Taiwan’s higher education institutions have been grappling with declining enrollments due to the country’s low birth rate. To counter this trend, the government has been working on a draft regulation outlining a scheme aimed at attracting 10,000 international students.
The Taiwanese government has announced plans to accommodate an additional 10,000 international students in the country’s universities over the next four years to address the labor shortage in the country.
The announcement was made by Education Minister Pan Wen-Chung during a recent press conference in Taipei, as per an Erudera report.
Taiwan’s higher education institutions have been grappling with declining enrollments due to the country’s low birth rate.
To counter this trend, the government has been working on a draft regulation outlining a scheme aimed at attracting 10,000 international students.
Pan said that scholarships will be offered to international students as part of the government’s strategy to attract them. Additionally, the government is actively seeking private-sector funds to support the students.
The implementation of this scheme is expected to commence in 2024 and continue until 2027.
To be eligible for the scholarships provided by the government, international students will initially need to agree to work in Taiwan for a specific period following their graduation.
In collaboration with the private sector, authorities are also introducing semiconductor studies courses. Furthermore, they are in the process of developing plans for international dual degree programs and specialized two-year programs for undergraduate students.
These initiatives build upon the plans unveiled by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education last year, which aimed to enhance the country’s appeal as a study destination for international students.
The MOE encouraged all public and private universities to offer special education programs, particularly in fields such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. The ministry also expressed its intention to repatriate Taiwanese students who had chosen to study abroad.
Over the past decade, Taiwan’s higher education sector has witnessed internationalization.
Citing a survey conducted by the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education in Taiwan in late 2022, the report revealed that nearly 50 percent of international students chose Taiwan due to its “friendly and welcoming culture.”
At least 42.7 percent cited the good quality of education and the universities’ reputation. In comparison, 35.8 percent highlighted the opportunities to work and stay in Taiwan as their main motivation for studying in the country.
The survey further indicated that over half of the respondents considered a university’s reputation and characteristics when making their decision.
With 153 universities and colleges, some of which are ranked among the top 500 in the world, Taiwan offers a diverse and reputable academic landscape for international students.
