Decrease in University Application and Enrollment Rates Reported
The academic year of 2025 in Taiwan has seen a decrease in university applications and admissions, a trend primarily attributed to demographic challenges. The "Year of the Tiger effect" has led to a decrease in the number of high school graduates, resulting in a dwindling pool of students entering universities.
According to the University Admissions Committee, a total of 33,733 applications were received, representing a 9% drop compared to the previous year. Consequently, 32,497 students were admitted, marking a 7.35% decrease in admissions. This trend reflects a longer-term drop in the university-age population, with freshman enrollment expected to fall from 270,000 in 2015 to 146,000 by 2040, as reported by the Ministry of Education.
The arts programs have been hit hardest by this trend, with an average under-recruitment rate of 18.06%. Notably, National Quemoy University in Kinmen County had 23.43% of available spots unfilled across academic departments, with music or arts departments accounting for the bulk of the deficit in student enrollment.
Five universities reported fewer than 10 empty spots: Hsuan Chuang University (80.88%), Fo Guang University (60.92%), Aletheia University (54.11%), and Nanhua University (41.38%).
In an effort to address this issue, Shen Sheng-chih, the commission executive secretary, suggested universities should establish more opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents by removing barriers to transfers among schools and departments in different fields.
For those who have questions, the commission's website provides reasons behind each school's decision, and a request for reassessment can be filed by Friday. Reassessment reports will be made available next Friday.
It is important to note that all but six public universities recruited the full number of students they expected. The slight increase in the admissions rate this year is due to a decline in the number of university applicants.
In conclusion, the decline in university applications and admissions in Taiwan is a key factor affecting university admissions at present. As the university-age population continues to shrink, universities will need to adapt to these demographic challenges to ensure a smooth transition for incoming students.
- The decline in university applications and admissions in Taiwan, primarily due to demographic challenges, has also affected education and self-development, as indicated by the under-recruitment rate in arts programs.
- In addition to general news about the shrinking university-age population in Taiwan, there is a call for universities to create more opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents, as suggested by Shen Sheng-chih, the commission executive secretary.
