A recent survey conducted across 17 markets in Asia by MasterCard reveals that education continues to be a top priority for Taiwanese parents- over 80% save for their children’s education and 70% invest in education-related activities. Education spending has contributed to extra learning or training that is often an enhancement of academic performance.

However the survey also finds a decrease (21% vs. 32% in 2014) of Taiwanese parents intending to send their children to university overseas, due to the rising cost of studying and living outside of Taiwan and there now being more options available for young people gaining international experience in other ways (e.g. exchange programmes, study travel or working holidays.)

Sources:
focustaiwan.tw/news/aedu/201607050013.aspx
www.epochtimes.com/b5/16/7/5/n8067328.htm

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

Despite less interest in studying abroad for a first degree as per the survey results, Taiwanese student enrolment at overseas universities doubled in the last five years (627 in 2011 to 1,412 in 2015). Other than financial status or other economic indicators, factors such as quality of education, rankings, scholarships, tuition fees and relatives or families living overseas also carry weight when parents and students choose a university.

UK institutions should take note that merely 0.6% of senior high school leavers, including expatriates from Taiwan, appear to be bound for higher education abroad, despite this growth in student numbers over five consecutive years.