Overview
Table 1: Number of Taiwan Students in the U.S. and contribution to the U.S. economy, Unit: US$ thousands
Year | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 |
Taiwan Students in the U.S. | 19,673 | 20,487 | 21,834 | 23,157 |
Taiwan Students’ Contribution to U.S. Economy | $875,000 | $706,000 | $844,000 | $1,088,000 |
Sources: IIE Open Doors 2024 Report
According to the Institute of International Education’s 2024 Open Doors Report, 23,157 students from Taiwan studied in the United States during the 2023-2024 academic year, a 6.1% increase over the previous academic year. These students contributed $1,088 million to the U.S. economy. Taiwan is the fifth leading source of students going to the United States. Of the Taiwan students in the United States for the 2023-2024 academic year, 43.1% were graduate students, 24.1% were undergraduates, 4.5% were non-degree students, and 28.3% undertook Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Taiwan’s Bilingual 2030 Plan
In late 2018, Taiwan launched an initiative to become a bilingual English-Mandarin society by 2030, with a particular focus on K-12 students and civil service personnel. While English is the main foreign language taught in Taiwan schools, Taiwan’s Ministry of Education has identified oral proficiency as an area for improvement, relative to reading and writing.
Local regulations limit the number of foreign teachers in Taiwan’s public school system. Consequently, Taiwan uses online and education technology to connect students with skilled bilingual educators. Simultaneously, Taiwan is increasing its budget to the public sector, schools, and libraries to improve the public’s English proficiency. To achieve its Bilingual 2030 plan, Taiwan has allocated a total of $361 million for the period 2021 to 2024. The leading focus areas by budget allocation are the K-12 sector ($234.26 million) and the higher education sector ($90.1 million).
U.S. remains the top destination for Taiwan students
According to statistics from the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE), a total of 56,798 Taiwan students traveled abroad to study or work in 2023. After the United States, Australia came in second place, with 10,673 students, and Japan third place, with 5,015 Taiwan students in 2023. Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Korea, were also popular among Taiwan students.
Most Taiwan students choose to go to the United States to attend degree, certificate, or language programs. In contrast, most Australia-bound students take part in working holiday programs. Canada and Japan offer similar visas to allow Taiwan citizens to work and study in short-term programs.
Table 2: Taiwan Student Study Abroad Destinations in 2023
North America (mainly United States) | 26,082 |
Oceania (mainly Australia) | 11,161 |
Asia (mainly Japan) | 8,710 |
Europe (mainly United Kingdom) | 10,841 |
Africa | 4 |
TOTAL | 56,798 |
Source: Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE)
Despite recruitment competition from other countries, the United States remains the top choice among Taiwanese parents. This trend is reinforced by the increasing number of bilingual international schools in Taiwan that prepare students to pursue higher education in the United States and other foreign universities.
Because many of these students remain in the United States through graduate school, graduate institutions should expect growing demand in the coming years due to these changes. For many Taiwan students, studying abroad at U.S. institutions remains an appealing alternative to studying in Taiwan. Although Taiwan schools are far more affordable than those in the United States, studying in the United States (or in other overseas locations) provides better employment opportunities after graduation. As a result, U.S. schools that emphasize post-graduation job placement are popular with Taiwan students.
U.S. schools would do well to promote their institutions to Taiwan students by hiring student recruitment agencies, developing active alumni networks, and reaching out to potential students through education fairs and social media.
Leading Sub-sectors
High schools and boarding schools.
Joint-diploma programs with local high schools.
Joint-degree programs with local universities.
Programs containing work or internship component.
Programs in critical industry sectors: semiconductors, AI, smart manufacturing, circular economy, and finance.
Pathway or bridge programs.
Opportunities
Partnering with local schools is an effective strategy for U.S. schools interested in recruiting Taiwan students to joint-degree or short-term summer programs. U.S. schools should also consider establishing cultural or language exchange relationships with Taiwan schools. The Commercial Service in Taiwan can help match U.S. schools with local universities or high schools.
Partnering with local student recruiting agents also provides U.S. schools with year-round exposure in the Taiwan market. Recruiting agents are a primary resource used by Taiwan students and parents when planning study abroad activities. The Commercial Service in Taiwan can help U.S. schools pre-screen prospective agents and arrange one-on-one meetings in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
Participation in education fairs is another effective method for recruiting Taiwan students. Fair organizers have a deep knowledge of the market and can greatly reduce U.S. schools’ marketing expenses. Local fair organizers also counsel students throughout the year and can follow up with prospective students.