Taiwan’s shrinking population and an oversupply of university places have resulted in a significant increase in the tertiary enrolment rate in recent years. In 2018, the university pass rate was 97.10%. As a result, university degree holders are unable to land a well-paying job and have to look out for other opportunities to enhance their employability. 

Statistics from the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Taiwan show that the numbers of Taiwanese studying abroad increased to 67,688 last year. In 2017, approximately 736,000 citizens were working overseas as per a report by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, contributing to a brain drain on the Island.

A survey conducted by a local opinion polling organisation revealed that one out of every 10 people in Taiwan is currently either studying or working overseas. Of 1,213 respondents, 27.78% indicated that either they or family members had studied or worked overseas. The US was the most popular study destination, followed by China. Furthermore, over 50% of respondents were dissatisfied with the local education system and stated that they did not believe a local degree would help them find a better job. Regarding students’ reasons for obtaining an overseas qualification, 26.04% wished to expand their international horizons (to enhance their employability); and 24.16% responded that they believe overseas institutions offer a better quality of academic qualification.

Comments by Karen Hsu, Education Services Manager, Hong Kong

According to the visa data published on the MOE website, total numbers of students studying full-time courses overseas have increased from 34,625 in 2014 to 41,090 in 2018 (+8.4%). Of the four major anglophone countries, Australia outperformed the UK to become runner-up to US in 2013, and their market share has continued to grow. In 2018, there were 6,454 Taiwanese students studying in Australia, which was 1.75% higher than the total number of students studying in the UK. It is also worth noting that the US seems to be losing their market share. Although there were around 20,000 Taiwanese students studying in the US in 2008, this figure was down to 13,000 in 2018. 

A review of the local news coming out of Taiwan suggests that the exam-oriented education system, the devaluation of degree qualifications (brought about by an oversupply of university places), and economic stagnation are all causes of frustration among the younger generation. UK education is well-known for its academic quality, all-around skills development and international focus – attributes that the current Taiwanese education system is lacking. When talking to prospective students or conducting product training with local agents, UK institutions are advised to highlight student exchange and employability programmes (e.g. internship/placement opportunities, industry visits, career advice/support, alumni employment rate) so as to emphasise how their courses will enhance students’ career prospects and global competitiveness. 

Sources:

• 11% of Taiwanese have studied/worked overseas: survey, Focus Taiwan 
• Numbers of Taiwanese students studying abroad 2008-2018 (近10年我國學生赴主要留學國家留學簽證人數統計表) – Chinese version only