Verified Facts
The education system in Taiwan is a well-structured and highly regarded system that offers a wide range of options for students, from primary education to higher education, with a strong emphasis on Mandarin language and mathematics.
Quick Facts
Education System Overview
The education system in Taiwan is divided into three main stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education, which is compulsory for all children, starts at the age of six and lasts for six years. Secondary education, also compulsory, is divided into two stages: junior high school, which lasts for three years, and senior high school, which lasts for three years. Tertiary education, which is not compulsory, includes universities, colleges, and vocational schools. The quality of education in Taiwan is generally high, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Public schools are free for all citizens, while private schools, which offer a more comprehensive education, are available for those who can afford them.
The education system in Taiwan is highly competitive, with students facing intense pressure to perform well in exams. This has led to a thriving cram school industry, where students attend private schools outside of regular school hours to receive additional tuition. Despite this, the education system in Taiwan has produced many high-achieving students, with Taiwan ranking among the top countries in the world in terms of mathematics and science education.
The government of Taiwan has also implemented various reforms to improve the education system, including the introduction of English as a compulsory subject in primary schools and the promotion of vocational education. These reforms aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Top Universities
| University | Location | Known For | Est. Tuition (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Taiwan University | Taipei | engineering, medicine | 2,500 |
| National Chiao Tung University | Hsinchu | engineering, computer science | 2,000 |
| National Tsing Hua University | Hsinchu | science, technology | 2,500 |
| National Yang-Ming University | Taipei | medicine, health sciences | 3,000 |
| Taipei Medical University | Taipei | medicine, health sciences | 3,500 |
| National Central University | Taoyuan | science, engineering | 2,000 |
International Schools
- International schools are available in major cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung, offering a range of curricula including International Baccalaureate (IB), British, and American.
- These schools cater to the children of expatriates and Taiwanese families who want their children to receive an international education.
- The cost of attending an international school in Taiwan can be high, with tuition fees ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 per year.
- Some international schools in Taiwan offer boarding facilities for students who come from other parts of the country or from abroad.
- The availability of international schools in Taiwan has increased in recent years, with many new schools opening in response to growing demand.
Studying as a Foreigner
- To study in Taiwan, foreign students need to obtain a student visa, which can be applied for at the Taiwanese embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Foreign students are required to have a good command of Mandarin to study in Taiwan, although some universities offer English-taught programs.
- Scholarships are available for foreign students to study in Taiwan, including the Taiwan Scholarship and the ICDF Scholarship.
- The cost of living in Taiwan is relatively low, with a monthly budget of $500 to $1,000 sufficient to cover living expenses.
- Foreign students can work part-time while studying in Taiwan, with many universities offering part-time job opportunities to help students cover their living expenses.
- Foreign students who graduate from a Taiwanese university can apply for a work permit to stay and work in Taiwan.
Education Quality & Challenges
- The education system in Taiwan is highly regarded for its quality, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and science education.
- However, the system has been criticized for being too exam-oriented, with students facing intense pressure to perform well in exams.
- The education system in Taiwan also faces challenges in terms of teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas.
- The government of Taiwan has implemented various reforms to improve the education system, including the introduction of vocational education and the promotion of critical thinking.
- Despite these challenges, Taiwan has produced many high-achieving students, with the country ranking among the top countries in the world in terms of mathematics and science education.