| Education is strongly emphasized in the ROC, and a large share of national expenditures is allocated for educational purposes. Every year, the nation’s young people win distinction in international competitions such as the International Science Olympiads in physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and informatics. Some 33,000 Taiwanese students are pursuing advanced studies in countries around the world.
In addition, education specially designed to meet the needs of students with physical and mental disabilities is provided at all levels. There are also at least 18 international schools in Taiwan offering elementary to senior high school education for foreign residents.
Taiwan’s colleges and universities offer high-quality education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Increasing numbers of universities offer degree programs taught in English and scholarships for international students. Taiwan’s institutions are also the best choice for those who wish to study Mandarin Chinese, thanks not only to their quality of teaching but to the complete freedom and liberal atmosphere of Taiwan’s society.
Various government scholarships are also available for international students. The Taiwan Scholarship Program, for instance, offers study grants to students interested in Mandarin Chinese studies as well as those who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in diverse fields. Interested applicants may contact the cultural divisions of Taiwan’s embassies and representative offices or visit the Ministry of Education’s website at
http://english.moe.gov.tw.
Academia Sinica—the nation’s most prestigious research institution—has undergone dramatic expansion in operating budgets and disciplines over the past dozen years. Currently, it has 24 institutes and seven research centers in three divisions—Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Humanities and Social Sciences—with nearly a thousand full-time research fellows, including many world-class scholars.
2007-2008 Education Profile
Literacy rate (age 15 or
higher): over 97%
Government outlays for education: 19% of combined central and local government expenditures, accounting for over 4% of GDP (2007)
Institutions of higher learning: 164 (149 universities and colleges, 15 junior colleges)
Students enrolled in institutions of higher learning:
Total: 1.3 million
Master’s programs: 172,500
Doctoral programs: 31,700
Taiwanese studying abroad: 33,000
Many schools provide students with webpads to facilitate learning and familiarize them with information technology. (Photo by Hao Chen-tai)
|
