China is poised to launch the third iteration of its ambitious ‘Double World-Class’ initiative in 2026, representing a significant evolution in the nation’s higher education strategy. This comprehensive program aims to cultivate world-class universities and academic disciplines that directly serve national strategic objectives and regional development priorities.
The initiative, operating on five-year cycles with competitive selection mechanisms, completed its inaugural phase (2016-2020) with 137 participating institutions. The subsequent round expanded to 147 universities while eliminating the previous distinction between ‘world-class universities’ and ‘world-class disciplines’—a strategic move to reduce institutional hierarchy.
According to education policy experts, the third phase introduces several critical innovations. Professor Gao Hang, Vice-Dean of Renmin University’s School of Education, emphasizes that this round will strengthen connections between academic institutions and industrial innovation ecosystems. ‘The fundamental objective is transforming universities into active contributors to national economic and technological advancement,’ Gao stated.
The Ministry of Education reports that ‘Double World-Class’ institutions already produce over 50% of China’s master’s graduates, 80% of doctoral graduates, and 90% of urgently needed high-level professionals. The new phase will address previous challenges including excessive competition and talent poaching while providing additional support to populous provinces and central/western regions.
Policy researchers Lan Wenting and Wu Ni from the China National Academy of Educational Sciences note that universities will be categorized into three distinct types: research-intensive, application-oriented, and vocational institutions. This classification system enables specialized development according to national requirements, with research universities focusing on breakthrough innovation, applied universities strengthening industry collaboration, and vocational institutions developing skilled professionals.
The selection process is expected to include more specialized institutions in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and emerging technologies. The dynamic adjustment mechanism will continue, maintaining quality control through performance-based warnings and removals, though experts anticipate limited exclusions in the upcoming cycle.
Scheduled for official release in 2027, the third-round list is expected to feature strategic expansion in fields critical to national security and technological independence, particularly emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging academic domains.