China mandates AI education in schools from 2025

In a significant move to bolster its position in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, Beijing has mandated AI education across primary and secondary schools. Starting from the upcoming fall semester on September 1, 2025, students will receive a minimum of eight hours of AI instruction per academic year.

Schools have the flexibility to integrate AI courses into existing curricula or offer them as standalone subjects. For younger students at elementary levels, the focus will be on hands-on activities to introduce foundational AI concepts. Middle school students will explore practical applications of AI in daily life, while high school curricula will emphasise advanced AI applications and innovation.

This educational reform aligns with China's ambition to become a global leader in AI technology. By embedding AI education early, the initiative aims to cultivate a generation proficient in AI, thereby strengthening the nation's innovative capabilities.

China’s Minister of Education, Huai Jinpeng, emphasised that AI is driving a technological revolution that presents significant educational



opportunities. Speaking on the sidelines of the annual session of the national legislature, Huai announced that China will release a white paper on AI education in 2025. This document is expected to outline strategic policies, goals, and methodologies for AI integration into the education system.

Beijing's decision mirrors global trends in AI education. For instance, California has enacted laws to incorporate AI literacy into school curricula, and Italy is experimenting with AI tools in classrooms to enhance digital skills. Countries worldwide are recognising the importance of AI education and making efforts to integrate it into their academic frameworks.

By integrating AI education into the foundational stages of learning, Beijing is proactively preparing its youth for a future where AI plays a pivotal role across various sectors.

This initiative not only underscores the importance of technological literacy but also positions China strategically in the rapidly evolving AI industry. The release of the upcoming white paper in 2025 will provide further clarity on how China plans to lead the AI education revolution.