Universities will be able to increase their quotas for semiconductor-related departments in line with the education ministry's push to foster talent in high-tech fields.

According to the Ministry of Education on Wednesday, if universities can secure professors in the relevant fields, they will be allowed to expand the admissions quota for students.

Prior to the change in policy, universities were required to meet four conditions before they were permitted to increase their admissions quota, with such regulations pertaining to campus size, buildings, the number of professors and the number of majors related to the semiconductor industry.

In addition to the change in admissions, the ministry announced the abolishment of the rule requiring an annual increase in the retention rate of professors in order to raise the quota, allowing for more flexibility in admissions between related departments.

The changes are expected to take place as early as the first half of next year.