Some 450 regional studies centres have been set up across more than 180 institutions nationwide since Ministry of Education launched project
The field of regional or area studies examines the politics, economics, culture, military affairs, geography, linguistics and other dimensions of countries and regions worldwide. Ministry of Education data shows that the interdisciplinary field has rapidly grown in popularity as an academic programme.
At least 450 regional studies centres across more than 180 institutions have been set up nationwide since the ministry launched a “cultivation base” project in 2011, with about 20,000 faculty members deployed in the field.
According to ministry data, 12 institutions proposed establishing the programme in 2024, making it one of the year’s most sought-after new majors.
The shift comes as language majors face major cuts and restructuring.
