Chinese Universities Integrate DeepSeek AI into Curriculum Amid AI Boom

Universities across China are rapidly incorporating AI courses featuring DeepSeek, a domestic AI startup that has drawn significant global attention. The move reflects the country’s broader push to enhance technological innovation and secure its position as a leader in AI development.

DeepSeek, a Hangzhou-based firm, has been described as a “Sputnik moment” for China’s AI sector, with its models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1, receiving recognition from Silicon Valley executives and U.S. tech engineers.

Analysts note that these models are on par with leading AI systems from OpenAI and Meta, reinforcing China’s growing capabilities in AI research and application.

Universities Leading AI Integration

Shenzhen University in Guangdong province announced this week the launch of a new AI course centered on DeepSeek’s technologies. The curriculum aims to equip students with a deep understanding of AI fundamentals, security concerns, privacy challenges, and ethical considerations.

University representatives highlighted the importance of balancing technological advancements with ethical responsibility, a theme that resonates with China’s broader AI governance strategy.

Meanwhile, Zhejiang University in eastern China introduced specialized DeepSeek courses in February. Shanghai’s Jiao Tong University has also integrated DeepSeek’s AI into its learning tools, enhancing AI education through upgraded digital resources.

Renmin University of China has implemented DeepSeek across multiple domains, leveraging the technology for teaching, research, and campus operations.

National AI and Education Strategy

These university initiatives align with China’s recently issued national action plan, which seeks to establish a “high-quality education system” by 2035. The plan aims to position China’s education sector among the best in the world, particularly in scientific and technological disciplines.

The expansion of AI education coincides with growing government support for domestic innovation. DeepSeek’s prominence was further underscored on Monday when its founder, Liang Wenfeng, attended a high-profile meeting with President Xi Jinping and leaders from China’s top technology firms, including Alibaba.

The meeting signals the government’s commitment to fostering AI advancements as part of its long-term economic and technological strategy.

As China intensifies efforts to strengthen its AI ecosystem, the integration of DeepSeek into university programs highlights the nation’s ambition to cultivate homegrown talent and reduce reliance on foreign AI models.