In 2025, Five More Universities Launch Undergraduate Programs in 3D Printing, Bringing the Total to 23 Institutions Accepting Applications

Panda3dp.com Commentary:By 2027, the talent gap in the 3D printing industry is projected to reach between 100,000 and 200,000, with pressing demand for high-end engineers and interdisciplinary professionals.

According to Panda3dp.com, on April 1, 2025, the Ministry of Education announced the 2024 results for undergraduate program establishment and adjustments in regular higher education institutions. As a discipline aligned with strategic emerging industries, “Additive Manufacturing Engineering” (Major Code: 080217T) continues to attract strong attention, with five new programs approved this year, bringing the total to 23 nationwide. The newly added universities are:

* Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

* North University of China

* Jining University

* Henan Normal University

* Lanzhou Institute of Technology

As a quintessential interdisciplinary field, “Additive Manufacturing Engineering” integrates materials science, mechanical engineering, digital manufacturing, and computer modeling. It is increasingly becoming a key initiative for universities to align with national strategies in high-end and intelligent manufacturing.

On February 10, 2021, Xinxiang University in Henan became the first university in the country to offer an undergraduate program in Additive Manufacturing Engineering (Major Code: 080217T). Classified under mechanical engineering, the program spans four years. To date, 23 universities have established this major, including:

Established in 2021:

* Xinxiang University (Henan)

Established in 2022:

* Harbin Institute of Technology

* Hebei University of Science and Technology

* Tianping College of Suzhou University of Science and Technology

* Tongling University

* Bengbu University

* Wenhua College

* Xi’an Siyuan University

Established in 2023:

* Northwestern Polytechnical University

* Nanjing Tech University

* Jiangsu University of Technology

* Anhui University of Science and Technology

* Nanchang Hangkong University

* Shandong Jianzhu University

* Hubei University of Automotive Technology

* Xihua University

Established in 2024:

* Chengdu Technological University

* Jiangsu University of Science and Technology

Established in 2025:

* Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

* North University of China

* Jining University

* Henan Normal University

* Lanzhou Institute of Technology

The National Action Plan for Additive Manufacturing Industry Development explicitly states that by 2025, the industry’s revenue will surpass 200 billion yuan, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 30%. In the medical field, the market for 3D-printed orthopedic implants has already reached 5 billion yuan. In aerospace, 30% of the parts in the C919 large aircraft are manufactured using this technology. According to data from Zhaopin.com, the salary for 3D printing engineers has risen by 57% over the past three years, with senior professionals earning between 300,000 and 500,000 yuan annually.

As a universal manufacturing technology closely related to CNC machining, 3D printing is primarily applied in the manufacturing sector. Today, it finds extensive application across aerospace, education, healthcare, mold making, automotive, architecture, food, dentistry, art design, sculpture, consumer goods, and more. Therefore, the career prospects for 3D printing majors are broad. Graduates can pursue advanced research, join 3D printing companies, or work in other industries leveraging this technology.

Is Majoring in 3D Printing Worth It?

Following the 2024 national college entrance examination, Panda3dp.com hosted an online forum titled “Is Majoring in 3D Printing Worth It?”. The forum featured representatives from universities offering the major, graduates, and HR managers from leading 3D printing companies, including:

* Professor Wang Meng, Additive Manufacturing Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University

* Dr. Liu Chengsong, Additive Manufacturing Department, Xinxiang University

* Mr. Zhong Minghai, Director, Teaching and Research Office, Baiyun Technician College of Industry and Commerce, Guangzhou

* Mr. Su Fang, PhD candidate, City University of Hong Kong

* Ms. Song Qi, Marketing Manager, Shenzhen ESUN Industrial Co., Ltd.

* Ms. Luan Ying, HR Director, Shanghai Hanbang Lianhang Laser Technology Co., Ltd.

* Mr. Huang Jiajian, HR Director, Chongqing Mofang Precision Technology Co., Ltd.

* Ms. Qi Hongmei, Senior Recruitment Manager, Shanghai UnionTech Technology Co., Ltd.

△ Forum Replay Available

Talent Development: Graduate and Vocational 3D Printing Programs

Panda3dp.com has compiled a comprehensive overview for students interested in the 3D printing field, including over 20 majors related to 3D printing, 13 renowned research teams, 23 universities offering the “Additive Manufacturing Engineering” undergraduate major, more than 100 colleges with relevant programs, and over 50 3D printing labs and research institutes. Link: [https://www.Panda3dp.com.com/thread-169366-1-1.html](https://www.Panda3dp.com.com/thread-169366-1-1.html)

In addition, Panda3dp.com has established an online database of 3D printing-related academic programs: [https://www.Panda3dp.com.com/yxzy.html](https://www.Panda3dp.com.com/yxzy.html). We hope that more aspiring students will join the 3D printing industry and contribute their passion and talent to the advancement of China’s manufacturing future.