59 Chinese Universities Now Accept Real Projects Over Theses

Chinese graduate students are trading research papers for real impact this graduation season, and the results are impressive.

At least 59 of China's top universities now allow master's and doctoral students to submit practical projects or creative works instead of traditional theses. So far, 25 universities have already granted degrees under the new system, including students who developed crop-boosting fertilizers, completed major engineering projects, and wrote original novels.

The shift became possible when China's Degree Law took effect on January 1, 2025. The law officially added new pathways for earning advanced degrees beyond the traditional written thesis.

Wang Haoran became one of the first beneficiaries in May when Nanjing University approved his engineering doctorate. Instead of a thesis, he presented his work on major water conservancy projects, including the world's largest water transfer scheme. That same month, East China Normal University in Shanghai awarded degrees to 36 humanities students who each wrote original novels of more than 30,000 words.

The change addresses years of criticism that thesis-focused requirements push students toward theory while ignoring practical skills and real-world needs. Science departments in engineering, biology, medicine, and environmental studies have embraced the new option most enthusiastically.

Students still face rigorous requirements. They must submit project proposals, complete mid-term reviews, and defend their work before committees that now include industry experts, not just professors. At Nanjing University, at least one-third of defense committee members must come from industry with professional engineering credentials.

Why This Inspires

Professor Zhang Xuping, who supervised Wang at Nanjing University, says the new system is more demanding than the old one, not less. Third-party evaluations now verify technological achievements before students can defend their projects.

The change bridges a crucial gap between academic research and industry needs. Five graduate students at China Agricultural University in Beijing earned master's degrees in June for projects including a wheat fertilizer that effectively increases crop yields and a model for fresh corn production.

Zhang emphasizes the real-world focus: "Every engineering Ph.D. and master's student must go to enterprises to help solve real problems." Last year alone, 67 engineering students graduated through practical projects immediately after the law took effect.

Universities are betting that hands-on problem solving will produce graduates better equipped to tackle challenges facing businesses and society.