How to Choose a Preschool? Differences, Lottery, and Subsidies for Public, Non-Profit, Quasi-Public, and Private Kindergartens
Taiwan's preschools are mainly divided into four types: public (including affiliated kindergartens of elementary schools), non-profit, quasi-public, and private. Public and non-profit kindergartens have the lowest fees but limited slots requiring a lottery; quasi-public kindergartens are private ones contracted with the government, with a cap on monthly fees and eligibility for subsidies; private kindergartens have the highest fees but the most flexibility. Subsidies are based on the type of kindergarten: those attending public/non-profit/quasi-public kindergartens receive education subsidies (tuition reduction), while those not attending these specific types receive childcare allowance. Below, we explain the differences, lottery, and subsidies for each type, with official sources.
Core Differences Among Four Types of Preschools: Trade-off Between Fees and Slots
Taiwan's preschools are divided into four types, differing mainly in 'who runs them, how much they cost, and how many slots are available.' Public kindergartens (including affiliated kindergartens of elementary schools) are run by the government with the lowest fees, but have few classes and require a lottery; non-profit kindergartens are operated by non-profit organizations commissioned by the government, with fees close to public kindergartens and regulated quality, but slots are also in high demand; quasi-public kindergartens are private operators contracted with the government, promising fee caps and quality conditions, with a monthly fee cap and eligibility for subsidies; private kindergartens have the highest fees and the most flexible curriculum and hours. First, consider your budget and whether you can accept the lottery, then decide your priority.
What is a Quasi-Public Kindergarten? Why Are Parents So Interested?
'Quasi-public' is a government initiative to expand affordable early childhood education by contracting with qualified private kindergartens: operators commit to fee caps, teacher salaries, and basic quality, while the government provides education subsidies to parents, reducing their actual monthly cost to near public kindergarten levels. It is not public; it is still privately operated, but fees are regulated and subsidies are available, making it a popular choice for families who 'didn't get into public kindergarten but want to save money.' The list of quasi-public kindergartens, fee caps, and subsidy amounts in each city/county are announced by the Ministry of Education and local governments and may be adjusted; refer to the latest official announcements.
How Does the Lottery Work for Public and Non-Profit Kindergartens? When to Register?
Public and non-profit kindergartens, due to limited slots relative to demand, mostly use 'registration + lottery' for placement, with priority admission for specific statuses (e.g., low-income, middle-low-income, disabled, indigenous, special family circumstances). Registration usually takes place in spring/summer each year (around April–June) on the city/county early childhood education information website or at each kindergarten's announcements, requiring household registration and relevant documents. Exact timelines, priority order, and enrollment targets vary by city/county and kindergarten; be sure to check the enrollment brochure for that year in your city/county and kindergarten.
How to Claim Subsidies: Don't Confuse Education Subsidies and Childcare Allowance
The key is 'choose one based on kindergarten type, cannot double claim': ① Those attending public, non-profit, or quasi-public kindergartens receive 'education subsidies (tuition reduction)' and cannot also receive childcare allowance; ② Those not attending the above specific types (home care or general private kindergartens) receive 'childcare allowance' as cash subsidies. By age, there are two tracks: under 2 years old mostly fall under the Ministry of Health and Welfare's childcare subsidy/childcare allowance, while 2 to under 5 years old fall under the Ministry of Education's childcare allowance. Choose one among the three (childcare subsidy/childcare allowance/education subsidy), determined by kindergarten type and age. Actual amounts, age limits, and income thresholds are announced by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health and Welfare and may be adjusted; refer to the latest official regulations.
How to Choose Based on Child and Family Situation, and Find Nearby Kindergartens
Suggested order: First assess budget and commute (public/non-profit are cheapest but require lottery, quasi-public are next with subsidies, private are most expensive and flexible) → Confirm child's age and registration timeline → Compare curriculum, teacher-student ratio, schedule, and meals → Visit in person. To get an overview of kindergartens near your home, including addresses and contact information, use this site to browse schools by city/county and district, then check the type (public/non-profit/quasi-public/private) and enrollment announcements on the National Early Childhood Education Information Network. This site is a neutral compilation of public data and does not evaluate the quality of individual kindergartens.
FAQ
What are the differences between public, non-profit, quasi-public, and private kindergartens?
The main differences lie in the operator, fees, and slots: public kindergartens are run by the government with the lowest fees but require a lottery; non-profit kindergartens are run by non-profit organizations commissioned by the government with fees close to public kindergartens but limited slots; quasi-public kindergartens are private ones contracted with the government with fee caps and eligibility for subsidies; private kindergartens have the highest fees and the most flexibility. Actual fees and subsidies are subject to the latest announcements from the Ministry of Education and local governments.
Is a quasi-public kindergarten public? How much can I save by enrolling?
No. Quasi-public kindergartens are still privately operated, but they have signed contracts with the government committing to fee caps and quality, so parents have a monthly fee cap and can receive education subsidies, making the actual cost close to public kindergartens. Exact fee caps and subsidy amounts vary by city/county and may be adjusted; refer to announcements from the Ministry of Education and local governments. This site does not provide fee calculations.
How do I register for a public kindergarten? When is the lottery?
Public and non-profit kindergartens mostly use registration + lottery. Registration usually takes place in spring/summer each year (around April–June) on the city/county early childhood education information website or at each kindergarten's announcements, with priority admission for families with specific statuses. Exact timelines, priority order, and required documents vary by city/county and kindergarten; refer to the enrollment brochure for that year.
Can I receive both childcare allowance and education subsidies?
No, you must choose one based on kindergarten type and cannot double claim. Those attending public, non-profit, or quasi-public kindergartens receive education subsidies (tuition reduction) and cannot also receive childcare allowance; those not attending these specific types (home care or general private kindergartens) receive childcare allowance. Additionally, under 2 years old mostly fall under the Ministry of Health and Welfare's childcare subsidy/childcare allowance, while 2 to under 5 years old fall under the Ministry of Education's childcare allowance. Amounts, age limits, and income thresholds are announced by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health and Welfare and may be adjusted; refer to the latest official regulations.
What if I don't get into a public kindergarten through the lottery?
Common alternatives are choosing a quasi-public kindergarten (with fee caps and subsidies, cost close to public) or being on the waiting list for a non-profit kindergarten. Private kindergartens have higher fees but more flexible slots. Also check for waiting list replacements and other enrollment rounds in your city/county. Enrollment and replacement rules vary by kindergarten; refer to announcements from the kindergarten and local education bureau.
How can I find out which kindergartens are near my home and what type they are?
Use this site to browse schools (including kindergartens) by city/county and district for addresses and contact information, then check the type (public/non-profit/quasi-public/private) and enrollment announcements on the Ministry of Education's National Early Childhood Education Information Network. Whether a kindergarten is quasi-public, its fees, and slots are subject to the latest official announcements from the government and the kindergarten.
Official Source：Ministry of Education – National Preschool Education Information Network、Ministry of Education – Tuition and Subsidies (e.g., 5-Year-Old Preschool Education Subsidy)、Ministry of Health and Welfare – Childcare Allowance / Childcare Subsidy
This page is a neutral compilation of information for reference only, not admission advice, and does not constitute any admission or enrollment promise.