ShanghaiRanking recently released its 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), with the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) ranking 7th among universities in Chinese mainland and 18th globally in its Artificial Intelligence (AI) program.
In April, the Ministry of Education announced the 2024 results for undergraduate program filings and approvals, formally authorizing the AI major by the College of Engineering at SUSTech. In September, the program welcomed its first cohort of 25 students.
As one of the first universities in China to establish an AI-focused general education framework, SUSTech has developed a distinctive core curriculum in AI and applications. As a result, 15 faculty members from the College of Engineering, the College of Business, and the School of Medicine were selected to form the dedicated teaching team.
The team integrates foundational knowledge in computer science, mathematics, and related disciplines, building a cohesive framework grounded in the fundamental principles of AI. Through these courses, students gradually translate abstract concepts and underlying logic into real-world applications.
By working through interdisciplinary case studies—spanning robotics, digital economy models, and infectious disease prediction and early warning—they learn how AI can be applied to practical challenges and develop clear methods for problem-solving. The program adopts internationally recognized textbooks to ensure that course content remains aligned with global standards and exposes students to mainstream knowledge in the field.
The AI discipline at SUSTech has built a comprehensive research ecosystem that spans the full spectrum from basic theory to technological application. Research covers multiple cutting-edge directions, including foundational AI, large-scale models, AI chip systems, and interdisciplinary applications.
The University has established seven university–industry joint innovation platforms with partners such as Huawei and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The program will deepen the integration of industry and education, strengthen the convergence of research and teaching, and further enhance its role as a high-level “research engine” that drives industrial upgrading.
In addition, SUSTech’s Water Resources discipline ranks 22nd globally and 10th in Chinese mainland; Mathematics ranks 4th in Chinese mainland; and both Physics and Robotic Science & Engineering rank among the top ten in Chinese mainland.
Related link: https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/gras/2025
Proofread ByYuwen ZENG
Photo ByCollege of Engineering
