- Over 120 Chinese universities are launching new degrees in low-altitude technology to support the $210 billion drone economy.
- The sector is projected to double to CNY3.5 trillion by 2035, but faces a talent gap of over one million workers.
- China is phasing out outdated majors and aligning education with national priorities like drones, cybersecurity, and clean energy.
Chinese universities are stepping up efforts to train talent for the country’s fast-growing low-altitude economy, valued at CNY1.5 trillion (USD210 billion). The Ministry of Education announced on Aug. 14 that more than 120 universities will launch new specialized degrees this year to plug a looming workforce gap that could exceed one million people in the coming years.
Leading institutions such as Beihang University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, South China University of Technology, and Northwestern Polytechnical University are among those introducing new programs in low-altitude technology and engineering.
The low-altitude economy includes manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, covering research, manufacturing, operations, and infrastructure. According to the Civil Aviation Administration, the sector is expected to more than double in value to CNY3.5 trillion by 2035. Already, China has over 20,000 companies active in the drone industry.
Advances in 5G and artificial intelligence are driving the widespread use of drones in industries ranging from logistics to agriculture, said Yang Jincai, president of the Shenzhen Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Industry Association, in a recent interview with CCTV Finance. He added that the lack of skilled workers could soon become one of the biggest challenges for the sector.
The new education strategy goes beyond aviation. This year, 56 universities will also introduce degree programs in cyberspace security, while 42 universities will add majors in sports training, reflecting how institutions are adapting to market demand.
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At the same time, hundreds of universities are phasing out courses such as information management, information systems, and public administration. The ministry said these programs have weak job prospects and do not match the changing needs of society or the positioning of institutions.
According to Ding Changfa, associate professor at Xiamen University’s Department of Economics, universities must constantly align their offerings with China’s long-term development priorities. By channeling resources into critical sectors, he said, universities not only improve education quality but also ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals to support economic growth.
