For decades, the US ruled the classroom, luring top talent to its elite universities and flexing its academic muscle worldwide. At the heart of this dominance is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a powerhouse launched in 1961 under JFK, pumping billions into global education, stabilizing regions, and securing America’s influence.
However, the adjournment of USAID funding in the Trump 2.0 regime has dismantled numerous programmes, including those in education, leaving a profound void in global academic support. Tightening of financial noose and suspension of USAID funding has not only impacted developing nations highly reliant on US education aid but has equally cast an overshadow on the US for blurring its identity as the ‘academic hub.’
As the United States is swaying away from the umbrella of funding for academic and research projects, China is making attempts to fill in the void and emerge as a dominant force in higher education. But can it truly steal the crown, or will the U.S. remain the undisputed king of academia?

USAID’s contribution to global education

Historically, USAID has allocated substantial resources to education-focused programs, particularly in developing regions. These initiatives have included scholarships, teacher training, school infrastructure development, and research collaborations, benefiting thousands of students and educators worldwide.
The agency’s Global Education Strategy has always given precedence to literacy, workforce development, and higher education especially in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Nonetheless, suspension of USAID funding has led to the termination of numerous academic initiatives creating a gap that China is eager to fit in.

China’s expanding academic influence

As the US detracts from its conventional role in global education, China has amplified its efforts to come as a dominant academic power. The Chinese government has long prioritised investments in higher education, research, and international partnerships, pulling students and scholars across the world. Several key factors contribute to China’s growing influence in academia. Here is a look at them.
Rise of Chinese universities
Chinese universities have profound strides in the global rankings appearing in the spotlight on the international stage. Several institutions such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Fudan University have now positioned themselves among the world’s top institutions. Numerous government-backed initiatives such as Project 985 and Project 211 have bolstered this progress by improving research capabilities and academic infrastructure.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and academic expansion
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) branching transcends infrastructure investments, it also facilitates educational and research collaborations. Through the BRI, China has partnered with various universities across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, offering scholarships and establishing Confucius Institutes to promote Chinese language and culture.
A surge in International student enrollment
With US visa policies tightening, China has come to the forefront as an appealing alternative for international students. According to a British Council report, 443,000 international students pursued their studies in Mainland China in 2016, reflecting a surge of 35% from 2012. Generous scholarships and research grants have made China a magnet for international students who might have previously sought education in Silicon Valley.
Strengthening research and innovation
China has laid focus on research and development (R&D) spending, surpassing the European Union second only to the US. The country’s increased emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has made it a leader in The U.S. has long dominated global academia, with USAID playing a crucial role in funding education initiatives worldwide. However, the suspension of USAID funding under Trump 2.0 has left a void, which China is eager to fill. With rising global rankings, strategic academic partnerships, and growing research investments, China is challenging U.S. supremacy—but can it truly replace America as the world’s academic leader?fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and biotechnology. The US funding freeze on international research projects has further enabled China to widen its collaboration with global scholars.

Can China overtake America as the world’s leading academic hub?

While China has made remarkable advancements in higher education, several challenges remain in its bid to replace the US as the leading academic powerhouse.
Restrictions on academic freedom
China’s tight control over academic discourse and government-imposed censorship remain major concerns for scholars and researchers. Unlike the US, where universities operate with significant independence, Chinese institutions are subject to state oversight, potentially limiting intellectual freedom and open inquiry.
Language barriers
English remains the dominant language in global academia. While China has expanded English-taught courses, many international students still prefer destinations like the US, the UK, or Australia, where English is the primary medium of instruction.
Recognition and prestige of degrees
Despite improvements in Chinese universities, degrees from top US institutions—especially Ivy League schools—continue to hold higher global prestige. Many employers and academic institutions worldwide still prioritize qualifications from well-established Western universities, posing a challenge to China’s full dominance in academia.

Will the global education landscape change?

The withdrawal of US funding for global education initiatives has created a vacuum that China is swiftly filling. Through strategic investments in universities, research, and international student programs, China is strengthening its academic influence. However, while it is emerging as a formidable competitor, challenges related to academic freedom, language barriers, and institutional prestige continue to limit its ability to fully replace the US as the world’s leading academic hub. The long-term consequences of America’s retreat from global education remain to be seen, but for now, China is capitalizing on the opportunity to reshape the global academic landscape.