Proposals from China's 2026 Two Sessions Signal Major Shift in University Discipline Landscape

During China's pivotal 2026 National People's Congress (NPC) and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), known as the Two Sessions, high-profile figures spotlighted the urgent need for higher education reform. Proposals to establish new first-level disciplines—'Intelligent Electric Vehicles' as an interdisciplinary field and 'Rehabilitation Medicine' as a standalone discipline—highlighted the growing misalignment between university curricula and national strategic priorities. These suggestions, from industry titans Li Shufu of Geely and Lei Jun of Xiaomi, alongside academician Zhang Boli, underscore China's push to cultivate composite talents amid booming new energy vehicle (NEV) sectors and an aging population crisis.

The Two Sessions serve as a key platform for policy influence, where delegates submit proposals that often shape future legislative and educational agendas. This year's focus on discipline transformation aligns with the Central Education Work Leading Group's 'Higher Education Discipline and Professional Setting Adjustment and Optimization Action Plan (2025-2027),' which emphasizes super-normal layout of urgent disciplines and incubation of emerging interdisciplinary ones.

China's Ongoing University Discipline Overhaul: Context and Drivers

Chinese higher education is undergoing a profound restructuring to align with 'new quality productive forces'—a term emphasizing high-tech, green innovation. The Ministry of Education's latest plan mandates optimizing over 10,000 undergraduate majors by 2027, cutting obsolete ones and accelerating approvals for strategic fields like AI, quantum tech, and advanced manufacturing. Interdisciplinary disciplines are a priority, with the 2021 addition of a 'Cross-Disciplinary' category (code 14) setting precedents like Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering.

Universities are responding: Multiple 985 institutions are slashing traditional majors while piloting NEV and health-related programs. For instance, Tsinghua University and Tongji University have integrated smart vehicle modules into vehicle engineering, but lack dedicated first-level status hampers funding, research autonomy, and talent pipelines. Graduate catalogs adjust every four years, with 2027 poised for major updates.

• Key Drivers: NEV sales surged 35% in 2025 to over 55% penetration; rehab demand from 300M+ seniors projected to 400M by 2035.
• Talent Gaps: NEV composite skills short by 1M+; rehab professionals per capita ~1/50th of US levels.
• Gov't Push: 'Double First-Class' initiative prioritizes industry-aligned disciplines.

This reform aims to bridge academia-industry chasms, fostering 'talent chains' for strategic sectors. Explore higher ed jobs in emerging fields as China ramps up.

The NEV Boom: Why 'Intelligent Electric Vehicles' Discipline is Critical

China dominates global NEVs, with 2025 production exceeding 10M units and exports leading. Yet, the sector faces a 'million-talent gap' in interdisciplinary experts blending mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, AI, software, and systems integration. Traditional silos fail to produce 'T-shaped' talents needed for L3/L4 autonomous driving, battery management, and V2X connectivity.

Current programs like Tongji's 'Intelligent Transportation and Vehicles' or Tsinghua's Vehicle and Mobility School offer modules, but fragmented under vehicle engineering (0802). A dedicated first-level discipline would enable standalone PhD tracks, national funding, and standardized curricula.

Li Shufu's Vision: Geely Chairman's Call for Systemic Change

Geely's Li Shufu proposed formalizing 'Intelligent Electric Vehicles' in the 2027 graduate directory. 'Traditional disciplines can't cover cross-field innovations; re-cultivation costs are huge,' he noted. Suggestions include:

• Defining core courses: Vehicle dynamics, AI control, power electronics, cyber-physical systems.
• Industry co-build: Joint labs, 'dual mentors' (academic + enterprise).
• Policy support: Incentives for enterprises in curriculum design.

Li's proposal echoes Geely's Lynk & Co SEA models, emphasizing practical fusion to boost China's NEV edge.

Lei Jun Echoes: Xiaomi CEO's Emphasis on Practical Fusion

Likewise, Xiaomi's Lei Jun urged restructuring knowledge systems via the new discipline, with 'dual-mentor' and 'battlefield' training. 'From single-discipline to composite-system integration,' he stressed, targeting L4 autonomy and Robotaxi. Five suggestions include policy for auto alliances in education.

Synergy between Li and Lei amplifies urgency, potentially fast-tracking approval like past NEV incentives.

Check academic CV tips for NEV research roles.

Zhang Boli's Push: Rehabilitation Medicine Amid Aging Crisis

Tianjin TCM University's Zhang Boli advocated elevating Rehabilitation Medicine to first-level status. Currently splintered (clinical med secondary, TCM variants directory-external), it lacks autonomy. 'Huge social demand, mature ecosystem—ripe for independence,' Zhang argued.

China's rehab market lags: Per capita spend 25 RMB vs. US $130. 78% seniors have chronic diseases; 36M disabled need services. Post-COVID, demand spiked 30%.

Rehab Landscape: Fragmented Programs and Growing Demand

210+ unis offer rehab-related undergrads, mostly therapy-focused. Master's/PhDs under clinical/TCM. No unified framework stifles R&D in neuro-modulation, digital rehab. Zhang urges national consortium for declaration, mirroring international models (e.g., US Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation).

• Stats: 15.6% population 65+ (2024); chronic rehab needs for 253M seniors by 2050.
• Gaps: Instruments lag; talent from cross-training abroad.

Link to China higher ed opportunities.

University Responses and Implementation Pathways

985s like Tsinghua pilot NEV tracks; rehab at Capital Med Uni. Post-proposal, expect rapid approvals via 'super layout.' Past Two Sessions successes: AI disciplines post-2023. Unis must form alliances, e.g., auto hubs in Changchun/Shanghai, rehab in Beijing/Tianjin.

Challenges: Faculty shortages, infrastructure. Solutions: 'Double First-Class' funding, enterprise donations.

Implications: Careers, Innovation, and Global Competitiveness

New disciplines promise booming jobs: NEV engineers avg. 200K RMB start; rehab specialists 150K+. Students gain edge in 'talent wars.' Boosts R&D: China NEV patents lead world; rehab tech like exoskeletons advance.

For unis: Enhanced rankings, funding. Broader: Supports 'Health China 2030,' carbon neutrality.

Photo by Zhu Edward on Unsplash

Future Outlook: 2027 Catalog and Beyond

With Two Sessions momentum, 2027 directory likely incorporates these. Past adoption rate ~70% for edu proposals. Unis prepare: Curricula pilots, partnerships. Students: Eye NEV/rehab for high-demand careers. Faculty: Interdisciplinary collab key.

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