The number of new students registered at universities and colleges dropped in 2019. That’s according to the latest figures released by the education ministry on Friday.
The figures show the registration rate for many universities dipped below 60% this year. The ministry said that all higher education establishments with registration rates below 60% for two consecutive years are required to submit plans to boost enrollment, or they could face punitive measures such as partial or complete suspension of subsidies.
The figures also show that a total of 132 post-graduate programs across Taiwan have seen no new student this year. The ministry said they hope universities will make adjustments to their programs if needed.
The ministry also said incoming students from Southeast Asian nations could see growth next year as the government continues to push for cultural and economic exchanges with the area under the New Southbound Policy.