Apply for a Degree Program in Taiwan 
A closer look...

Choosing the Right Program

• Choose a Taiwan Language Centers in the USA, Language Centers in Taiwan, or online program to boost your Mandarin Chinese language skills. ​

• Choose a degree program and university. Learn about Taiwan's higher education system, programs and scholarships, major cities, environment, and cost of living to help the decision making. 

Learning about Admissions and Eligibility

• How to apply for each of the programs? (Learn Mandarin Chinese in the USA) (Learn Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan)(Degree Programs in Taiwan)

• Requirements (GPA, course units, etc.)

• Check with schools if they require the Test Of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL). Usually this is not required unless you are entering a special program where a high percentage of lectures are in Mandarin Chinese. 

The Application Process

• Start your application, plan ahead of time (at least 6 months is recommended).

• Go to the center/university's website and find the "Application" or "Admissions" page, read through the school requirements and regulations, download the forms (or fill out online), then submit with all the needed supporting documents.  

• Contact the school administration office to check if they have received your application and  ask how long you must wait for the the admission results. 

Travel Requirements

• Certificate of admission issued by school or language centers,

• Valid passport - give yourself at least 3-4 months before your trip to get your U.S. passport, then submit the passport to a TECO office for the VISA. This may take another month depending on the processing speed of the embassy so plan ahead. It is a good idea to give them a call before you send the documents to ensure they can process your VISA application. They all speak English as well.

• VISA – visitor or resident? It depends on how long you will stay. In general, a Visitor VISA is issued for students who are going to stay in Taiwan for less than 6 months. A longer stay will require a resident VISA. You may also check this well written international student VISA guide.  

• Apply for your VISA in a TECO office: Look up this interactive map to find a TECO office for VISA applications. Pay close attention to the "Service Area" of each office since they all have a defined list of servicing states.

• COVID related restrictions - Check with the TECO offices in the USA regarding the VISA program reopening dates, the border entry restrictions, and the specific quarantine periods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the TECO offices may have restrictions of hours and ways of processing (in-person/mail-in) regarding VISA applications. Please check their websites on the map to read the latest VISA news.  

• Plane tickets - If you buy roundtrip tickets there are a few Taiwan-based airlines (e.g. China Airlines, EVA airlines, and certain international airlines) that may let you change your flight without charging fees. This is important in case you need to return home early, or if you wish to stay longer. Ask about their fee policy before you buy.

Getting Ready to Go 

• Planning your budget: There are employment options for those interested in teaching English in Taiwan as well. The Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program will begin its latest round of recruitment starting Jan 1, 2022. Taiwan welcomes American citizens interested in teaching English in Taiwan to apply. For more information, please refer to the official TFETP website.

• Accommodations: Be sure to contact your school for their advice and ask a few international students in that school about housing.

• Health insurance 

• Consider if you need  work-study

• Mentally preparing | Culture shock