Funding schemes dedicated to higher education development in Taiwan, namely ‘Five Years, 50 Billion’, ‘Technological University Paradigms’ and ‘Teaching Excellence Universities’, will be concluded by the end of 2017. The objectives and funding for the next phase of building excellence of HE sector have been released, looking primarily at teaching innovation and development of university specialities whilst taking into account social responsibility and opportunities for disadvantaged students. Starting from 2018, the Ministry of Education will commit to NTD 60 billion in five years for universities to bid for. Some additional funding will be made available for internationalisation including research, student/academic mobility and international collaboration, also on a bidding basis.

Teaching is highlighted, given that Taiwanese students lack the motivation to learn and are barely challenged to reach their full potential. To close the gaps, 50 per cent of the fund which a university receives should go to teaching innovation which improves student employability, learning experience and creativity.

From 2018 onwards a more prudent vetting process will be implemented when bidding for the internationalisation fund. ‘Less than 12 universities will receive the grant so Taiwan will need a few leading universities showcasing Taiwan in terms of higher education’, said Deputy Minister Yao, Ministry of Education.

Generally universities are positive about the plan with teaching being addressed, meaning universities will move away from competing on the number of papers published or rankings. Poly-tech universities, however, reflected that the special fund for internationalisation seems to be in favour of research universities rather than those HEIs with a reputation for supplying skill-focused graduates.

Source: Ministry of Education, Taiwan; local press

Commentary by Silvia Fan, Marketing Services Manager, British Council Taiwan

There is no clear indication at the moment to the UK how the development plan in terms of internationalisation would likely inform Taiwanese universities’ international strategy or what might be shifted in their priority when seeking an overseas partner. However this could mean is that universities in Taiwan will want to position themselves as a more dynamic and engaging community that will ultimately benefit their students as well as industries, which means that the UK will be able to offer support in doing this by sharing examples of practice.