Who Can Attend International Schools? Admission Eligibility and Nationality Restrictions for Foreign Schools
In Taiwan, schools registered as "Foreign Schools" (such as various foreign national/foreigner schools) generally require students to hold foreign nationality or a specific residence status to enroll, according to Ministry of Education regulations. In contrast, bilingual schools, private schools, and experimental education institutions registered under the local education system are open to Taiwanese students. Therefore, whether a student can attend depends first on the school's registration type, and then on each school's own admission criteria. The following is a neutral explanation; actual eligibility is subject to the latest regulations of each school and the competent authority.
FAQ
Can a child with Taiwanese nationality attend an international school?
It depends on the school's registration type. Schools registered as "Foreign Schools" are, according to the Ministry of Education's relevant establishment and management regulations, generally limited to students with foreign nationality or specific residence status. However, bilingual schools, private schools, and experimental education institutions registered under the local education system accept Taiwanese students. It is recommended to confirm the school's registration type and target student group directly with the school.
What are the typical admission requirements for foreign schools?
In addition to legal restrictions on nationality or residence status, each school sets its own criteria, commonly including language (e.g., English) proficiency assessment, entrance exams or interviews, previous academic records, and enrollment quotas. Actual requirements and required documents are subject to each school's admission announcements.
If my child does not have foreign nationality, what options are available for studying international curricula (IB/AP/A-Level)?
Common options for Taiwanese families include: enrolling in bilingual or private schools that offer international curricula, participating in experimental education, or studying abroad first and then transferring. Each option differs in terms of student status, curriculum, and articulation for further education. It is recommended to evaluate based on the child's age and academic goals, and to confirm with the school. You may also refer to the site's articles "What is the difference between international schools and bilingual schools?" and "How to choose between IB, AP, and A-Level curricula?".
Does obtaining a foreign residence permit or permanent residence guarantee admission to a foreign school?
Not necessarily. Nationality or residence status is only one of the legal conditions. Whether it meets the requirements depends on the school's registration type and admission regulations. Some schools have additional requirements regarding the parent's status or type of residence. Please confirm with the latest regulations of the school and the education authority.
How can I check whether a school is a foreign school and which students it admits?
You can request the school's registration documents, check the school's registration type with the education authority (Ministry of Education's K-12 Education Administration or local education bureaus), and read the admission brochure specifying the target student group. This site provides a neutral compilation of public data and does not make determinations on individual schools' eligibility; all information is subject to official announcements from each school.
Official Source:MOE Regulatory System: Regulations Governing the Establishment and Management of Private Foreign Schools and Affiliated Preschools at the Senior High School Level and Below、K-12 Education Administration, Ministry of Education、National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior (Residence/Settlement)
This page is a neutral compilation of information for reference only, not admission advice, and does not constitute any admission or enrollment promise.