Public Schools in Taiwan
How Foreign Children Can Enroll in Taiwan Public Schools
This guide is designed for:
1. Foreign professionals working in Taiwan
2. Employment Gold Card holders
3. Expatriate families
4. Foreign investors
5. APRC (Permanent Resident) holders
6. Foreign spouses and dependent families
Step 1: Confirm Your Child's Eligibility
Foreign children under 18 are generally eligible to attend public elementary, junior high, and senior high schools in Taiwan if they hold a valid residency status.
Common eligible statuses include:
-
ARC (Alien Resident Certificate)
-
APRC (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate)
-
Dependent Residency
-
Employment-Based Residency
-
Investment Residency
-
Dependents of Employment Gold Card holders
Step 2: Obtain Your Child's ARC
If your family has just arrived in Taiwan, your child should first:
-
Enter Taiwan legally.
-
Obtain the appropriate resident visa (if required).
-
Apply for an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate).
In most cases, an ARC is required before a child can officially enroll in a public school.
Step 3: Establish a Residential Address
Taiwan's public elementary and junior high schools operate under a school district system.
Your child's assigned school will typically be determined based on:
-
ARC registered address
-
Rental agreement
-
Proof of residence
Recommended Order
1. Secure housing
2. Update ARC address
3. Obtain a rental contract or proof of residence
Then proceed with school enrollment.
Step 4: Determine Your School District
You can identify your designated school through:
-
Local Department of Education
-
District Office
-
Household Registration Office
-
Nearby public schools
Ministry of Education Support
Phone:
+886-2-7736-7867
Email:
k12ea@mail.moe.gov.tw
Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office:
https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/en/faq/how-do-i-enroll-my-children-in-school/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
The Ministry of Education provides assistance for foreign families regarding school enrollment.
Step 5: Prepare Required Documents
Student Documents
1. Passport
2. ARC
3. Birth Certificate
4. Passport-sized photos
Parent Documents
1. Parent Passport
2. Parent ARC/APRC
Proof of Residence
Rental Agreement or Official Proof of Residence
Previous School Records
If your child previously attended school abroad, prepare:
1. School Transcripts
2. Enrollment Verification Letter
3. Transfer Documents
4. Graduation Certificate (if applicable)
English-language documents are generally accepted, although some schools may request Chinese translations.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Bring all required documents to the Academic Affairs Office (Registration Section) of your assigned public school.
Depending on the city or county, the local education authority may review the application before assigning a school placement.
Step 7: Grade Placement Evaluation
The school will determine the appropriate grade level based on:
-
Student's age
-
Academic records
-
Previous educational background
Typical Grade Placement
Age Taiwan Grade Level
6–7 Grade 1 (Elementary)
7–8 Grade 2 (Elementary)
12–13 Grade 7 (Junior High)
15–16 Grade 10 (Senior High)
Step 8: Chinese Language Assessment (If Needed)
Most schools do not require Chinese proficiency for admission.
Children with little or no Mandarin ability can still enroll.
Many schools provide:
-
Mandarin language support
-
New immigrant student programs
-
Academic assistance classes
-
Language adaptation resources
These programs help international students transition smoothly into Taiwan's education system.
Step 9: Complete Registration
Once your child has been accepted, the school may request payment for:
-
Student insurance
-
School lunch program
-
Uniforms
-
Textbooks and materials
After registration is completed, your child is officially enrolled.
Step 10: Begin School
Taiwan Academic Calendar
First Semester Late August – January
Second Semester February – Late June
Students transferring during the school year are usually allowed to enroll immediately without waiting for a new semester.
Most foreign families can successfully complete the entire enrollment process within one month of arriving in Taiwan.
Tip:
Contact your local school or education department as early as possible, especially if arriving during the summer enrollment season, to ensure a smooth transition for your child.
Example
American Family Relocating to Taipei
Parents:
-
Employment-based residency
Child:
-
8 years old
Week 1
✔ Obtain ARC
✔ Secure housing
Week 2
✔ Update ARC address
✔ Confirm school district
Week 3
Prepare:
-
Passport
-
ARC
-
Birth Certificate
-
U.S. School Transcript
-
Rental Agreement
Week 4
Submit enrollment application to local public elementary school
↓
School reviews records
↓
Grade placement assigned
↓
Registration completed
↓
Student begins classes
In many cases, the entire process can be completed within 2–4 weeks.
Estimated Costs for Public Schools
Item Estimated Cost
Tuition Free
School Lunch NT$500–800/month
Textbooks & Materials NT$1,000–3,000/semester
Uniforms NT$1,000–5,000
After-School Care (Optional) NT$2,000–4,000/month
Public education remains one of the most affordable options for foreign families living in Taiwan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.Can my child attend public school without speaking Chinese?
Yes.
Many schools offer Mandarin support and resources specifically for international and immigrant students.
Q2.Is an ARC required?
In most cases, yes.
A valid ARC or other legal residency status is generally required for enrollment.
Q3.Must we attend the assigned school district?
For public elementary and junior high schools, enrollment is generally based on your residential school district.
Q4.Can my child transfer during the school year?
Yes.
Most public schools accept transfer students throughout the academic year.
Q5.Is an entrance exam required?
Usually not.
Grade placement is generally based on age and previous academic records rather than entrance examinations.
If there is any updated information, please feel free to let us know so we can make corrections.
Thank you !