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Education Guide for Foreign Families in Taiwan
(School Options for Children Under 18)

Moving to Taiwan with children?

Understanding Taiwan's education system can help your family choose the most suitable school based on your child's language ability, future academic goals, budget, and expected length of stay.

In Taiwan, foreign families generally have three main schooling options:

  1. Public Schools (Taiwan's 12-Year Basic Education System)

  2. Private Schools

  3. International, Bilingual, and Foreign Schools

 

 

Understanding Taiwan's Education System

Taiwan's education system consists of:

           Age              School Level                  Years

           6–12            Elementary School              6

         

          12–15           Junior High School              3

         

          15–18           Senior High School /            3

                               Vocational High School

This is known as Taiwan's 12-Year Basic Education System, which provides compulsory education through junior high school and highly accessible senior high school education.

 

 

Option 1: Public Schools

Who Can Enroll?

Foreign children holding a valid residency status in Taiwan are generally eligible to attend public schools, including:

  • ARC (Alien Resident Certificate)

  • APRC (Permanent Resident Certificate)

  • Dependent Residency

  • Employment-Based Residency

  • Investment Residency

  • Employment Gold Card Residency

 

Advantages

1. Lowest educational cost

2. Full Mandarin immersion

3. Strong integration into Taiwanese culture and society

4. Wide availability throughout Taiwan

 

Potential Challenges

1. Most classes are taught in Mandarin Chinese.

2. Students with little or no Chinese ability may require additional language support.

3. Curriculum follows Taiwan's national education standards.

 

Estimated Annual Cost

          Item                                                   Approximate Cost

          Tuition                                                 Free or heavily subsidized

          Books & Supplies                               NT$2,000–10,000

          Lunch & Miscellaneous Fees             NT$5,000–15,000

 

 

Option 2: Private Schools

Who Can Enroll?

Private schools generally accept:

  • Taiwanese students

  • Foreign students

  • Dual-nationality students

No foreign passport is required.

 

Advantages

1. Smaller class sizes

2. Stronger English support

3. Bilingual learning environments

4. Enhanced university preparation

 

Typical Annual Tuition

         School Level                      Tuition Range

         Elementary School               NT$80,000–250,000

         Junior High School               NT$100,000–300,000

         Senior High School               NT$120,000–400,000

Popular Private Schools

Kang Chiao International School

Phone: +886-2-8195-8855

Website: https://www.kcis.ntpc.edu.tw

 

Wego Private High School

Phone: +886-2-2892-5332

Website: https://www.wghs.tp.edu.tw

 

Fuhsing Private School

Phone: +886-2-2771-5841

Website: https://www.fhjh.tp.edu.tw

 

 

Option 3: International, Bilingual & Foreign Schools

This category includes:

  • International Schools

  • Foreign Schools

  • International Divisions

  • Bilingual Schools

  • IB Schools

  • American Curriculum Schools

  • British Curriculum Schools

These schools are the most popular choice for expatriate families.

 

Who Should Consider These Schools?

Ideal for:

1. Expatriate families

2. Corporate assignees

3. Diplomatic families

4. International professionals

5. Families expecting future relocation to another country

6. Students planning to attend overseas universities

 

Common Curricula

American Curriculum

Popular for families planning to attend universities in:

  • United States

  • Canada

 

Often includes:

  • AP (Advanced Placement)

 

British Curriculum

Popular for families planning to study in:

  • United Kingdom

  • Europe

 

Often includes:

  • IGCSE

  • A-Level

 

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Recognized worldwide and accepted by universities globally.

Includes:

  • PYP

  • MYP

  • DP

 

Admission Requirements

Requirements vary by school.

Most schools request:

  • Student passport

  • Parent passport

  • Residency documentation (if applicable)

  • Academic transcripts

  • Immunization records

  • School recommendations (some schools)

  • English proficiency assessment (some schools)

 

 

Foreign Passport Requirement

Many officially registered foreign schools require students to hold a foreign passport.

Examples include:

  • Taipei American School

  • Taipei European School

  • Kaohsiung American School

  • Morrison Academy

 

Some bilingual and international programs within Taiwanese private schools may also accept:

  • Taiwanese citizens

  • Dual-nationality students

  • Foreign residents

 

 

Typical Annual Tuition

           School Type                           Annual Tuition

           Bilingual School                      NT$200,000–600,000

           International Program             NT$250,000–800,000

           International School                NT$300,000–1,200,000+

           Foreign School                        NT$400,000–1,500,000+

 

 

Major International, Bilingual & Foreign Schools in Taiwan

= Northern Taiwan =

Taipei American School

Phone: +886-2-2873-9900

Website: https://www.tas.edu.tw

Curriculum:

  • American Curriculum

  • AP Program

 

Taipei European School

Phone: +886-2-8145-9007

Website: https://www.tes.tp.edu.tw

Curriculum:

  • British Curriculum

  • French Section

  • German Section

  • IB Pathways

 

Dominican International School

Phone: +886-2-2533-8451

Website: https://www.dishs.tp.edu.tw

Curriculum:

  • American Curriculum

 

Morrison Academy Taipei

Phone: +886-2-8668-9691

Website: https://www.ma.org.tw

Curriculum:

  • American Curriculum

 

Taiwan Adventist International School

Phone: +886-49-289-7303

Website: https://www.tais.tw

Curriculum:

  • American High School Program

 

 

= Taoyuan & Hsinchu =

Hsinchu County American School

Phone: +886-3-667-6279

Website: https://www.hcas.tw

 

Pacific American School

Phone: +886-3-601-3328

Website: https://www.pas.hc.edu.tw

 

 

= Central Taiwan =

American School in Taichung

Phone: +886-4-2239-7532

Website: https://www.ast.tc.edu.tw

 

Morrison Academy Taichung

Phone: +886-4-2292-1171

Website: https://www.ma.org.tw

 

 

= Southern Taiwan =

Kaohsiung American School

Phone: +886-7-583-3001

Website: https://www.kas.tw

 

I-Shou International School

Phone: +886-7-656-2676

Website: https://www.iis.kh.edu.tw

Curriculum:

  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

 

Required Documents for Most Schools

Prepare the following documents before applying:

  • Child's Passport

  • ARC/APRC (if applicable)

  • Birth Certificate

  • Academic Records / Report Cards

  • Immunization Records

  • Parent Passports

  • Passport Photos

  • School Recommendation Letters (if required)

 

 

 

Which School Type Is Best for Your Family?

           Family Situation                                           Recommended Option

           Staying less than 3 years                                International / Foreign School

           Corporate Expat Assignment                          International School

           Planning Permanent Residence                      Public School

           Child Needs Strong Mandarin Skills                Public School

           Future University in the U.S.                            American Curriculum School

           Future University in Europe or UK                   British Curriculum or IB School

           Frequent International Relocation                    International School

           Budget-Conscious Family                                Public School or Private School

 

 

 

Final Recommendation

Short-Term Stay (1–3 Years)

International or Foreign Schools offer the smoothest transition and easiest future relocation.

 

Medium-Term Stay (3–10 Years)

Bilingual or International Programs can provide a balance between local integration and global education.

 

Long-Term or Permanent Residence

Public schools offer the most affordable option and the strongest Mandarin-language immersion, helping children integrate into Taiwanese society while receiving a quality education.

 

Tip:

Many international schools in Taiwan have waiting lists, especially in elementary grades. Families are encouraged to begin the application process at least 6–12 months before their planned arrival in Taiwan.

If there is any updated information, please feel free to let us know so we can make corrections.

Thank you !

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