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.
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.
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.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min Degree | Work | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit (Ministry of Labor) | Work permit | 12mo-36mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
| Employment Gold Card | Work permit | 12mo-48mo | Any | Unrestricted | Yes |
| 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. |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Visa Fee | Application | $70 | One time |
| Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) | Registration | $31 | Per year |
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).
- Employment Gold Card (digital nomad visa)
- Taiwan Employment Gold Card (economic)
Last verified: May 3, 2026. Source