Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 12 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshippossible
Overview
- Country
- Taiwan
- Visa name
- Resident Visa for Study
- Local name
- 居留簽證（就學）
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Max duration
- 48 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Resident visa issued to international students enrolled in full-time degree programs (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) or extended study programs at recognized institutions in Taiwan. After arrival, students must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) at the National Immigration Agency within 30 days. Also covers senior high school students.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Subsidized
- Tuition range
- $1,500 – $10,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $8,000/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Public universities: NT$50,000–NT$100,000/semester (~$1,500–$3,000/semester or $3,000–$6,000/yr). Private universities: NT$150,000–NT$250,000/semester ($4,700–$7,800/semester or $9,400–$15,600/yr). Taiwan Scholarship (MOFA/MOE) covers tuition and provides monthly stipend.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 20 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Separate permit
International students may work up to 20 hours/week during term with a work permit from the Ministry of Labor (Workforce Development Agency). The 20-hour cap does not apply during summer and winter vacations. Degree students may apply after enrollment; language students generally after 1 year. Application through EZ Work Permit system. Cannot work in jobs involving danger or affecting public morals. Working without a permit can result in fines of NT$30,000–NT$150,000 and deportation.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit (Ministry of Labor) | Work permit | 12 mo–36 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
| Employment Gold Card | Work permit | 12 mo–48 mo | Any | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) | Admission | Chinese | Level 3 (B1) | Required for Chinese-taught programs. Level 3 (B1) minimum for most undergraduate programs. English-taught programs exempt. |
| TOEFL iBT / IELTS | Admission | English | — | Required for English-taught programs. Many Taiwanese universities offer English-medium programs especially at the graduate level. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Visa Fee | Application | $70 | One time |
| Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) | Registration | $31 | Per year |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and minor children may apply for dependent resident visa.
- Spouse work
- Limited
- Conditions
- Dependent ARC holders may apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Labor.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- Possible
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Processing
- 5-14 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.boca.gov.tw
- Health insurance
- Included
Notes and caveats
Must apply for ARC within 30 days of arrival. ARC serves as legal ID and proof of residence. Ordinary student residence generally should not be treated as direct APRC-counting time. NHI enrollment mandatory after 6 months of continuous residence. Taiwan Scholarship provides NT$15,000–30,000/month stipend plus tuition waiver. Employment Gold Card available for skilled graduates (4-in-1 permit for up to 4 years).
Also in Taiwan
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source