Interested in studying abroad in Taiwan?
Then you need to check out our blog post, it covers everything you need to know about studying in Taiwan, from the different types of programs and schools to all of the forms and documents you might need to submit. We also have information on how to get a student visa and how to pay for your tuition and living expenses. Taiwan, an island off the coast of China with a population of 23 million, has a lot to offer prospective international students. It’s definitely worth looking into more given the high level of education, low crime, and excellent standard of living (yet maintaining a reasonable cost of living). Expats and international students are warmly welcomed.
An Overview of Studying in Taiwan
Taiwan is a small island country in East Asia, it is situated off the coast of mainland China and is separated from it by the Taiwan Strait. It has a population of over 23 million people, which makes it the most densely populated country in Asia. Taiwan offers a wide range of educational opportunities, including public schools and universities. The National Taiwan University (NTU) was ranked as one of the top 20 universities in Asia by QS World University Rankings in 2015 and 2016.
Why Should You Study Abroad in Taiwan?
Is Taiwan a good place to study? There are many reasons you should study abroad in Taiwan. Here are a few reasons you should consider:
- Taiwan is one of the most educated countries in Asia and has one of the highest literacy rates as well.
- Taiwan offers some of the best public universities in Asia with a high-quality education at an affordable price.
- The cost of living in Taiwan is low when compared to other countries like Japan or Australia.
- It is important to know that when you study abroad in Taiwan, you will not only be exposed to a different culture and language but also get a chance to learn about how people live in a different country.
- Taiwan is a safe country with a low crime rate and The Taiwanese are friendly and welcoming.
- Taiwan has one of the world’s best healthcare systems.
Taiwan Education System
The Taiwanese education system is based on academic achievement, and it has always been ranked among the top ten in the world. The Taiwanese education system consists of six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, three years of senior high school, and four years of university. The elementary school curriculum includes courses in Chinese language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education and music. The junior high school curriculum includes courses in Chinese language arts, mathematics, science (integrated with biology), social studies (integrated with geography), physical education and music. The senior high school curriculum includes courses in Chinese language arts (integrated with literature), mathematics (integrated with algebra), science (integrated with physics), social studies (integrated with history).
Higher Education; Undergraduate and Graduate Programmes
The maximum study time at a university (including colleges, universities of technology, and technical schools) is four years; the Post-Bachelor Second Specialty Program lasts one and a half to two years, while bachelor’s programs typically last two years. Internships can last anywhere from a year and a half to two years, depending on the requirements of the subject. The study term is restricted to 1-4 years for applicants for master’s degrees and to 2–7 years for candidates for doctoral degrees.
Taiwan has 2-year junior colleges, 5-year junior colleges, and 4-year universities as part of its higher education system. Over 1.24 million students are enrolled at Taiwan’s 153 universities, colleges, and junior institutions as of 2019. The growth of higher education has been significantly influenced by changes in teacher preparation. The newly adopted evaluation system and modified policy can be credited for significant gains in teacher quality. Over 80% of Taiwanese university faculty members currently hold a Ph.D.; this percentage has climbed by 15% over the last ten years. One-third of all teaching workers are professors. Over the last five years, Taiwan’s government has invested more than $8 billion yearly on higher education to push universities to raise their standards for research and teaching, with impressive results. This has helped Taiwan preserve its competitiveness.
Vocational and Higher Technology Education
According to the provisions of the University Act, institutes of technology and universities of science and technology are all established for the purpose of training individuals with high-level professional and practical work skills. Universities of science and technology and institutes of technology may hire students to enrol in associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degree programs. In order to be eligible to receive an associate degree from one of these institutions, students must meet the same admission requirements as those who wish to enrol in a two-year junior college program, which are listed in the first paragraph under the previous heading. They must also complete 80 credit hours. If they already hold an associate degree, students can enrol in a two-year bachelor’s program or a four-year bachelor’s program.
These courses can be taken during the day, in the evening (in a continuing education division), or at a continuing education college. If a person’s personal work experience, requirements, and individual institutions and universities can construct in-service professional degree programs, then they should. Student intake: Students who have completed a secondary TVE program of some kind or who have an equivalent certification are accepted into both two-year junior college programs and four-year institute of technology programs.
Students who have graduated from a junior college after finishing a two-year or five-year program, who have an equivalent qualification, and who pass an admission exam can enrol in the two-year programs at institutes of technology. After completing a four-year bachelor’s degree program or the two-year bachelor’s degree program associate degree holders can enrol in, students are given a bachelor’s degree. Curriculum: The system is based on credits. Before they can graduate, students in a four-year program must finish 128 credit hours, and in two-year bachelor’s degree programs, they must finish 72 credit hours.
Before they can graduate, students in professional master’s degree programs must finish 24 credits and submit a master’s thesis, and those in doctoral programs must finish at least 18 credits and submit a doctoral dissertation. In accordance with the RegulationsGoverning Appointment of Professional and Technical Personnel for University Teaching, individuals with practical working experience may also be recruited from the business sector in addition to competent university-trained teachers.
Even while Taiwan’s higher education system has won praise for its accomplishments in a number of fields, tuition is still quite affordable. The Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan was founded in 2005 in collaboration with a number of universities. Its mission is to regularly assess institutions in terms of the caliber of their faculty, teaching, research, and service. The Ministry also supports universities in their pursuit of international accreditation. Taiwan has made notable advancements in the field of innovation. Taiwan was ranked fourth among 141 nations for innovation in 2019 by the World Economic Forum (WEF). A critical mass of invention and creativity has been developed in Taiwan through research and education, and this work is regularly honored in international design competitions like Germany’s iF Awards and the Red Dot Awards.
How Much Does It Cost To Study In Taiwan?
Taiwan is renowned for being a place where you may affordably enjoy modern life and a good standard of education. In one academic year, there are two semesters: spring (February) and fall (September). In a university, the tuition price may differ depending on the programme you are enrolling for. The cost of studying in Taiwan is relatively low when compared to other countries and varies depending on the level of education. For a bachelor’s degree, the tuition fee ranges from $1,650 to $2,500. For a master’s degree, the tuition fee ranges from $1,600 to $2,550. And for a doctorate’s degree, it goes from $2,000 to $4,560.
Can I Study Free In Taiwan?
Although the government of Taiwan is trying to make studying in Taiwan free, the reality is that you still need to pay for your tuition and other expenses. However, if you study in a junior college or a diploma program, the government may help you with the tuition. The best way to study for free in Taiwan is to live there. Since Taiwan is a country, you can study at any of the many universities there for free. Just be careful not to let your self-study delude you into thinking that you are being educated. You will have to attend classes (which are often in Chinese) and complete assignments like the other students. The quality of education is excellent in Taiwan. Many foreign students are studying there and the professors are very well-respected.
The Best Institutions in Taiwan
A lot of international students wish to study in Taiwan and that is largely because of the standard level of education coupled with the air of security in the country. The fact that Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world can not be over emphasized. So, if you are one of those who wish to study abroad in Taiwan, we have helped you with the list of universities you can check out. Taiwan is a country with many universities, colleges, and institutes. The quality of education in Taiwan is very high and the cost of education is relatively low. Here are the top 5 best institutions in Taiwan:
1. National Taiwan University
National Taiwan University is a public research university in Taipei, Taiwan. It is the first national university established in Taiwan and its mission is to promote innovative education, advanced research, and international outreach. NTU was founded by the American Presbyterian Church on October 27, 1919. The school started as a small college of liberal arts with two departments: the Department of English and the Department of History. In 1951, NTU became a comprehensive university with six colleges: College of Liberal Arts, College of Science, College of Engineering, College of Law, College of Medicine and College of Education. It has now grown into a full-fledged research university with thirteen colleges/schools.
2. National Tsing Hua University
National Tsing Hua University is located in Hsinchu, Taiwan. It’s a research university and one of the top higher education and research institutions in Taiwan. It was established in 1911 and is one of the oldest universities in Taiwan. National Tsing Hua University has been ranked as one of the best universities in Taiwan by many publications, including the Ministry of Education. It has a reputation for its academic excellence, research, and teaching. The university has over 50,000 students and more than 2,000 faculty members. It offers over 100 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate programs.
3. Asia University
Asia University is a private university in Taiwan. It was established in 2001 and has now become one of the most prestigious universities in Taiwan. The university offers courses from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Many of their courses are taught in English, making it an ideal choice for international students. They also offer an MBA program that is taught entirely in English with a focus on Asia-Pacific business and management. In addition to its academic programs, the university also offers services such as counselling, career development, and language training for international students who are looking for help with their transition into Taiwanese society.
4. Taipei Medical University
Founded in 1960, Taipei Medical University is a leading institution of higher medical education and research in Taiwan. It is the only medical school in Taiwan offering a comprehensive medical education program from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. The University is committed to the advancement of medical science and education, and the fostering of high-quality medical knowledge, skills and professionalism. Taipei Medical University has several Clinical research centres affiliated with different departments and has been established in a variety of clinical laboratories. In addition, there is a teaching and diagnostic clinic called John Sealy Hospital, located in the University Hospital. It is the largest private hospital in the nation.
5. Fu Jen Catholic University
Fu Jen Catholic University was founded in 1925. It currently has four campuses in Taipei City, totalling an area of about 30 hectares. It is a private, non-profit, and self-governing university. In its almost 100 years of history, Fu Jen University has trained more than 200,000 graduates. The universities’ goal is to cultivate excellent human resources through the cultivation of moral character, balanced development of various talents, and research. Based on the humanistic philosophy and the ideals of excellence, in recent years, Fu Jen University has received the most prestigious awards in the country.
Which Course Is Best In Taiwan?
The best course in Taiwan is the Information Management program at National Taiwan University (NTU). Every year, the top 15% of this program are sent to special departments of the NTU’s graduate school (Master’s or PhD) and they are always the most sought after. The other top business school in Taiwan is Ming Chuan University, which has a highly ranked MBA program.
Do I Need IELTS To Study In Taiwan?
Yes, You need IELTS if you are going to study abroad in Taiwan. The reason is that Taiwan does not recognize SAT scores or the TOEFL. These scores are required for most other countries for studying abroad, but not for Taiwan. You will need to get a score of 5.5 in IELTS. You will also need to have your application to the university sent in by the end of April. IELTS is a standardised test designed to assess your English language ability.
Financial Aids; Scholarships
If you want to come to Taiwan to study and you need the scholarship to fund your studies, you probably ask yourself; how can I get a scholarship in Taiwan? First of all, you need to know that there are many scholarships available in Taiwan and applying early is key. Most students will have to have their applications submitted to their desired university no later than March while some universities may have a deadline as early as January.
It is also important to know that you will be needing to have a transcript printed in English and Chinese and some universities will require you to have a student visa to receive your scholarship. If you require any help with your scholarship application then you can contact the friendly staff at the Ministry of Education directly. Below are some of the numerous scholarship opportunities in Taiwan
- National Taiwan University scholarship
- National Chiao Tung University Scholarship
- National Taiwan University of Science & Technology Scholarship
- National Cheng Kung University scholarship
- National Tsing Hua University Scholarship
Student Visa Requirements For Taiwan
The criteria that the students should meet before applying for the Student Visa for Taiwan are as follows:
- The applicant should have a valid passport.
- The applicant should be above the age of 16 years.
- The applicant should have a sponsor for studying in Taiwan.
- The applicant should have a sufficient amount of money in the bank for the duration of the course.
- The applicant should have a medical certificate.
- The applicant should have a certificate of good conduct.
- The applicant should have a certificate of proficiency in Mandarin.
Once you meet all the criteria, go ahead and apply online on their official website or take a trip to the Taiwanese embassy in your country and fill out your application.
Can I Work In Taiwan While Studying?
You are allowed to work in Taiwan after getting your visa, so there is no problem with working and studying at the same time. However, before you start working you will have to apply for a student work permit from the government. This process is quite simple and doesn’t require you to be there physically. You just have to submit all the required documents and you will get the permit mailed to you. Also, almost all local part-time jobs require Chinese proficiency and knowledge of Taiwan culture.
Post Study Opportunities in Taiwan
As the education system in Taiwan is based on the same system as the United States education system, a lot of post-study employment opportunities exist after getting your Bachelor’s degree. Taiwan offers a wide range of career opportunities. Taiwan’s economy is developing strongly and fast. There are quite a few opportunities in Taiwan, particularly in the IT, finance, and tourism sectors. If you have an idea to start your own business, you can also try it. Taiwan is surrounded by the sea, with lots of beautiful and exotic islands. You can choose to work on these islands and enjoy the beauty at the same time.
Final Thoughts on Studying in Taiwan
“Study in Taiwan” has recently become a very popular topic. Regional and international students are looking to Taiwan as a gateway to the East, and Taiwanese universities are gaining international fame. Taiwan’s education system is founded on a curriculum that blends Western and Eastern ideas and places a priority on creativity, communication skills, and critical thinking.
The majority of courses are taught in Mandarin, the local language. Taiwan has outstanding facilities and a diverse range of courses, particularly at the postgraduate level, and is a popular destination for international students. We hope you enjoyed our article about studying abroad in Taiwan.