Universities' AI course enrollment declines following minister's link to TAICA controversy
Declining Enrollment in Taiwan Artificial Intelligence College Alliance (TAICA) Explained
The Taiwan Artificial Intelligence College Alliance (TAICA) has seen a decline in enrollment among university students, according to Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao. The primary reason for this drop, as explained by the Minister, is the increasing trend of member universities offering their own AI courses independently [1].
In a Legislative Yuan meeting, Minister Cheng Ying-yao stated that well-resourced universities like National Taiwan University and National Cheng Kung University use TAICA mainly to share teaching staff and resources across institutions. However, as more institutions develop their own AI programs, the appeal of alliance courses appears to diminish [1].
Additionally, some TAICA courses are reportedly quite challenging, with pass rates averaging only 50 to 60 percent, which may deter student enrollment [1]. KMT Legislator Ko Ju-chun suggests a need for further review to ensure these courses are accessible and engaging for students.
Despite the drop in TAICA enrollment, overall enrollment in AI-related courses across Taiwan has increased, reflecting a general upward interest in AI education [1]. This shift towards independent AI course offerings suggests a more decentralized market for AI education in Taiwan.
It's important to note that the absence of Deputy Minister Benson Yeh has disrupted ministry operations, but officials handling the case believe more time is needed to complete the investigation in accordance with their legal authority [1]. The allegations against Deputy Minister Yeh involve leaking a National Taiwan University student's identity in a sexual harassment complaint.
In summary, the decline in TAICA enrollment can be attributed to member universities offering their own AI courses and the perception that TAICA courses may be too challenging. TAICA's role is more as a resource-sharing platform rather than the primary AI education provider. The overall demand for AI education remains strong, but the market is more decentralized than initially designed.
[1] Data as of August 2025 from local education ministry and legislative discussions.
Due to an increasing trend of Taiwanese universities creating their own AI programs and TAICA courses being perceived as challenging, the appeal for student enrollment has seemingly diminished in the Taiwan Artificial Intelligence College Alliance (TAICA). Furthermore, the emphasis on resource sharing within TAICA rather than primary AI education may contribute to its declining status in the face of a growing interest in AI education-and-self-development across Taiwan.
