China Mandates AI Classes for All Schoolchildren Starting September

Starting 1 September, China requires artificial intelligence (AI) education across all primary and secondary schools, marking the most comprehensive national rollout of AI instruction to date.

The Ministry of Education formally announced the policy on 12 May, issuing two new sets of guidelines designed to embed AI literacy into the national curriculum and regulate how generative AI is used in classrooms.

AI as Core Curriculum

Under the new directive, students from the age of six are receiving a minimum of eight hours of AI education annually. The syllabus is structured around a progressive, age-appropriate framework. Younger pupils are exploring basic concepts like pattern recognition and simple machine behavior, while older students will tackle robotics, machine learning, and real-world AI applications.

Authorities will integrate AI lessons into existing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects or deliver them as standalone modules. Schools will have flexibility in implementation but must follow a centrally designed curriculum that prioritizes technical literacy, innovation, and ethical awareness.

Rethinking the Role of Teachers and Technology

In tandem with its educational push, the Ministry also released strict guidelines on the use of generative AI tools in schools. The policy prohibits primary students from independently using open-ended content generation platforms. It also bars teachers from replacing core instructional duties with AI outputs. They cannot use generative tools to evaluate students, answer questions on their behalf, or input sensitive data such as exam materials.

The measures are designed to ensure AI supports — rather than supplants — human educators. They also reflect growing concerns about data security and the ethical use of machine-generated content in learning environments.

Building an AI-Literate Generation

The new curriculum forms a key part of China’s 2035 “Strong Education Nation” plan, a sweeping initiative unveiled earlier this year to overhaul the country’s education system. The plan, jointly issued by the Communist Party’s Central Committee and the State Council, aims to develop a tech-savvy workforce capable of driving future innovation.

Education authorities said the AI rollout will help students develop critical thinking, collaboration skills, and a strong sense of social responsibility. A spiral curriculum model will guide instruction through increasing levels of complexity — from cognitive curiosity in primary school to innovation and systems thinking in senior high.

Global Implications

China’s aggressive move places it ahead of most countries still debating AI’s role in classrooms. Education experts view the program as a signal of China’s ambition to shape not just AI users, but future AI leaders. By embedding AI literacy from an early age, Beijing hopes to build a talent pipeline to support its growing tech sector and maintain global competitiveness.

As nations worldwide grapple with how to integrate emerging technologies into schools, China’s model may serve as both a template and a challenge for others to follow.

Watch a video here: