Are you interested in studying in Taiwan? Then, it would help if you got a Taiwan student visa. This visa allows you to study any course of your choice. And interestingly, many of these courses are taught in English. This makes it easier for English-speaking students to thrive.

Another main reason why many students prefer studying in Taiwan is because of the accommodating nature of the people as well as the serenity of the country.

If you are interested in studying in Taiwan, this article details what you must know about the Taiwan student visa – the application processes, funding, and general requirements. Following this guide would help you to secure a student visa quickly. It would also prepare you for life after your studies.

Taiwan Student Visa

This is another type of Resident Visa usually issued for long-term stays. Several student visas could be applied for depending on the applicant’s country of origin. They include a Taiwan student visa for;

• International exchange students
• International students studying on full-term
• For overseas Chinese students wishing to study in any Taiwan institution
• Foreigners interested in learning Mandarin Chinese

However, you must get admitted into a Taiwan educational institution before applying for a Taiwan student visa. Below are the visa application requirements for international students interested in studying full-time in either Ph.D., Master’s program, Bachelor’s program, or Diploma/Certificate:

• Two-color passport-size photos
• Passport (photocopy) – must be valid.
• Health certificate – (original and photocopy)
• Admission permits (original and photocopy)
• Highest education diploma
• Evidence of financial support

How to get a Taiwan Student Visa

You can secure a Taiwan student visa via two different means;

• At a Taiwanese diplomatic mission (embassy, consulate, etc.) – this must, however, be before arrival in Taiwan.
• At the Bureau of Consular Affairs or any of its offices – this must be after arrival in Taiwan.

Applying at a Taiwanese diplomatic mission

While still in your home country, you can apply for a student visa by:

• Completing the Application Form for the Taiwan Student Visa online
• Preparing all necessary documents
• Submitting your application form and other required documents in person within 30 days
  • While filling out the application form, you must pick which diplomatic mission you will apply to from a dropdown menu.
  • You are free to apply to any mission; however, using the one in your country is advisable. You can apply to any close Taiwan diplomatic mission in your country if there’s none.
  • Allow the Taiwan student visa to be processed.
• Retrieve your passport. If your application is approved, it will be affixed to your passport.
• Upon gaining entrance into Taiwan, you have. 15 days to apply for a Taiwan residence permit at a local service center of the National Immigration Agency

Application for Visa at the Bureau of Consular Affairs

You can apply for a Taiwan student visa after your arrival in Taiwan if you have a Taiwan Visitor Visa for studying purposes. However, you must remember that you would not be issued a student visa if your goal of being in Taiwan is simply for tourism once you arrive in the country.

And if you are eligible to apply for a Taiwan student visa at the BOCA, you must do so at least eight work days before the expiration of your current visa.

Upon the approval of your visa application, you have 15 days to apply for a Taiwan residence permit at a local service center of the National Immigration Agency.

Applying as a student of Mandarin Chinese

For anyone interested in studying Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan, it is essential that you first secure a Visitor Visa to study Chinese. Upon completing your four months of studies, you may apply to change your Visitor Visa into a Resident (student) visa at the Bureau of Consular Affairs. However, you must apply at least eight days before your current Visitor visa expires. As soon as you secure your Taiwan student visa, it is expected that you also apply for a Taiwan residence permit.

General Requirements for Applying for a Taiwan Student Visa

The required documents are categorized into two;

Documents from the Academic Institution in Taiwan

• A signed admission letter – this could be in Chinese or English.
• A copy of the Guarantor’s Taiwanese ID card (both front and back of the card).
• A Guarantee Form – this is to be completed by the guarantor in Taiwan.
• An approval letter from the Education Ministry of Taiwan.

Personal Documents of the Applicant

• A passport must be valid for at least six months after the traveling date.
• Two color passport-sized(1.5*2 inches) photographs – this must have been taken within six months.
• A fully completed and printed Visa online application form.
• School certificates
• Recently updated applicant’s Curriculum Vitae(CV)
• Two recommendation letters – must be from the employers of the applicant.
• Guarantee Form
• Comprehensive study plan and autobiography – this must also include emergency contact and address
• Personal bank statement – this must cover six months for the applicant.
• Marriage certificate and copies of birth certificates of children (if applicable)
• National Identity card
• Payment slips and letter of employment
• Police report

What are the Taiwan student visa fees?

Below are Taiwan visa fees:

Application at a Taiwan diplomatic mission

• Single-Entry Resident Visa: US$66
• Multiple-Entry Resident Visa: US$132

Application in Taiwan:

• Single-Entry Resident Visa: NT$2,200
• Multiple-Entry Resident Visa: NT$4,400

Apart from the Taiwan student visa, you are expected to also pay for the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). The Taiwan Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) fees are itemized below:

• For one-year duration: NT$1,000
• For a two-year period: NT$2,000
• For a three-year duration: NT$3,000
• For overseas Chinese students: NT$500

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work on a Student Visa in Taiwan?

Of course, you can work on a student visa in Taiwan. However, it is compulsory for international students willing to study and work to obtain a work permit before picking up any job. Securing a work permit also requires that you get a Consent Form for a Work Permit Application from your school. This form must state whether you need the job because you are struggling to sustain yourself financially or are carrying out research work in tandem with your studies. Also, remember that you could be fined between NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 if caught working without a work permit.

Is Taiwan cheap for International Students?

You can get cheap and quality education at an affordable rate in Taiwan. Although, there might be slight differences in costs due to program variations. This falls around US$800 – $15,000 per year.

How long does it take to get a Taiwanese student visa?

Usually, the processing time takes roughly between 3 – 5 days. This is, however, dependent on other factors like the availability of the staff to attend to you, the workload at the consular office, and the availability of all required documents needed for processing the student visa.

Can I stay in Taiwan after studying?

Yes, you can stay in Taiwan after your study. The Taiwanese law allows international students to extend their stay in Taiwan for up to six months. Interestingly, if such a student is currently searching for a job or needs more time to complete his or her work permit application, the student can apply for another extension of six months, adding up to 12 months.

How much does it cost to live in Taiwan as a student?

Apart from tuition, living on a student budget will cost you about 680–880 EUR per month. This is dependent on many things, such as your accommodation type (which could be a shared room, a single room, off-campus vs. on-campus.) Other things to spend on are food, books, and other items.

How can I permanently live in Taiwan?

As a foreigner, you can apply for permanent residency if you have legally lived in Taiwan for at least five consecutive years and more than 183 days per year. In addition, you must have also met the stated requirements of Article 25 of the Immigration Act.

For anyone with a Gold card or a Doctoral Degree Certificate issued by a Taiwanese institution, it counts towards one year of your residency. This implies that a Gold card holder with a Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) in Taiwan can apply for permanent residence after living in Taiwan for two years, while a Master’s Degree secures one year counted towards residency.