International Students: Entry To Taiwan Explained

can international students enter taiwan

Taiwan is a vibrant democracy that welcomes international students to its universities and colleges. International students can apply for admission to higher education institutions in Taiwan, which handle applications and admissions themselves, and international applicants with a high school diploma are eligible to apply for undergraduate programs. There are different types of visas available for international students, depending on the duration of their stay and the nature of their program. The Taiwanese government encourages international students to undertake internships or work after graduating from a university or tertiary college if they meet certain criteria, such as having graduated with a bachelor's degree with an overall average score of at least 70. Taiwan also has modern medical facilities and well-trained physicians, many of whom speak English.

Characteristics Values
Visa requirements Visitor Visa for less than 6 months; Resident Visa for more than 6 months
Visa duration 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days for Visitor Visa; can be extended up to 180 days
Visa application Contact nearest Taiwanese embassy, consulate, or representative office
Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) Required for students with a Resident Visa; must be obtained within 15 days of arrival
Admission requirements International applicants with a high school diploma can apply for undergraduate programs; applicants with a bachelor's degree can apply for master's programs; applicants with a master's degree can apply for Ph.D. programs
Language proficiency Not required for international degree programs or English-taught programs; TOCFL is available to prove Chinese language proficiency
Scholarships Taiwan Scholarship Program offers scholarships for outstanding international students, covering tuition and living expenses
Internships Encouraged for international students who meet certain criteria, such as a bachelor's degree with an average score of at least 70
Work opportunities International students can apply to the Labor Development Agency of the Ministry of Labor through their intended employer
Travel advisories Taiwan experiences typhoons and earthquakes; modern medical facilities are available; driving laws prohibit mobile phone use without a hands-free kit and enforce a strict alcohol limit

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International student visa requirements

International students who want to study in Taiwan can apply for admission to an educational institution in Taiwan, provided they meet the criteria of Article 2 or the Regulations Regarding International Students Undertaking Studies in Taiwan.

To study in Taiwan, international students will need to apply for a visa. Taiwan does not offer a "Student Visa". Instead, Taiwan offers two types of visa for foreign students: a Visitor Visa and a Resident Visa.

Visitor Visa

A Visitor Visa is issued to students who are going to stay in Taiwan for less than six months. The duration of a Visitor Visa can be 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. If you are an exchange student or plan to study Chinese in Taiwan, you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa.

Resident Visa

If you are going to study in Taiwan for a degree program, which is longer than six months, you will need to apply for a Resident Visa. There are two ways to apply for a Resident Visa:

  • If you have been admitted by a Taiwanese university for a degree program, you will need to contact the nearest Taiwanese embassy, consulate, or representative office.
  • If you have already stayed in Taiwan with a Visitor Visa and are qualified to apply for a Resident Visa, you can go to the Bureau of Consular Affairs for the application.

Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)

The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) is an ID card for students who hold a Resident Visa. If you arrive in Taiwan with a Resident Visa, you will need to apply for the ARC from the National Immigration Agency within 15 days of your arrival. If you arrive in Taiwan with a Visitor Visa but plan to stay for more than six months, you will need to switch your visa to a Resident Visa and then apply for the ARC.

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Scholarships for international students

International students are permitted to apply for admission to an educational institution in Taiwan, provided they meet the criteria of Article 2 of the Regulations Regarding International Students Undertaking Studies in Taiwan. International students who wish to stay in Taiwan for less than six months can apply for a Visitor Visa, while those staying for longer than six months will need a Resident Visa. Students can apply for their visas through their nearest Taiwanese embassy, consulate, or representative office.

The Taiwanese government offers several scholarships for international students wishing to study in the country. Here are some of the notable scholarship programs:

  • Ministry of Education Taiwan Scholarship Program: This program provides scholarships for outstanding international students pursuing undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degree programs in Taiwan. The scholarships cover tuition and miscellaneous expenses of up to NTD 40,000 per semester and include a monthly living allowance. The duration of the scholarship varies based on the degree program, with a maximum of four years for undergraduate studies.
  • Global Ambassador Scholarship Program: Established in collaboration with the Taiwan-United States Sister Relations Alliance, this program offers approximately 55 students the opportunity to study Mandarin in Taiwan during the summer break. It provides a monthly stipend of NT$25,000 (approximately US$830) and covers round-trip tickets, lodging, and program participation expenses.
  • Taiwan Intensive Summer Language Program: This program, established in collaboration with American Councils for International Education, enables dedicated students of Mandarin to complete a year's worth of academic study in just eight weeks.
  • Subsidies for Mandarin Students: The Ministry of Education also provides subsidies for groups of Mandarin students wishing to study in Taiwan. Each student in the group receives a weekly stipend of NT $4,000 (approximately US$130).

In addition to these government-funded scholarships, individual educational institutions in Taiwan also offer scholarships for international students. It is recommended that students consult directly with their chosen institution to explore the scholarship opportunities available to them.

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Application process for international students

International students who wish to study in Taiwan must follow a specific application process. Firstly, it is important to determine the type of educational institution the student wishes to attend. For elementary school, junior high school, senior secondary school, or a five-year programme at a junior college, students must directly apply to the school or college and submit the required documents during its designated admission period. If the applicant meets the criteria outlined in Article 2 of the Regulations Regarding International Students Undertaking Studies in Taiwan, they will receive an admission notice from the school.

For those wishing to attend a university or tertiary college in Taiwan, the application process is similar. Applicants must apply directly to the university or college during its designated application period and submit the required documents. If the applicant passes the review or screening process, the university or college will issue an admission notice.

International students who are interested in scholarships can apply for the Ministry of Education Taiwan Scholarship Program. This scholarship covers tuition and miscellaneous expenses of up to NTD 40,000 each semester and provides a monthly living allowance. Applicants must submit their applications to a Republic of China (ROC) overseas mission and apply separately to a university or college in Taiwan for admission.

In terms of visas, international students planning to stay in Taiwan for less than six months will need to apply for a Visitor Visa. This can be done by contacting the nearest Taiwanese embassy, consulate, or representative office. If the programme of study is longer than six months, a Resident Visa is required. For those who already have a Visitor Visa and wish to stay longer, they can apply for a Resident Visa at the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Finally, international students who wish to work part-time during their studies in Taiwan must first apply for a work permit from the Workforce Development Agency of the Ministry of Labor. It is recommended that international students focus on their studies rather than working part-time.

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Internships for international students

International students can enter Taiwan, but they will need to apply for a visa. The type of visa will depend on the duration of their stay and the purpose of their visit. If an international student intends to stay in Taiwan for less than six months, they will need to apply for a Visitor Visa. For longer stays, a Resident Visa is required.

The Taiwanese government encourages international students to undertake internships in the country after graduating from a university or tertiary college. To be eligible, international graduates must meet specific criteria, such as achieving an overall average score of at least 70 in their bachelor's degree or holding a master's or higher degree. Additionally, those who have received awards in skills competitions or technology exhibitions are also encouraged to apply. Applications for internships are lodged through the graduates' universities or colleges, and the maximum internship period is one year from graduation.

Taiwan offers a range of internship opportunities for international students, particularly in the fields of technology, business, and medicine. The information technology sector dominates the Taiwanese economy and has a significant presence in the international IT market. As a result, many high technology and semiconductor companies in Taiwan offer internships in software development, IC manufacturing, and testing. Some basic knowledge or experience with technology and computing is beneficial for these roles.

The Taiwan International Internship Program (TIIP) is another option for overseas students. TIIP is an intensive pre-doctoral research training program that provides hands-on training and scientific experience at Academia Sinica and its partner universities. Interns in this program receive a monthly stipend, reimbursement for travel expenses, and on-campus accommodation.

Business-related internships are also available in Taiwan, particularly in areas like marketing, communication, and finance. As Taiwanese organizations increasingly focus on building international departments and fostering relationships with western companies, interns with English language skills are highly valued.

It is important to note that most internships in Taiwan are offered to graduate students and scholars who aim to conduct in-depth research and gain hands-on experience in international business. Additionally, internship program providers often have established relationships with companies in Taiwan, making it easier to navigate the application process. However, it is recommended to begin researching opportunities well in advance, as application deadlines may vary.

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Travel advice for entering Taiwan

Taiwan is a vibrant democracy that welcomes international students to its universities and colleges. If you are considering studying in Taiwan, there are a few things you should know about entering the country and staying there.

Firstly, it is important to research the visa requirements for your specific situation. If you plan to stay for less than six months, you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa. For stays longer than six months, a Resident Visa is required. Visitor Visas can be extended up to 180 days if needed. You can apply for these visas by contacting your nearest Taiwanese embassy, consulate, or representative office. If you are an overseas Chinese student, you can apply by submitting the required documentation as outlined in the "Regulations Regarding Study and Counseling Assistance for Overseas Chinese Students in Taiwan".

If you intend to study at a tertiary level, you must meet the academic requirements. International applicants with a high school diploma are eligible for undergraduate programs, those with a bachelor's degree can apply for master's programs, and applicants with a master's degree can apply for Ph.D. programs. You can study in Taiwan without knowing Chinese, as many degree programs are taught in English. However, if you wish to learn Chinese, you can enrol in a language course before starting your studies.

Taiwan has modern medical facilities and well-trained physicians, many of whom speak English. The country also has laws prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities, ensuring accessibility in new public buildings, facilities, and transportation.

When driving in Taiwan, be aware of the strict traffic rules. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free kit, and the legal limit for blood alcohol content is 0.03%. On-the-spot fines are common for minor traffic offences.

Lastly, it is recommended to stay informed about potential civil demonstrations and natural disasters. Taiwan experiences typhoons and earthquakes, so it is important to monitor local media and follow any official warnings or alerts.

Frequently asked questions

International students can apply for a Visitor Visa if they are staying for less than 6 months and a Resident Visa if they are staying for longer than 6 months. Students can contact their nearest Taiwanese embassy, consulate, or representative office for application.

The Ministry of Education Taiwan Scholarship Program provides scholarships for outstanding international students to pursue degree studies in Taiwan. Scholarships cover tuition and miscellaneous expenses of up to NTD 40,000 per semester and a monthly living allowance.

International applicants can prove their Chinese language proficiency by taking the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL). However, Chinese proficiency is not required if the student intends to enroll in an international degree or English-taught program.

International students can apply directly to the university or college of their choice during its designated application period. Each institution handles its own applications and may have different requirements and deadlines.

The Taiwanese government encourages international students to undertake internships or work in Taiwan after graduating from a university or tertiary college. International students who meet certain criteria, such as a minimum graduation score, can apply for internships through their university for up to one year.

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