Summary of Key Points
Recently, several universities (such as Communication University of China, Nanjing University of the Arts, and Central Academy of Fine Arts) have successively adjusted their admission policies for art majors: they have abolished some of the university-specific entrance exams and replaced them with provincial unified examination scores combined with academic performance scores, or even admitted students solely based on academic performance. This change is stemming from the reform requirements set by the Ministry of Education in 2021 (to expand the scope of provincial unified examinations and raise the standards for academic courses), coupled with difficulties in finding employment for traditional art majors and the impact of AI, leading to a decline in the popularity of art exams. At the same time, universities are also reorganizing their program offerings by phasing out some traditional art majors and introducing new "art + technology" programs to align art education with current societal needs.
1. Why were the university-specific exams abolished so suddenly? Behind this is the Ministry of Education’s guidance
In 2021, the Ministry of Education issued a document stating that by 2024, all art majors should be subject to provincial unified examinations, strictly controlling the scope of these exams. What does this mean? Previously, many universities organized their own entrance exams, but now they must use the results from provincial exams, reducing the autonomy of individual institutions in setting their own examination criteria. For example, Communication University of China will switch from using university-specific exams for eight majors (including drama and film directing, and radio and television programming) to admitting students based solely on academic performance starting in 2027, while Nanjing University of the Arts will no longer conduct entrance exams for dance and music education programs in 2026, relying instead on provincial exam results. These changes are not made at the universities’ discretion but are part of a policy effort to make the examination process more fair and to reduce the costs associated with candidates traveling between different examination sites.
2. The core of the reform: Ensuring that art students have a solid academic foundation before pursuing their artistic passions
In the past, there was an unwritten rule in art exams that students with lower academic scores could still get into good universities by intensively studying art during their first and second years of high school through training programs. The aim of this reform is to break this indirect path to higher education. The Ministry of Education has clearly stated a gradual increase in the requirements for academic performance, with the exception of dance and performance majors, which have higher physical demands. The widespread belief that "cultural workers must have a solid educational background" reflects recognition that art is not a backup option for those who struggle academically; it requires genuine interest and cultural literacy.
3. The decline in the popularity of art exams: It’s due to both policy changes and challenges in employment and AI
The number of applicants for art exams has significantly decreased in recent years for three main reasons:
1. Policy changes blocking shortcuts: Higher academic requirements make it more difficult for students to use art exams as a means to enter prestigious universities with lower scores.
2. Difficulties in finding employment: Some traditional art majors (such as drama, film literature, and animation) have consistently faced difficulties in the job market after graduation.
3. AI competition: AI can create artwork, designs, and scripts, reducing the demand for traditional art skills. For instance, AI-generated illustrations are often faster than those created by humans, leading many design companies to adopt AI, which diminishes the competitiveness of traditional art graduates.
4. Major reorganizations in universities: Traditional arts majors are being phased out, with a focus on "art + technology"
Many universities are phasing out or stopping enrollment in traditional art programs. For example, Jinan University has discontinued its music program, and Nanchang University has eliminated four art majors, including drama, film literature, and radio and television programming. East China Normal University has also stopped enrolling students in painting and sculpture programs. This does not mean that the field of art is declining; instead, it represents a shift towards new directions that combine art with technology. New programs such as "Intelligent Imaging Art" and "Virtual Space Art," introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2025, aim to cultivate talents capable of working in the metaverse and AI animation industries, which are in high demand and offer better career prospects.
5. What do experts think? The cooling of art exams is a positive development
Xiong Bingqi, the director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, believes that the decline in the popularity of art exams is a beneficial change. It eliminates those who pursue art purely for the sake of entering university, allowing only those with genuine passion and talent to remain in the field. This way, universities can recruit more suitable candidates, and the graduates will be better prepared to adapt to the development of the industry. After all, art is not a last resort but a career that requires dedication and passion.
In conclusion
The reform of art exams is not about eliminating art programs but about returning art education to its essence—selecting individuals who truly love art and possess cultural literacy, while aligning program offerings with technological and industrial advancements. For students considering a career in the arts, it’s important to consider whether they genuinely enjoy the field and whether they can adapt to the new requirements of "art + technology." The focus should no longer be on using art exams as a shortcut to university admission but on whether they are truly committed to a career in art.