Education System in Taiwan

The formal education in Taiwan starts as soon as a child attains 6 years of age. Education is available starting from Pre Primary to Higher Education and Research level. Pre-primary education is not compulsory, however, children start attending pre-school classes starting from the age of 3 years. Duration of elementary education in Taiwan is 6 years i.e. Grade 1 to Grade 6.

After completion of sixth standard student move to Junior High School to study for another 3 years i.e. Grade 7 to Grade 9. Senior High School takes 3 years for completion; here students complete Grade 10, 11 and 12. The completion of senior high school education opens the door for admission to junior college.

In junior college programmes students complete 2 years of education and receive an Associate degree. Admission in Junior College is also open right after completion of 9 years of education. But for all such candidates study duration is 5 years after which they receive an Associate degree.

Undergraduate programmes in Taiwan leading to the award of a Bachelor's degree require 2 years of study if students possess an Associate degree. And the candidates who apply directly after Senior High School require 4 to 7 years of study depending on curriculum requirement. The Postgraduate programmes leading to award of masters degrees require 1-4 years of academic work. Research degree takes 2-7 years after which Doctorate degrees are awarded.

The current national basic education in Taiwan is 12 years education. The implementation of this compulsory education replaces the old 9 years education. The 12 years education policy was originally proposed in 1983, but was delayed for financial reasons. For admission to high school and university programmes students are required to appear for admission test / competitive examinations.

The school year in Taiwan consists of two semesters. The fall semester begins in early September and runs till late January or early February. Winter vacation typically runs for three to four weeks around the Lunar New Year. Spring semester begins following the Lantern Festival in mid-February and ends in late June. Across the majority of institutes the language of instruction is Mandarin. Courses are taught in English as well.