institutions. Research universities like Tsinghua are advancing national interdisciplinary centers, while application-focused colleges like Dongguan University of Technology emphasize 'medicine + X' composites and project-based learning. Reforms include:

• Dynamic discipline adjustments based on tech and strategic needs.
• Personalized 'one-student-one-plan' cultivation for top talents.
• AI-empowered teaching and 'great ideological-political courses' integration.
• Industry-education fusion via case libraries and enterprise mentorships.

These steps aim to boost graduate employability in key sectors, with pilots like Shantou University's CDIO-OBE model promoting international benchmarks.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Case Studies

Provincial leaders and university heads from 36 regions shared experiences. Heilongjiang's four pilots (HIT, Harbin Engineering, etc.) focus on northern opening strategies, building 'build-base-excel-practice-industry-leap' cycles. Henan University, a 'non-Ministry' standout, tripled high-level talents via '2+2+N' models.

Wenzhou Medical University achieved full national top professional coverage and multiple teaching awards, exemplifying medicine reforms. These cases illustrate balanced multi-perspective progress, from elite to regional colleges.

Challenges and Proposed Solutions

Challenges include demographic declines, intense competition, and barrier-breaking needs. Solutions: Strengthen Party leadership, enhance monitoring, coordinate reform-security, and scale successes into policies. Universities must innovate governance, like data-driven teaching at pilots, to ensure sustainability.

Implications for Talent Cultivation and Jobs

Reforms prioritize top talents in AI, semiconductors, biotech—fields with surging demand. Graduates from pilots gain edges in employability, with mechanisms linking curricula to industries. This bodes well for China's innovation system, creating opportunities in research, faculty, and admin roles.

Photo by Rubina Ajdary on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

Next phases expand pilots, institutionalizing gains for '15th Five-Year' leap. Universities should invest in AI tools, interdisciplinary teams, and partnerships. For educators/students: Monitor MOE updates, pursue pilot programs, leverage 'Double First-Class' for careers. By 2027, expect 20%+ rise in strategic major outputs, positioning China as global education leader.