TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The number of applicants to Taiwan’s Central Police University (CPU) has shown an annual decline, with the number of dropouts nearly doubling.

According to a CPU press release on Sunday (Nov. 10), the main reasons for the declining number of applicants were falling birth rates and declining demand for police offers, per CNA. The majority of dropouts were from the university’s master’s degree and doctoral programs.

CPU said it will put more effort into encouraging students to complete their studies within a specified period. Furthermore, the administration will counsel and assist students looking to leave the program.

The number of CPU applicants has declined by nearly 50% from 4,683 applicants in 2019 to just 2,793 applicants in 2023. Even more troubling is the number of dropouts in 2023 was over double that of 2022, reaching the highest level in five years.

According to CPU, it works annually with police agencies to plan enrollment. For example, when employment demand from police agencies decreases, the number of enrollment spaces at CPU will be reduced.

CPU explained that a fluctuation in police university recruits is directly related to the demand for new police officers. This means that the number of applicants and recruits depends on police agencies.

In addition, CPU said the university’s graduate programs account for over 80% of total dropouts.

Students in graduate degree programs drop out due to personal career considerations and childcare demands. The number of dropouts has fluctuated over the years, with 2024 declining compared to 2023.

Compared with other colleges and universities, the number of dropouts from CPU is relatively acceptable, according to the Ministry of Education.