Only 23 university programs in Taiwan will count English listening scores in application-based admissions for the 116th academic year, a record low. The figure has fallen from 50 in the 111th year, 45 in the 112th, 34 each in the 113th and 114th and 27 in the 115th.

Departments that dropped the requirement include National Tsing Hua University's foreign languages department, National Sun Yat-sen University's chemistry English track and Taipei Medical University's pharmacy department. Even foreign-language departments dropped it in favor of other ways of assessment.

Those still counting it are mainly top foreign-language departments such as those at National Taiwan, National Cheng Kung and National Chengchi universities, plus international college bachelor's programs and overseas dual-degree courses, which generally require an A grade.

Universities say they dropped the threshold to widen the pool of selected students and cut barriers to applying. With falling birthrates, too many screening conditions can discourage applicants, and the second-stage interview can already assess speaking ability.

There is also a burden on test takers. Students who decide where to apply only after the scholastic ability test may find their options limited if they skipped English listening or scored poorly. Experts expect the English listening test may gradually fade from the admissions system.