• What are the eligibility criteria for overseas Chinese student status?

Article 2 of the Regulations Regarding Study and Counseling Assistance for Overseas Chinese Students in Taiwan defines an "Overseas Chinese Student” as a student who was born overseas and has resided there until the present time, or who has resided overseas for more than six consecutive years at the time of their application to study in Taiwan and has a permanent or long-term residence status overseas.

• How do overseas Chinese students apply for admission to schools at each level, and to colleges, and universities?

In accordance with Article 9 of the Regulations Regarding Study and Counseling Assistance for Overseas Chinese Students in Taiwan, an overseas Chinese student who independently returns to Taiwan and plans to study at an elementary school, junior high school, senior secondary school, or junior college must apply to do so within 90 days from the day after they arrive in Taiwan. They must submit the relevant documents to the Overseas Compatriots Affairs Commission (OCAC).

The OCAC, will check their application and forward it and the related documents to the competent education administrative authority for validation, and to arrange a suitable placement. Please note that overseas Chinese students applying to undertake a general course at a public comprehensive senior high school are restricted to attending the National Overseas Chinese Senior High School (NOCSH).

• How do overseas Chinese students apply for admission to a master’s degree or higher degree program in Taiwan after completing an undergraduate or graduate program in Taiwan or overseas?

In accordance with Article 6 of the Regulations Regarding Study and Counseling Assistance for Overseas Chinese Students in Taiwan an overseas Chinese student who has graduated from a university overseas and wants to undertake a higher degree program in Taiwan must apply through a Republic of China overseas mission, or an overseas application-handling unit designated by the OCAC, or apply directly to a university or college that has MOE authorization to independently recruit overseas Chinese students or that offers special programs for overseas Chinese students.

In accordance with Article 14 of the Regulations Regarding Study and Counseling Assistance for Overseas Chinese Students in Taiwan, an overseas Chinese student who has graduated from a university or college in Taiwan may apply through University Entrance Committee for Overseas Chinese Students for admission to a university to undertake a master’s degree or higher level university program during the annual application period.

• What scholarships are available for overseas Chinese students?

The OCAC provides Scholarships for Overseas Chinese Students with Outstanding Academic Performance, and it accepts donations to provide scholarships and grants for overseas Chinese students. Applications for these scholarships and grants can be submitted to the educational institution that the student is attending.

The Ministry of Education provides Outstanding Overseas Chinese Student Scholarships, Elite Overseas Chinese Student Scholarships, Grants for Overseas Chinese Students in Financial Need and the Outstanding Overseas Chinese Student Scholarship for Graduate Students.

Individual educational institutions also provide a range of scholarships. International students should consult directly with the educational institution they are attending for information about any scholarships available and how to apply for them.

• What are the regulations governing work permits for overseas Chinese students to do part-time work?

The Employment Services Act states that overseas Chinese students are not permitted to undertake part-time work for more than 20 hours each week, except during the summer and winter breaks. Overseas Chinese students who wish to do any part-time work must first apply to the Workforce Development Agency of the Ministry of Labor for a work permit and they must avoid working in any workplace that raises safety concerns, or is in any way inappropriate. We strongly advise overseas Chinese students to seriously concentrate on their studies rather than working.

• Does the government encourage overseas Chinese students to stay in Taiwan to undertake an internship or work after they graduate?

Internships: The government encourages international students and overseas Chinese students to stay in Taiwan and undertake an internship after they graduate from a university or tertiary college if they meet the following criteria: they have graduated with a bachelor’s degree with an overall average score of at least 70, or with a master’s degree, or higher degree; or they have received an award in a skills competition or technology exhibition. Applications are lodged through their university or college. The maximum internship is for one year from their graduation.

Work in Taiwan aftrer graduating: Outstanding overseas Chinese students who are interested in staying in Taiwan to work may submit an application to the Labor Development Agency of the Ministry of Labor through their intended employer after they graduate. A points-based quota system is used for reviewing applications. It takes into account eight criteria: 1. the applicant’s academic record and credentials, 2. the salary they would receive, 3. their work experience, 4. their qualifications for the work position, 5. Chinese language proficiency, 6. foreign language proficiency, 7. background in a foreign country, and 8. how their application aligns with government policies.