Taiwan has become one of the top sources of international students in the United States, a trend that shows no signs of slowing. In the 2023-2024 academic year alone, 23,157 students from Taiwan were enrolled at accredited US colleges and universities, a 6.1% increase from the previous year. Of these, approximately a quarter were undergraduates—many of whom began their journey as recent high school graduates.​

For Taiwanese high school students, gaining admission to a US university represents more than just an academic opportunity—it embodies a mix of personal ambition, social status, and family aspiration. Degrees from American institutions are widely regarded as prestigious, providing a competitive edge in Taiwan’s job market and an entry point to global career networks.​

Families in Taiwan place immense value on international education. Parents see the US as a place where innovative curricula, abundant resources, and academic freedom nurture creativity and problem solving—qualities sometimes seen as lacking in Taiwan’s more test-driven and rigid educational system. The chance to study in English, immerse in American culture, and build a global perspective further boost the appeal. In an increasingly globalized world, English fluency and a familiarity with Western systems open doors to multinational companies, advanced research, and the return-home advantage of a respected foreign credential.​

Over the years, Taiwan’s secondary schools have responded to this demand by developing specialized tracks that actively prepare students for US college applications. Bilingual high schools, international programs, expansive AP and IB offerings, and tutoring for SAT/ACTs are now common. Families with overseas assets or relatives already living abroad find the process even more accessible, leveraging networks of alumni and family friends to smooth the transition.​

What stands out is how consistently US institutions are viewed as offering unmatched opportunities for academic and personal growth. Many Taiwanese students look to the US for its world-leading programs in STEM fields like engineering, computer science, and the sciences. In fact, around 21% of Taiwanese students in the US are enrolled in engineering programs, while others pursue business, social sciences, or the arts.​

There’s little doubt that the experience is challenging: studying thousands of miles from home, adjusting to a new culture, and maintaining academic performance in a highly competitive environment. But the rewards—greater independence, professional network-building, and the chance to bring global skills back to Taiwan—are viewed as well worth the effort. For many, studying in the US has also become a pragmatic hedge against domestic economic uncertainty and political volatility, making a US degree not just a dream, but also a long-term investment.​

Works Cited:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/945323/number-of-taiwan-students-studying-in-the-united-states/

https://www.ocac.gov.tw/OCAC/Eng/Pages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=329&pid=70556786

https://www.ait.org.tw/2024-open-doors-report/

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ903856.pdf