From this year, admissions officers will select new students for foreign language high schools and international schools across the country.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Tuesday the specialized schools, to which many elite students have flocked, will use English-test scores and academic records when selecting students. TOEFL and TOEIC scores will not factor into the admissions process.
The move is in line with the ministry's efforts to reduce costs associated with private education, a burden for many parents and students.
The officials will also consider other factors besides test scores.
"We will ask the admissions experts to favor self-driven students and those who read many books," a ministry official said.
Also, the specialized schools will be mandated to enroll children from underprivileged families.
The admissions officers have been introduced as a key part of the current government's education reform, already being in their second year for universities and colleges.