Overview of the General Education System

Taiwan’s educational system is organized into 20 years of learning, which steps starts in preschool to doctoral studies. The Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is responsible for setting national education policies, supervising schools and universities, and ensuring that education standards are consistent throughout the country. Education begins in primary school and spans six years, three years in junior high school and another three years in senior high school. After that, students can pursue technical/vocational courses at college or university for higher education. To summarize, Taiwan’s educational structure is modeled into basic education, which consists of the elementary and junior high, senior secondary education that covers high school or vocational school, and higher education.

The official language of instruction employed is Mandarin Chinese, while the academic school year starts in September and ends in June. Educational institutions are free and government-funded public schools, while independent private schools are religious and international schools for emigrants and bilingual learners. In 2014, Taiwan implemented a law highlighting educational innovation through school-based experimental education based on alternative educational philosophies like Waldorf, which are not subject to the rules of curriculum guidelines.

Over the years, Taiwan’s education system has experienced imperative reforms. In 2014, the government extended compulsory education from 9 to 12 years, making high school education necessary and more accessible to all students. In that particular year, the literacy rate reached 98.5%, which reflects a significant achievement in education and illustrates the widespread accessibility of learning opportunities across the population. The improvement also enhanced several aspects, such as the flexible academic programs, greater support for students from challenged circumstances, more widely available childhood education, a better vocational education, access to arts education, and emphasis on using digital learning tools. These enhancements aim to boost a more inclusive, diverse, and adaptable education towards diverse students’ needs. In fact, in 2024, Taiwan’s foreign enrolment reached 125,000, which only enriches the academic environment but also fosters greater global connections and understanding.

In Taiwan, compulsory education begins at six years old and continues until 12, encompassing elementary and secondary education. Elementary years cover Grades 1 to 6, while secondary years include junior high school (grades 7 to 9) and senior high school (grades 10 to 12).

As for the preschool education, it was divided into “kindergartens” and “child care centers,” under the management of different government authorities but this was amended on 2012 through the Early Childhood Education and Care Act, merging these two so young children receive both comprehensive education and care delivered by one administrative system. Although preschool is not required by law for kids ages two to five, the government motivates early childhood learning and offers financial assistance to needy families. As a result, many families enroll their children in preschools, particularly private institutions, as some focus on teaching English and advanced studies.

In primary school, subjects taught are Mandarin, math, science, native languages, social studies, art, and music, while English instruction is delivered during Grade 5. Completing junior high school allows students to shift into either general or vocational high school based on their academic performance and interests. On the other hand, senior high school includes general senior high schools, vocational senior high schools, comprehensive senior high schools, and specialty-based senior high schools.

Taiwan also emphasizes vocational education in high schools, allowing students to specialize in business, agriculture, engineering, nursing, and the arts. Graduates of these programs can either apply their education directly to the workplace or pursue further education through university entrance exams.

Taiwan offers a wide range of opportunities in higher education. Students can choose among the 160 HEIs, comprising traditional universities, technical universities, junior colleges, community colleges, and institutes of technology. A bachelor’s degree spans four years and covers general education and major-specific programs, which can be obtained between 128 and 175 credits upon graduation, depending on the courses taken. Master’s degrees require coursework, exams, and a thesis and take two years, but can be extended up to four years, while doctoral degrees can be taken from two to seven years and include classwork and research.

Moreover, Taiwan has junior colleges catering to alternative pathways focusing on technical and managerial skills in medicine, tourism, and engineering. Students can select a five-year program for junior high graduates or a two-year program for vocational high school graduates. Graduates receive a diploma similar to an associate's degree and can move to a university for further study. Aside from junior colleges, community colleges offer flexible learning paths, usually with no entrance requirements, that are tailored for adults who want to continue their education later in life.