An Educational Overview
October 27, 2009
The Educational System
The present educational structure supports 22 years of formal study. Completion times are flexible, depending upon the needs of the students. On average, the entire process requires two years of preschool education, six years of primary school, three years of junior high school, three years of senior secondary school, 4-7 years of college or university, 1-4 years of a master's degree programme and 2-7 years of a doctoral degree programme.
Compulsory Education
The MOE has implemented a ten-year trial compulsory education programme nationwide. This programme was designed to integrate junior high school and senior vocational school curricula. Now, junior high school students who are interested in beginning a programme in vocational training can do so during the last year of junior high school, for two years.
Senior High and Senior Vocational Education
There are two types of institution above junior high school level. These are senior high school and senior vocational school, both of which take three years to complete. Senior vocational schools offer courses in areas such as agriculture, industry, business, maritime studies, marine products, medicine, nursing, home economics, drama and art.
Junior College Education
Junior colleges fall into two categories: the five-year junior college and the two-year junior college, each having a different set of admission requirements. Five-year junior colleges admit junior high school graduates and offer five-year courses of study. Two-year junior colleges admit senior vocational high school graduates and offer two-year courses of study.
Normal Education and Training Programmes
In Taiwan, teacher training programmes are available at higher education level and usually last four years. Those programmes fall into two categories:
- Programmes for training teachers of secondary education; and
- Programmes for training teachers of primary schools and kindergartens. The former are primarily offered by normal universities while the latter are chiefly offered by education universities.
University Education
University undergraduate programmes require four years of study; however, students who are unable to fulfil their requirements within the designated time may be granted extensions of up to two years.
Specialised undergraduate programmes such as dentistry or medicine require six to seven years, including an internship period of one year.
Graduate Education
Graduate programmes leading to a Master's or doctoral degree require one to four years and two to seven years, respectively. However, students who enter the graduate school as part of their on-job training can be granted an extension if they fail to finish the required courses or to complete their thesis/dissertation on time.
Special Education
Only designated schools are allowed to admit students who are mentally or physically challenged. Special education in preschool education and primary school requires at least six years; in junior high school, three years; and in senior high and senior vocational school, three years. Special classes are offered by regular education institutions, including primary, junior and senior secondary schools.
Supplementary Education
Supplementary education provides citizens with an alternative way to achieve their educational goals. Based on the curriculum provided, it is classified into three main categories: basic education; advanced education; and short-term supplementary education. The study periods vary according to their curriculum design.
