Philippine Christian University

Dasmarias, Cavite
Jozelina P. Prado
MAEd.Student

Dr. Yolanda R. Penales

Professor

Subject: Comparative Education

Topic: Educational System of Taiwan
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN TAIWAN
Taiwan educational research:
What is Taiwan Educational system? Taiwan currently implements a nine-year
compulsory education system, which includes six years of elementary school and three
years of junior high school. Following the compulsory education is three- years of senior
high school that will then lead to four years in university or college.
This is Taiwan Educational system looks like:
Elementary schools span grades 1 to 6, classes are held from Monday to Friday,
typically from 7:30 AM to 4PM Subjects include: Mandarin: The official language of
instruction. Mathematics: Mathematics education begins with the basics and reaches
introductory algebra and geometry by the 6th grade. Science: Comprehensive science
classes covering basic biology, physics, and chemistry. English: English is a compulsory
subject within the mainstream school system from Grade 3 Elementary School and up.
Native languages: Additional language classes in Taiwanese and Hakka are offered.
Elementary Schools in Taiwan.
Junior high school spans grades 7 through 9 and is the last half of compulsory
education. Unlike the slower pace of elementary school, junior high students typically
have a single goal in life: to score high on the national senior high school entrance exams
at the end of 9th grade. Consequently, the pressure on students from teachers and parents
is intense. Though instruction officially ends around 5PM, students often stay in school
till as late as 8 or 9PM for "extra classes" Junior high school in Taiwan
Senior high school in Taiwan Senior high school spans grades 10 through 12,
again the main 4 goal of students is to score highly on the national university entrance
exams at the end of their third year. The pace is just as, if not more intense than junior
high school.
Vocational schools in Taiwan
Vocational schools are three-year institutions similar to normal high schools.
Unlike normal high schools, they place a heavier emphasis on practical and vocational
skills.
Incoming students typically choose a single concentration, such as electrical

engineering, civil engineering, computer science or business. Some specialized

vocational schools also offer programs in seamanship and agriculture.
Vocational school graduates may also participate in the national university
entrance exams. It is not uncommon for students to select vocational school over high
school and proceed to a four year college afterwards.
Higher educations in Taiwan
There are over 100 institutions of higher education in Taiwan. Roughly 66.6% of
the over 100,000 students taking the national university entrance exams are accepted to a
higher educational institution.
Since the 1990s many trade schools and junior colleges have been "promoted" to
university status, which can account for the high university entrance rates.
Nonetheless, a high score is desired as an admission criterion to the prestigious
institutions.
Taiwan has many universities, both public and private. Tuition is less expensive in
public than in private universities. Many public universities have financial support from
the government for research purposes.
In terms of public resources and expenses for higher education, both used to be
incentives for students when they are choosing between public and private universities
after their high school education. University in Taiwan

Prepared by: Jozelina P. Prado

Date Submitted: July 17, 2015 (Friday)