21 Jul Have you heard that applying to study in Taiwan is complicated because there are many different application pathways? This article might be the answer for you!
Many Indonesian students choose Taiwan as their destination for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies because of its quality education, safety, healthcare facilities, scholarship availability, and career opportunities. However, the difficulty of accessing detailed information about studying in Taiwan, along with the many different application pathways, often leaves parents and prospective students confused. Are you one of them? If yes, this article might be the answer for you! We will explain each pathway one by one.
Have you ever heard of the Overseas Chinese and International pathways?
These two pathways are the most common starting points for you to consider your next step. There is a lot of information circulating about the lower tuition fees offered through the Overseas Chinese pathway. Is it true? Yes, but that was in the past! Currently, there are still some universities that offer lower tuition fees for the Overseas Chinese pathway, but the exact amount should be checked with each university.
In fact, many universities charge the same tuition fees for both pathways. Meanwhile, the International pathway offers more scholarship opportunities, with larger quotas and generous funding. Even for those who plan to continue their studies to a master’s or doctoral degree, the International pathway provides more advantages. This means that the aspect of “lower tuition fees” should not be the only consideration when choosing between these two pathways. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two pathways below that may help you decide.
| Overseas Chinese Pathway | Internasional Pathway |
|---|---|
| MUST be of Overseas Chinese descent(Required documents: parents’ ID card and Family Card) | All Indonesian citizens are eligible to apply as INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. |
| Documents required for university application and to be brought to Taiwan upon arrival MUST be legalized by an official certification authority recognized by the Taiwan government. | Documents to be brought to Taiwan upon arrival MUST be legalized through the following process: Notary Public → Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham) → Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) → Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO). |
| A Mandarin language certificate is NOT required when applying for a student visa. | A language proficiency certificate (English or Mandarin) is required when applying for a student visa if you are enrolling in a regular program. (Students applying for the IFP 1+4 program are exempt from this requirement.) |
| No bank statement is required when applying for a student visa. | A bank statement is required when applying for a student visa. |
Some notes and tips for choosing your pathway:
1. Financial Condition
Your bank statement is an important factor that influences your choice of pathway. If you or your family cannot provide a bank statement for the past six months with a balance of IDR 75 million, then the Overseas Chinese pathway may be your primary option.
2. Limited Budget
The Overseas Chinese pathway requires applicants to legalize their documents before applying to universities and then legalize documents again for visa preparation. So, if you have a limited budget and want greater certainty that you will be able to study in Taiwan before spending a significant amount of money, you may consider the International pathway, because for this pathway, document legalization can be completed after applying to universities or after you have been accepted by the university.
3. Language Proficiency
Language proficiency is an important consideration. Some universities only offer programs taught in Mandarin for the Overseas Chinese pathway. In this case, although you are not required to submit a language proficiency certificate before departure, you are expected to have Mandarin proficiency at the A2–B1 level.
Meanwhile, the International pathway offers programs taught in either Mandarin or English. You have more options that can be adjusted according to your language ability. For regular programs, you are required to submit a language proficiency certificate when applying to universities. If you choose a program taught in Mandarin, you must have a TOCFL or HSK certificate. If you choose a program taught in English, you must have a TOEFL or IELTS certificate.
For students applying through the International pathway under the IFP 1+4 (International Foundation Program), you have the privilege of not having to submit a language proficiency certificate when applying.
You may apply to universities through both pathways if you have enough time and energy. However, when applying for your visa, you must choose only one pathway. The pathway you choose during your visa application will remain attached to your identity permanently and cannot be changed, even if you permanently leave Taiwan and wish to return in the future. Therefore, make sure you choose the right pathway. Still have many questions and becoming even more interested in studying in Taiwan? Don’t worry! Let GROW accompany you on your study journey to Taiwan. Book a consultation and join our mentoring program with Taiwan alumni today.
