How High Will the Admission Scores Be?—In 2025, 23 Universities Now Offer a Major in 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing Engineering)

On June 7, 2025, the annual national college entrance examination once again commenced. Much like a critical 3D printing process, the "knowledge filaments" you’ve accumulated over the years are now being layered to shape the blueprint of your future. If fate allows, Panda3dp.com awaits a fateful encounter with you through the world of 3D printing. Across China, a growing number of undergraduate, junior college, and postgraduate programs are now dedicated to 3D printing.

According to Panda3dp.com, on April 1, 2025, the Ministry of Education released the 2024 record of undergraduate major setups and adjustments. “Additive Manufacturing Engineering” (major code 080217T), identified as a key strategic emerging industry discipline, continues to enjoy growing popularity, with five new programs established this year—bringing the total to 23 universities nationwide. The newly added institutions include:

· Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

· North University of China

· Jining University

· Henan Normal University

· Lanzhou Institute of Technology

As an inherently interdisciplinary field, Additive Manufacturing Engineering integrates materials science, mechanical engineering, digital manufacturing, and computational modeling. It is becoming a crucial academic bridge that connects universities with strategic initiatives in high-end and intelligent manufacturing.

Previous program rollouts:

· 2021: Xinxiang University (Henan)

· 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

· 2025: Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, North University of China, Jining University, Henan Normal University, Lanzhou Institute of Technology

A university professor shared with Panda3dp.com an article from GaoKe100, titled “Zhang Xuefeng on Additive Manufacturing Engineering: The ‘3D Printer’ of Future Industries—Can Your Child Seize the Opportunity?”, which includes some college entrance score insights. The highlights are as follows:

I. Zhang Xuefeng’s Key Message: A Hardcore Major at the Heart of National Strategy

Additive Manufacturing Engineering (commonly known as 3D printing) was among the 37 new undergraduate majors introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2020. The number of universities offering the program grew from 7 initially to 28 by 2023. This major is part of the “Advanced Structural Materials” category under the 14th Five-Year Plan. In 2022 alone, over 200 publicly listed companies were actively investing in 3D printing. According to the latest Ministry of Education data, the employment rate of 2023 graduates in this major reached 96%, with an average starting salary of ¥6,500—significantly higher than traditional engineering disciplines.

II. Understanding the Major: Building the World Like Piping Icing

While traditional manufacturing is akin to “carving wood”—removing material to form a product—additive manufacturing is more like “piping cream”—constructing objects layer by layer. This major develops versatile talent proficient in 3D modeling, material development, and equipment operation. Like choosing flavors and tools to decorate a cake, students learn to select metal powders or plastic pellets as “ingredients,” design digital “cake molds,” and operate intelligent equipment to “print” aerospace components, medical implants, or even food.

III. Industry Outlook: Dual Engines of Policy and Market

By 2024, China’s 3D printing industry revenue surpassed ¥50 billion. According to data from Zhaopin.com, salaries for 3D printing engineers have surged by 57% over three years, with senior professionals earning annual salaries between ¥300,000 and ¥500,000.

IV. Best-Fit Students: Who Thrives in This Major?

1. Academic Strengths: Physics scores above 80 (especially in mechanics), strong logical thinking in math, and a keen interest in new materials.

2. Personality Traits: Hands-on, innovative, and adaptable to interdisciplinary learning.

3. Career Aspirations: Passionate about advanced manufacturing, eager to participate in national projects, and open to early-stage workshop experience.

V. Application Advice: Three Steps to Choose the Right Path

According to the 2024 Shanghai Ranking for Additive Manufacturing Engineering, the top institutions are:

· Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT)

· Northwestern Polytechnical University

· Nanjing Tech University

· Nanchang Hangkong University

· Xihua University

In 2024, the highest admission score for this major in Chongqing was 527.

The rankings and 2024 entrance scores for top universities in this major are summarized below:

Top 5 Universities for Additive Manufacturing Engineering

· Harbin Institute of Technology (A+ rating, score: 49.3)

· Northwestern Polytechnical University

· Nanjing Tech University

· Nanchang Hangkong University

· Xihua University

2024 Admission Score Range

· Lowest cutoff score: 462, at Wenhua College

· Score range across institutions: 462–558, with provincial rankings between 100,986–206,094

· Three universities had cutoff scores around 500, with Nanchang Hangkong University reaching the highest at 558

· Easiest schools to get into: Wenhua College (462), Xi’an Siyuan University (470), Xinxiang University (512)

VI. Curriculum Highlights and Career Preparation

Core Courses: Fundamentals of Materials Science, 3D Modeling & Simulation, Intelligent Equipment Control
Bonus Skills: Python programming, participation in national innovation and entrepreneurship competitions
Comparison with Related Majors:

· vs. Mechanical Design: More emphasis on digital manufacturing

· vs. Materials Engineering: Greater focus on practical applications

· vs. Computer Science: Requires hardware proficiency alongside coding

VII. Zhang Xuefeng’s Final Reminder

While the future looks promising, two key points deserve attention:

1. The learning curve is steep—students must master materials science, mechanical systems, and software concurrently.

2. The industry is still emerging—continuous learning and adaptability are essential.

This major suits students who are diligent, inquisitive, and unafraid of challenges. Those inclined toward theoretical research may want to consider more established disciplines.

Note: Data and opinions are sourced from www.gk100.com. Panda3dp.com has made editorial modifications. The above content does not represent the official view of Panda3dp.com.