Alvaro Abril. Coordinador de Comunicaciones. Unisabaneta
The vast majority of top-tier universities in China have incorporated Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a fundamental skill. In many instances, this includes mandatory courses, and some institutions have even developed their own AI models operating on campus servers.
AI Adoption Flourishes in Chinese Universities
On many Chinese university campuses, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a matter of debate—it’s actively implemented. A survey by the MyCOS institute reveals a striking trend: only 1% of faculty and students reported not using generative AI tools. The remaining 99% are actively using them, with nearly 60% reporting frequent use.
This marks a significant shift from just two years ago, when accessing tools like ChatGPT often required using mirror sites or VPNs. Today, the dynamic has reversed, with universities actively encouraging and promoting the use of AI.
China’s Swift, Strategic AI Integration in Higher Education
As MIT Technology Review highlights, China’s move to integrate AI has been both rapid and intentional. For instance, Zhejiang University made an introductory AI course compulsory for all students starting in 2024. Other prominent institutions, including Fudan, Renmin, and Nanjing Universities, have launched interdisciplinary AI courses, extending beyond traditional computer science and engineering programs.
Beijing Leads the Way in AI Development
The emphasis is on discerning use, with universities providing internal guidelines, concrete examples, and recommendations on when generative models are appropriate and when human judgment must take precedence. Interacting with AI is now viewed as a crucial skill, akin to other forms of technical literacy. McKinsey estimates that China will require 6 million AI-proficient professionals by 2030, underscoring the nation’s ambitious push in this field.
Chinese Universities Cultivate Homegrown AI Alternatives
Several Chinese universities are actively developing curricula focused on domestic alternatives to ChatGPT. Institutions like Shenzhen and Zhejiang have launched educational programs centered around DeepSeek, an AI model aiming to become a national leader in generative AI. Others are already training students in the use of Doubao, Baidu’s chatbot, which is gaining widespread adoption in academic settings.
National AI Guidelines and Local Implementation
In April 2025, China’s Ministry of Education released national AI guidelines for primary and secondary schools. These guidelines emphasize fostering critical thinking, digital fluency, and practical AI applications at these educational levels.
Beijing has taken an even more proactive approach, making AI education mandatory in all schools across the city, from primary to high school. For universities, these national recommendations have translated into each institution creating its own unique AI programs, including new courses and internal regulations.
Spain Joins the AI Shift
Spain is also transitioning from discussion to implementation. Universities across the country are launching new AI-focused degree programs and introducing AI-powered tutors that guide students’ learning without simply providing answers. The overarching goal is to equip future professionals with the skills to work effectively with AI while maintaining their critical thinking abilities.
Western AI Adoption: Widespread Use, Varying Regulations
While AI use is widespread in other Western countries, formal guidelines are often less prevalent.
- In the United Kingdom, 92% of university students leverage generative AI for their studies, yet only a third have received formal training on its use.
- In the United States, 63% of R1 universities encourage AI use, but a mere 41% have active institutional guidelines. A report by Tyton Partners indicated that only 28% of institutions had a formal AI policy by Spring 2025.
Let’s delve a bit deeper:
- United States: Ohio University has made AI training mandatory for all first-year students. In California, initiatives like ChatGPT Edu are making free access to generative models available to public universities.
- Europe: The European Commission is promoting its Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027, which includes ethical guidelines and teacher training. Universities such as Maastricht, Gothenburg, and Edinburgh have adopted their own frameworks. Networks like YERUN and the EUA are actively working to harmonize criteria and share best practices.
Currently, decisions largely remain decentralized, resting with individual institutions, faculties, and often even specific professors. This flexible approach offers both advantages and disadvantages when compared to China’s more structured model.