More than a third of people think the government should increase the number of university places for local students, according to a survey conducted by the Democratic Party.
The survey also found people had lost confidence in associate degrees because of their poor recognition, varied quality and expensive fees.
A total of 1,098 people, including parents, secondary school pupils and associate degree students, were polled last month. The survey found 38.6 per cent thought the government should give priority to raising the number of bachelor degree places. About 20 per cent called for better teaching for associate degrees.
The findings come amid the controversy over the Nursing Council's rejection of professional accreditation for associate degree holders from the Institute of Technology.
About 50 nursing students protested outside the Legislative Council on Thursday.
Democratic Party legislator Fred Li Wah-ming said the controversy was a 'red light' for people's confidence in associate degrees.