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:
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Public Schools (Taiwan's 12-Year Basic Education System)
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Private Schools
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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:
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ARC (Alien Resident Certificate)
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APRC (Permanent Resident Certificate)
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Dependent Residency
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Employment-Based Residency
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Investment Residency
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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:
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Taiwanese students
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Foreign students
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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:
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International Schools
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Foreign Schools
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International Divisions
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Bilingual Schools
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IB Schools
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American Curriculum Schools
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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:
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United States
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Canada
Often includes:
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AP (Advanced Placement)
British Curriculum
Popular for families planning to study in:
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United Kingdom
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Europe
Often includes:
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IGCSE
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A-Level
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Recognized worldwide and accepted by universities globally.
Includes:
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PYP
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MYP
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DP
Admission Requirements
Requirements vary by school.
Most schools request:
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Student passport
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Parent passport
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Residency documentation (if applicable)
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Academic transcripts
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Immunization records
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School recommendations (some schools)
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English proficiency assessment (some schools)
Foreign Passport Requirement
Many officially registered foreign schools require students to hold a foreign passport.
Examples include:
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Taipei American School
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Taipei European School
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Kaohsiung American School
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Morrison Academy
Some bilingual and international programs within Taiwanese private schools may also accept:
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Taiwanese citizens
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Dual-nationality students
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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:
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American Curriculum
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AP Program
Taipei European School
Phone: +886-2-8145-9007
Website: https://www.tes.tp.edu.tw
Curriculum:
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British Curriculum
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French Section
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German Section
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IB Pathways
Dominican International School
Phone: +886-2-2533-8451
Website: https://www.dishs.tp.edu.tw
Curriculum:
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American Curriculum
Morrison Academy Taipei
Phone: +886-2-8668-9691
Website: https://www.ma.org.tw
Curriculum:
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American Curriculum
Taiwan Adventist International School
Phone: +886-49-289-7303
Website: https://www.tais.tw
Curriculum:
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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:
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International Baccalaureate (IB)
Required Documents for Most Schools
Prepare the following documents before applying:
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Child's Passport
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ARC/APRC (if applicable)
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Birth Certificate
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Academic Records / Report Cards
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Immunization Records
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Parent Passports
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Passport Photos
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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 !