Academic Calendar

Intakes & Application Timelines in Taiwan

Plan your application strategy with our guide to Taiwan's university intake periods, application deadlines, and critical timelines for international students.

Taiwan Academic Calendar

2024/2025

Annual Intake Periods

Autumn Semester Intake (The primary intake period for most degree programs in Taiwan, aligning with the start of the academic year.)

Spring Semester Intake (A significant secondary intake, offering opportunities for students who missed the Autumn intake or prefer a later start.)

Summer Session Intake (A less common intake, primarily for language programs, short courses, or specific graduate programs.)

Key Deadline Alert

Applications for the 2024 Autumn Semester intake are typically closed. Focus on Spring 2025 applications, which generally open from September to November 2024.

Taiwan universities offer multiple intakes throughout the year, with Autumn Semester being the primary start date

Intake Periods

Academic Intakes in Taiwan

Taiwan universities typically offer multiple intake periods throughout the academic year. Each intake has different characteristics, application deadlines, and preferred program availability.

Primary Intake

Autumn Semester Intake

Late August / Early September

Key Information

Main intake for the majority of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Widest range of courses and scholarships available.
Aligns with the traditional start of the academic year in Taiwan.
Highly competitive due to the large volume of applicants.

Application Period

Typically December to March of the preceding year (e.g., Dec 2023 - Mar 2024 for Aug/Sep 2024 intake).

Some universities may have earlier or later deadlines. Scholarship applications often close earlier than program applications.

Spring Semester Intake

Late January / Early February

Key Information

Significant secondary intake for many degree programs, especially at the graduate level.
Good option for students who need more time to prepare or missed the Autumn deadline.
Fewer program options and scholarships compared to the Autumn intake, but still substantial.
Academic year continues from the Autumn semester.

Application Period

Typically September to November of the preceding year (e.g., Sep 2024 - Nov 2024 for Jan/Feb 2025 intake).

Deadlines can vary, with some programs closing applications as early as August or as late as December.

Summer Session Intake

May / June

Key Information

Less common for full degree programs; primarily for short-term programs, language courses, or specific research opportunities.
Ideal for students looking for intensive language study or cultural immersion.
Limited availability for full-time degree-seeking students.
Often used for bridging courses or preparatory programs.

Application Period

Typically February to April of the same year (e.g., Feb 2025 - Apr 2025 for May/Jun 2025 intake).

Application windows are generally shorter and more program-specific. Confirm directly with the university.

Pro Tip

Taiwanese universities often have rolling admissions or multiple application rounds within each intake period. Always check the specific university and program websites for the most accurate and up-to-date deadlines. Prepare your documents well in advance, especially academic transcripts and recommendation letters, as processing times can vary.

Critical Timelines

Application Deadlines & Key Dates

Planning your application timeline is crucial, especially for international students. Here are the critical deadlines and timelines for the main academic intake in Taiwan, typically for the Fall intake (September start).

12-15 months before

Research & Planning Phase

Begin extensive research into Taiwanese universities (e.g., National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University, National Cheng Kung University, National Chengchi University), specific programs (學程), and their admission requirements for international students (外籍生). Explore scholarship opportunities like the Taiwan Scholarship, MOE Scholarship, or university-specific scholarships. Understand the different application portals, such as the University Entrance Committee for International Students (UECIS) system or individual university portals.

10-12 months before

Documentation Phase

Gather and prepare all necessary application documents. This is a critical period for ensuring everything is ready for submission.

Key Tasks

• Obtain official transcripts (成績單) and degree certificates (學位證書) from all previous institutions, translated into English or Chinese and notarized if required.
• Prepare a compelling Statement of Purpose (讀書計畫) or Personal Statement (個人陳述) outlining your academic goals and reasons for studying in Taiwan.
• Secure strong Letters of Recommendation (推薦信) from professors or employers, typically 2-3, often submitted directly by the recommenders through an online system.
• Take required standardized tests: TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency (unless exempt) and potentially TOCFL/HSK for Chinese proficiency if applying to Chinese-taught programs or for scholarship purposes.
• Prepare a detailed CV/Resume (履歷) highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities.

8-10 months before

Early Applications

Some universities or specific programs, particularly for graduate studies or highly competitive fields, may have earlier application windows. Scholarship applications often open during this period.

Early Application Deadlines

• Taiwan Scholarship and MOE Scholarship applications typically open in late December to early January, with deadlines in February/March.
• Certain university-specific scholarships or departmental scholarships may have early application rounds.
• Some highly competitive programs, especially at top-tier universities, might have an early bird application period (usually December-January).
• For Spring intake (February start), applications usually open in August-September with deadlines in October-November.

6-8 months before

Regular Applications & Financial Aid

This is the primary application window for the majority of international student admissions for the Fall intake. Most universities will have their application portals open.

Regular Decision Deadlines

• Most university application deadlines for Fall intake (September start) are typically from late February to mid-March.
• Submit applications through the UECIS system (if applicable) or directly via individual university online portals.
• Ensure all supporting documents, including test scores, are submitted by the deadline.
• Follow up with recommenders to ensure their letters have been submitted.
• Some universities may have a second application window in April-May, but this is less common for international students and often for programs with remaining vacancies.

3-5 months before

Admission Decisions & Visa Process

Universities begin releasing admission decisions. Upon receiving an Admission Letter (入學許可函), you can start the student visa application process.

Visa Application Timeline

• Receive your Admission Letter (入學許可函) from the university, typically from April to June.
• Apply for a Resident Visa (停留簽證) at the nearest Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy, Consulate, or Representative Office in your home country.
• Prepare required visa documents: Admission Letter, financial proof (財力證明), passport, visa application form, health certificate (健康檢查證明), and potentially a police clearance certificate (良民證).
• Attend a visa interview if required by the ROC mission.
• Upon arrival in Taiwan, within 15 days, apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC, 外僑居留證) at the National Immigration Agency (NIA) service center with your university's assistance. This replaces your Resident Visa for long-term stay.

1-2 months before

Pre-Departure Preparations

Finalize all arrangements before your departure to Taiwan. This includes travel logistics and essential administrative tasks.

Final Checklist

• Book your flight tickets to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH).
• Arrange for accommodation in Taiwan, either university dormitories (宿舍) or off-campus housing.
• Purchase comprehensive travel and health insurance (醫療保險) that covers your stay in Taiwan.
• Prepare essential documents for travel: passport, visa, admission letter, financial proof, and copies of all important documents.
• Familiarize yourself with Taiwan's customs regulations and what items are restricted or prohibited.
• Inform your university of your arrival date and arrange for airport pickup if offered.

Arrival Week

Orientation & Registration

Upon arrival, participate in the university's orientation programs for international students. This is crucial for settling in and understanding university procedures.

Important Notice

Deadlines for applications and scholarships in Taiwan can vary significantly between universities and even between departments within the same university. Always refer to the official website of your target university and the specific program for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Early application is always advisable, especially for competitive programs and scholarships. The 'Fall intake' generally refers to the academic year starting in September, which is the main intake for most programs. Spring intake (February start) is also available for some programs but with fewer options.

Academic Structure

Taiwan Academic Calendar Structures

Taiwan universities primarily follow a two-semester system. Understanding this structure helps international students plan their studies, travel, and cultural immersion effectively.

Two-Semester System (學期制 - Xuéqī Zhì)

This is the predominant academic calendar system used across almost all universities and colleges in Taiwan, including public and private institutions. It divides the academic year into two main teaching periods.

Key Dates

Fall Semester (第一學期 - Dì Yī Xuéqī)

Early September to Late January

Winter Break (寒假 - Hánjià)

Late January to Mid-February

Spring Semester (第二學期 - Dì Èr Xuéqī)

Mid-February to Late June

Summer Break (暑假 - Shǔjià)

Late June to Early September

Mid-term Exams (期中考 - Qīzhōng Kǎo)

Typically November (Fall) and April (Spring)

Academic Structure

The academic year (學年度 - Xuéniándù) officially begins on August 1st and ends on July 31st, though actual teaching periods start in September. Each semester typically consists of 18 weeks of instruction, followed by a period for final examinations (期末考 - Qīmò Kǎo). Course registration (選課 - Xuǎnkè) usually occurs before the start of each semester, with an add/drop period (加退選 - Jiātuìxuǎn) in the first few weeks. Grades are typically released a few weeks after the end of each semester.

Trimester System (三學期制 - Sān Xuéqī Zhì)

While rare for full degree programs, some specialized programs, particularly in business or certain international collaborations, might adopt a trimester system. It's not a standard for the general university curriculum.

Key Dates

Trimester 1 (第一學期 - Dì Yī Xuéqī)

September to December

Trimester 2 (第二學期 - Dì Èr Xuéqī)

January to April

Trimester 3 (第三學期 - Dì Sān Xuéqī)

May to August

Break between Trimesters

Short breaks, typically 1-2 weeks

Course Registration

Prior to each trimester's start

Academic Structure

In a trimester system, the academic year is divided into three shorter, equally weighted terms. Each trimester typically runs for about 12-15 weeks. This system allows for more frequent course offerings and potentially faster completion of programs, but it also means shorter breaks between study periods. Final exams occur at the end of each trimester. This system is not common for undergraduate degrees but might be found in some graduate programs or specific departments aiming for a more intensive study schedule.

Special Academic Periods & Considerations

Beyond the standard academic calendar, there are several special periods and features to be aware of

Add/Drop Period (加退選 - Jiātuìxuǎn)

Following the initial course registration, universities provide a specific window, usually the first two weeks of each semester, during which students can adjust their course schedules by adding or dropping classes without academic penalty. This is crucial for international students to finalize their study plans.

National Holidays (國定假日 - Guódìng Jiàrì)

Taiwan observes several national holidays, such as Lunar New Year (農曆新年 - Nónglì Xīnnián), Tomb-Sweeping Day (清明節 - Qīngmíng Jié), Dragon Boat Festival (端午節 - Duānwǔ Jié), and Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節 - Zhōngqiū Jié). Classes are suspended on these days, and some may result in extended breaks (補假 - Bǔjià) if they fall on weekends.

Summer Session (暑修 - Shǔxiū)

Many universities offer optional summer sessions where students can take additional courses, retake failed courses, or accelerate their studies. These sessions typically run from July to August and are separate from the regular academic year tuition.

Student Tip

International students should always consult their specific university's official academic calendar (校曆 - Xiàolì) upon arrival, as slight variations exist between institutions regarding exact start/end dates, exam periods, and holiday observances. Pay close attention to the add/drop period and registration deadlines to ensure a smooth academic start. Also, be aware of major national holidays, especially Lunar New Year, as many businesses and services close for an extended period, which can impact travel plans.

Application Planning

Timeline Comparison by Student Type

Application deadlines and required preparation time vary significantly depending on your nationality and other factors. Compare the key differences to plan effectively for your Taiwan university application.

Application Process	Undergraduate Students	Graduate Students	International Students
Ideal Preparation Time	6-12 months prior to application deadline (e.g., for Fall intake, start planning in previous Fall/Winter)	9-15 months prior to application deadline (e.g., for Fall intake, start planning in previous Summer/Fall)	12-18 months prior to desired enrollment (includes language proficiency, document authentication, and visa planning)
Standardized Tests	SAT/ACT (for some programs/universities), TOCFL/HSK (for Chinese-taught programs), IELTS/TOEFL (for English-taught programs). Aim to complete 6-9 months before application.	GRE/GMAT (program-specific), TOCFL/HSK (for Chinese-taught programs), IELTS/TOEFL (for English-taught programs). Aim to complete 9-12 months before application.	IELTS/TOEFL (most common for English programs), TOCFL/HSK (essential for Chinese programs). Take tests multiple times if needed, 9-12 months before application period opens.
Early Application Deadlines	Some universities (e.g., NTU, NCKU) may have an early round for international students, typically late October to early December for Fall intake.	Limited early application options; some programs might have a priority deadline in late October to early December for Fall intake.	Highly recommended to apply in the earliest possible window (often late October - December for Fall intake) to increase chances and allow ample time for visa processing.
Regular Application Deadlines	Main application window for Fall intake is typically January to March. Spring intake (less common) is usually August to September of the previous year.	Main application window for Fall intake is typically January to March. Spring intake (less common) is usually August to September of the previous year.	For Fall intake (September start), regular deadlines are usually January to March. For Spring intake (February start), deadlines are typically August to September. Always verify with specific university.
Document Preparation	Start gathering transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, financial proof 3-6 months before application opens. Ensure official translations and notarization.	Start gathering transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, research proposal, financial proof 6-9 months before application opens. Ensure official translations and notarization.	Begin collecting and authenticating academic transcripts, diplomas, financial statements, passport copies, and recommendation letters at least 6-9 months before the application window. Apostille/authentication may be required.
Visa Process	After admission, apply for a Visitor Visa (for study) or Resident Visa (if staying longer than 180 days) at a Taiwan ROC embassy/consulate. Start 2-3 months before departure.	After admission, apply for a Visitor Visa (for study) or Resident Visa (if staying longer than 180 days) at a Taiwan ROC embassy/consulate. Start 2-3 months before departure.	Upon receiving admission letter, apply for a Resident Visa (for long-term study) at the nearest Taiwan ROC embassy/consulate. This process can take 1-2 months, so initiate immediately after admission. Prepare financial proof, health check, and police clearance.

Timeline Planning Tip

For international students applying to Taiwan, it is crucial to factor in the time required for document authentication (e.g., by TECO or your country's foreign ministry), visa processing, and potential language proficiency test retakes. Aim to complete all academic application components at least 2-3 months before the official deadline to allow for unforeseen delays and to secure an early admission decision, which facilitates the visa process.