Taiwan

Checklist for Study Plan

* Knowing Taiwan

* Understand Taiwan's Education System

* Choose the right education level and institution

* Assess the costs

* Apply to study

* Find out about studying in Taiwan

Step 1: Knowing Taiwan

1.1 Are you clear about where Taiwan is and all the cities and counties in Taiwan?
click here
1.2 Do you have a generalidea about Taiwan?
click here
1.3 Do you have the background knowledge of Taiwan?
click here
1.4 Do you need the information about different townships in Taiwan?
click here

Step 2: Understand Taiwan's Education System

2.1 Have you found out about all the advantages of studying in Taiwan?

When the Portuguese visited Taiwan in the 16th century, they saw the verdant beauty of theisland and called it “Formosa”, which means “beautiful island”. With a variety of distinct topographic landscapes and gentle weather, one can enjoy sight-seeing and sport activities all year round in Taiwan. In addition to its rich natural resources, Taiwan’s admirable scenery and mild weather make it a pleasant place to live and study.

People in Taiwan have a high regard for scholarlyattainment. The literacy rate for those over the age of 15 is 96.03%. People do not only have a keen interest in learning, but they are also very warm and hospitable, especially people in the southern part of the island. When a guest visits a family, the hostess will bring out all sorts of food to set on the table and they will not let the guest go until he is full and has enjoyed the visit. Inaddition to the friendly environment, people in Taiwan are industrious and loyal. Under the freedom of speech, Taiwan has developed from an agriculturally-based economy into a high-tech force over the past 50 years. Taiwan has had good achievements in research and is now the world's leading producer of many types of information technology products. With a good living standard, inexpensive tuition andlow living cost, Taiwan is an ideal place for tertiary studies.

2.2 Do you know about Taiwan’s education system?

In Taiwan, two-year preschool education is optional. Students usually start school at age six. Nine years of compulsory education, exercised since 1968, includes six years of elementary education and three years of junior high education.

After graduation fromjunior high, there are two types of institutes for continuing students, senior high school and senior vocational school. Both take three years to complete.

Specialized training beyond the secondary level is provided by five-year junior colleges, which accept students directly from junior high schools and focus on applied sciences and technology.

Higher education includes two-yearjunior colleges, technical colleges, liberal arts colleges, four-year universities, and graduate programs.

Most of the university undergraduate programs take four years to complete. Extensions, up to two years, will be granted to students who are unable to fulfill their requirements within the designated time. Specialized undergraduate programs like dental school take six years, whereasmedical school takes seven years to complete.

Universities and colleges in Taiwan offer a wide variety of master’s and doctoral programs. Graduate programs leading to a master or doctoral degree require two to four years, and two to seven years, respectively. If a student who enters a graduate school as part of on-the-job training fails to finish the required coursework or to completehis/her thesis, he/she will be granted an extension.

Special education includes programs and facilities for gifted children, as well as those with special needs due to handicaps or learning disabilities. Mentally and physically challenged students are admitted to designated schools mainly operated by the government. At the university and college level, resource classes are provided for...