Pre-Arrival

Document Preparation After Admission

Q: I have been successfully admitted! What documents do I need to prepare before entering Taiwan?

  • Overseas Chinese & International Students: Before entering Taiwan for your studies, you must apply for a “Resident Visa” at the Taiwan overseas mission in your home country. Once you enter Taiwan with this visa, the International Office will assist you in converting it into an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
  • Hong Kong & Macau Students: You must apply for an “Exit & Entry Permit for the Taiwan Area (Entry Permit).” After arriving in Taiwan, the International Office will coordinate your physical examination and assist you in applying for your residency permit.

Pre-Arrival Procedures & Checklist

  1. Admission Letter: Applicable to International, Overseas Chinese, and Hong Kong/Macau students (admitted via university direct application).
  2. Original Diploma: Your original graduation certificate or proof of highest academic degree.
  3. Vaccination Records: Required for Hong Kong and Macau students (Immunization Records/Yellow Book).
  4. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
  5. ID Photos: 2-inch color photos (front view, white background, no hat).
  6. Valid Student Visa/Entry Permit: Required for entry into Taiwan.
  7. Flight Tickets: Please ensure your booking is confirmed.
  8. Medical Records: If you have long-term health conditions, please bring your medical history or diagnostic information to ensure continuity of care.
  9. Financial Hardship Certificate: Economically disadvantaged Overseas Chinese students may obtain a certificate (in Chinese or English) from overseas missions, recommending units, or community organizations before coming to Taiwan. If eligible, the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) will subsidize 50% of the National Health Insurance (NHI) premium.
  10. Police Criminal Record Certificate (Non-Criminal Record): Required for Hong Kong/Macau students aged 18 or older for residency applications.
    • UCAC Channel: Log in to the University Committee for Admissions of Overseas Chinese Students (UCAC) system, download the electronic “Distribution Notice,” and take it to the Taipei Office (HK/Macau) to request a recommendation letter for the police record.
    • Direct Admission: Print your university Admission Letter and take it to the Taipei Office to request the recommendation letter.

Budget Recommendations

Q: Besides tuition, how much money should I bring?

We recommend preparing enough funds to cover your entire first semester (including tuition, fees, housing, living expenses, and miscellaneous costs). A rough estimate is NTD 100,000 to 120,000, though this varies by individual. Currency exchange services are available at the airport.

  • Estimated Monthly Living Costs: Generally between NTD 10,000 and 20,000.
  • Other Expenses: Factor in transportation, daily necessities, and entertainment. Actual spending depends on your lifestyle.

Climate & Clothing

Q: What is the weather like in Taiwan? What clothes should I bring?

We suggest bringing both short-sleeved and long-sleeved clothing. You will need a heavy coat or down jacket for cold fronts in the winter.

  • 🌸 Spring (March–May): Often drizzly. Use “onion-style” layering to easily add or remove clothes as the temperature fluctuates.
  • ☀️ Summer (June–August): Occasional typhoons. Monitor weather reports; if you are in a mountainous area, be cautious of mudslides. Wear loose, breathable, light-colored clothing.
  • 🍂 Autumn (September–November): Cool and comfortable. It is mostly sunny and pleasant. Wear breathable clothes and keep a light jacket handy.
  • ❄️ Winter (December–February): Short and mild, but cold fronts can strike. Layer thin cotton shirts with sweaters and bring a heavy coat when needed.

⚠️Important Legal Notice

  1. The mailing of meat products into Taiwan is strictly prohibited. Please strictly comply with Taiwan’s animal quarantine regulations. 🔗[Link]