Over the past years, more Filipinos have been choosing Taiwan as their education destination for higher learning. From the 2017 to 2020 academic year, there had been a 96.5% increase in the number of degree and non-degree seeking Filipino students in Taiwan.
To all Filipino students who are interested in pursuing higher education overseas, here’s why you should study in Taiwan:
- Quality education
In 2020, National Taiwan University ranked 69th and 20th in the World and Asian University Rankings, respectively. In the same year, 11 other universities have been placed in the top 100 in Asia. Taiwan has also proved to be globally competitive in the fields of business and management, engineering and health sciences. Universities provide a wide variety of resources to help students put their lessons into practice, and organize seminars, trainings and job fairs for the students. The teachers and faculty members are experts in their own fields, and there are several programs available in English for international students. The environment is also conducive to learning Mandarin.
In Taiwan, you will also meet students from different other countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Republic of Nauru, Sweden, Russia, USA, Honduras, Republic of Palau, St, Vincent and the Grenadines, Brazil, Marshall Islands, Guatemala, Kingdom of Eswatini, Belize, Japan, Indonesia and France. Not only does this expand ones’ network, but it also exposes students to ideas and perspectives different from their own, enabling them to shift their perspective into a more global one. Truly, studying in Taiwan opens so many possibilities for learning and communication.
- Scholarship opportunities
To encourage more Filipinos to study in Taiwan, MOE and Taiwan ICDF offer scholarships to outstanding Filipino students every year. The scholarships will not only cover tuition fees, but also provide monthly stipends, airfare and other fees. For those who will not be granted with these scholarships, universities also offer generous financial assistance programs to international students with good academic standing.
- Low tuition fees and cost of living
Tuition fees in Taiwan are significantly lower than universities in America and Europe but the quality of education available is globally competitive. In 2019, Taiwan was even placed alongside Germany, Switzerland and USA by the WEF’s “Global Competitiveness Report” as super innovators.
- Study and Work
Taiwan allows international students to work alongside their studies. This enables international students to earn extra income to support their studies, and allows them to expand their network and experience for future employment opportunities.
- Friendly to foreigners
Foreign students in Taiwan attested to the fact that people in Taiwan are very friendly and welcoming of people from different cultures and backgrounds. For foreigners who are struggling with Mandarin, Taiwanese people always provide assistance whenever they can. Within the universities, many Filipino students have expressed their appreciation of their Taiwanese faculties and academic advisers who have assisted them throughout their academic journey.
In 2020, Taiwan was also ranked as the 6th most peaceful country in the Asia Pacific-Region and 37th worldwide. Students feel safe and secure as they explore Taiwan’s night markets and other famous tourist attractions.
- Travel
Taiwan features many breathtaking tourist spots that students can visit on their free time. From scenic nature views to amazing collections in museums, Taiwan has a wide array of attractions perfect for activities and relaxation. One of the best things about Taiwan as well is its accessible and efficient mass transportation system, making it easy for travelers to visit places even without private transportation.
