How to Choose a Preschool? Differences, Lottery, and Subsidies for Public, Non-Profit, Quasi-Public, and Private Kindergartens
Preschools in Taiwan 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 spots 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 and greatest flexibility. The Ministry of Education provides enrollment subsidies and childcare allowances for children attending quasi-public, non-profit, and public kindergartens. Below, we explain the differences, lottery processes, and subsidies for each type, with official sources.
Core Differences Among the Four Types: Trade-off Between Fees and Availability
Taiwan's preschools are divided into four types, differing mainly in 'who runs them, how much they cost, and how many spots are available.' Public kindergartens (including those affiliated with elementary schools) are run by the government and have 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 ones and regulated quality, but spots are also in high demand; quasi-public kindergartens are private providers that sign contracts with the government, committing to fee caps and quality standards, allowing parents to pay a capped monthly fee and receive subsidies; private kindergartens have the highest fees and the most flexibility in curriculum and hours. First, consider your budget and whether you can accept a lottery, then decide your priority.
What Are Quasi-Public Kindergartens? Why Are Parents So Interested?
'Quasi-public' is a government initiative to expand affordable childcare by contracting with eligible private kindergartens: providers commit to fee caps, teacher salaries, and basic quality standards, while the government provides enrollment subsidies to parents, reducing their actual monthly cost to near public kindergarten levels. They are not public; they are still privately operated, but fees are regulated and subsidies are available, making them a popular choice for families who 'miss the public lottery 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; please refer to the latest official announcements.
How Do Public and Non-Profit Kindergartens Conduct Lotteries? When to Register?
Because public and non-profit kindergartens have fewer spots than demand, they mostly use a 'registration + lottery' system, with priority admission for certain statuses (e.g., low-income, middle-low-income, disabled, indigenous, children from special circumstances families). Registration usually takes place in spring/summer (around April–June) on each city/county's early childhood education information website or at the kindergarten's notice board, requiring household registration and relevant documents. Exact timelines, priority orders, and enrollment targets vary by city/county and kindergarten; be sure to check the current year's enrollment brochure for that city/county and kindergarten.
How to Claim Subsidies: Don't Confuse Enrollment Subsidies with Childcare Allowances
Two common types of government support should be distinguished: ① 'Enrollment subsidy/tuition subsidy' is directly deducted or subsidized based on the type of kindergarten attended (public, non-profit, quasi-public), applied for after enrollment according to regulations; ② 'Childcare allowance' is a cash subsidy for families with children aged 0 to under 5 who are not attending public or quasi-public kindergartens, and is mutually exclusive with enrollment subsidies. Actual amounts, age limits, and income thresholds are announced by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Welfare and are subject to change; always refer to the latest official regulations, not outdated information.
How to Choose Based on Your Child and Family Situation, and Find Nearby Kindergartens
Suggested steps: First, evaluate your budget and commute (public/non-profit are cheapest but require a lottery, quasi-public have subsidies, private are most expensive but flexible) → Confirm your child's age and registration timeline → Compare curriculum, teacher-student ratio, schedule, and meals → Visit in person. To find kindergartens near you, their addresses, and contact information, use this site to browse schools by city/county and district, then check the National Early Childhood Education Information Network for each kindergarten's type (public/non-profit/quasi-public/private) and enrollment announcements. This site is a neutral compilation of public data and does not evaluate 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 availability: public kindergartens are run by the government, have 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 ones but limited spots; quasi-public kindergartens are private ones contracted with the government, with fee caps and subsidies for parents; private kindergartens have the highest fees and greatest flexibility. Actual fees and subsidies are subject to the latest announcements from the Ministry of Education and local governments.
Are quasi-public kindergartens public? How much can I save by enrolling?
No. Quasi-public kindergartens are still privately operated, but they sign contracts with the government to cap fees and maintain quality, so parents pay a capped monthly fee and can receive enrollment subsidies, making the actual cost close to public kindergartens. Exact fee caps and subsidy amounts vary by city/county and are subject to change; please refer to announcements from the Ministry of Education and local governments. This site does not provide fee estimates.
How do I register for a public kindergarten? When is the lottery?
Public and non-profit kindergartens mostly use a registration + lottery system. Registration usually takes place in spring/summer (around April–June) on each city/county's early childhood education information website or at the kindergarten's notice board, with priority admission for families with specific statuses. Exact timelines, priority orders, and required documents vary by city/county and kindergarten; please refer to the current year's enrollment brochure.
Can I receive both the childcare allowance and the enrollment subsidy?
Generally no; you must choose one. The childcare allowance is for families with children aged 0 to under 5 who are not attending public or quasi-public kindergartens; the enrollment subsidy is a tuition subsidy for children attending public, non-profit, or quasi-public kindergartens. Amounts, age limits, and income thresholds are announced by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Welfare and are subject to change; always 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 waiting on the waiting list for a non-profit kindergarten. Private kindergartens have higher fees but more flexible availability. Also check each city/county's waiting list procedures and other enrollment rounds. Enrollment and waiting list rules vary by kindergarten; refer to the kindergarten's and local education bureau's announcements.
How can I find out what kindergartens are near me 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 Ministry of Education's National Early Childhood Education Information Network for each kindergarten's type (public/non-profit/quasi-public/private) and enrollment announcements. Whether a kindergarten is quasi-public, its fees, and availability are subject to the latest official and kindergarten announcements.
官方資料來源：教育部國民及學前教育署 — 全國教保資訊網、教育部 — 就學費用與補助（5 歲幼兒就學補助等）、衛生福利部 — 育兒津貼／托育補助
This page is a neutral compilation of information for reference only. It does not constitute admission advice or any promise of admission or visa outcomes.