Compulsory Education

Taiwan's educational system begins with nine years of free, compulsory education, which has been in effect on the island since 1968.

Compulsory education in Taiwan takes place in both public and private schools. Attendance for these nine years (divided into six years of elementary school and three years of junior high school) is nearly 100%. Of the elementary schools, 99% are public, and about 92% of the junior high schools are public.

The total number of students at all levels of education in Taiwan is more than 5 million (about 26% of the total population of Taiwan). Children begin their compulsory education at the age of six, and 99% of the elementary school graduates go on to junior high school. Progress through senior high school and college requires passing strict examinations. Influenced by Chinese tradition, people in Taiwan have placed a high priority on education; thus, competition for higher education is extremely fierce.