Applying to Private Schools in Taipei: An Expat Family's Guide
Taipei is one of Asia's most underrated destinations for expat families. Taiwan's capital combines a low cost of living relative to Singapore or Hong Kong, high personal safety, excellent food, and a genuinely warm local culture. Its international school sector, while smaller than some regional competitors, is well-established and serves a community of English-speaking families from the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. This guide covers everything expat families need to know about private school admissions in Taipei in 2026: the admissions process, required documents, top schools, and timing your application correctly.
The Admissions Process at Taipei International Schools
Private and international school admissions in Taipei follow a broadly similar pattern to international schools elsewhere in Asia, with some Taiwan-specific nuances. Most schools have a primary intake in August or September at the start of the academic year (which follows the US August–June calendar at American-style schools, or the Northern Hemisphere September–July calendar at others). Many also accept mid-year January intakes with limited places.
The standard admissions process has four stages:
- Online application — Submit the school's application form, along with required documents and the application fee. Most Taipei international schools use an online portal.
- Document review — The admissions office reviews the submitted documents and may request additional information. For older students, this stage often includes a review of recent academic results and teacher references.
- Student assessment — Students in Grade 3 and above typically complete a placement test covering English literacy and mathematics. This is not a pass/fail hurdle but rather a diagnostic tool to ensure the school can meet the student's needs.
- Admissions decision and enrolment — Offers are issued by email. Upon acceptance, families pay an enrolment deposit (typically one term's fees) to secure the place.
Key Documents Required
Most Taipei international schools require the following as part of a completed admissions file:
- Completed application form (online)
- Copies of the child's passport and any existing Taiwan Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
- Parents' passports and work or residency documents (ARC or APRC)
- Previous school transcripts or reports for the last two academic years
- A teacher recommendation or reference letter
- Health and immunization records
- Recent passport-sized photographs
For families arriving directly from overseas, most schools will accept a copy of the employment offer letter or the initial visa in lieu of the ARC, which can take several weeks to process after arrival.
Top Private and International Schools in Taipei
Morrison Academy Taipei
Morrison Academy is one of Taiwan's most established English-medium international schools, with roots stretching back to 1952. Originally founded to serve the children of missionaries, it now welcomes students from all backgrounds. Morrison Academy Taipei offers Kindergarten through Grade 12 with a US-accredited curriculum and strong college counselling for US university applications. Its Beitou campus is spacious and well-resourced, and the school community is notably close-knit. Academic standards are high, and the school is a particularly strong fit for families arriving from the United States or Canada.
Taipei Adventist American School
Taipei Adventist American School (TAAS) offers a values-based American curriculum from Kindergarten through secondary level within a Christian educational framework. The school is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and its graduates are well-prepared for US college applications. Class sizes are small, and the school's approach is deliberately personal and community-oriented. TAAS is an excellent choice for families who want a caring, structured environment with strong English-language instruction and a values-centred ethos.
Dominican International School Taipei
Dominican International School Taipei is a Catholic international school offering the US curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12. Founded by the Dominican Sisters, the school serves a diverse international community and offers a rigorous academic programme grounded in Thomistic educational values. DIST is WASC-accredited and offers the full US High School Diploma pathway. The school also offers Mandarin Chinese language classes at all year levels, providing students with meaningful exposure to the local language during their time in Taiwan — a significant advantage for families interested in the region long-term.
Grace Christian Academy
Grace Christian Academy is a smaller, community-oriented Christian school in Taipei offering the US curriculum from early childhood through secondary level. Its smaller size creates a supportive, family-like environment that works particularly well for younger students or for children who have experienced educational disruption due to multiple relocations. Grace Christian Academy is WASC-accredited and has a committed admissions team experienced in helping newly arrived families navigate the transition to schooling in Taiwan.
Admissions Timeline for 2026–27
For families targeting the August 2026 intake, the optimal admissions timeline is:
- October–December 2025: Submit applications to target schools. Many Taipei schools open their applications for the following year in October.
- January–March 2026: Assessment appointments and follow-up meetings with admissions teams.
- March–April 2026: Offer letters issued. Families typically have two to three weeks to accept and pay the enrolment deposit.
- August 2026: School year begins. New family orientation days are held the week before term starts at most schools.
For families receiving short-notice relocation orders, Taipei's international schools are generally flexible. Contact the admissions team as soon as your move is confirmed — most schools can accommodate late applications if places are available, and the process typically moves quickly once your document file is complete.
School Fees in Taipei
Taipei international school fees are competitive by Asian standards, sitting meaningfully below Singapore and Hong Kong. Indicative annual tuition ranges for 2026:
- Kindergarten / Early Years: TWD 200,000 – TWD 420,000 (approximately USD 6,500 – USD 13,500)
- Primary (Grades 1–5): TWD 280,000 – TWD 520,000 (approximately USD 9,000 – USD 16,700)
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): TWD 320,000 – TWD 580,000 (approximately USD 10,300 – USD 18,600)
- High School (Grades 9–12): TWD 360,000 – TWD 650,000 (approximately USD 11,500 – USD 20,900)
Taipei is one of the more affordable international school markets in East Asia, and the overall cost of living in Taiwan makes it an excellent value proposition compared to Tokyo, Singapore, or Hong Kong. Many multinational employers provide education allowances that fully cover international school tuition in Taipei.
Find International Schools in Taipei
For full school profiles, parent reviews, and admissions contact details for all international schools in Taipei, visit International School Advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply to an international school in Taipei?
For August intake, apply between October and December of the preceding year. For January mid-year intake, apply at least three months in advance. Taipei international schools are less oversubscribed than their equivalents in Singapore or Shanghai, so late applications are more often accommodated — but applying early still gives you the best choice of year group places and time to plan your family's move.
Do Taipei international schools require Mandarin Chinese?
No prior Mandarin ability is required for admission to any of the international schools listed in this guide. All schools offer English-medium instruction, and Mandarin Chinese is taught as a subject — typically a few hours per week — rather than as a medium of instruction. Beginner-level Mandarin classes are available for students with no prior experience.
What is the difference between US-accredited and IB schools in Taipei?
Most Taipei international schools follow a US-accredited curriculum (WASC) and award the US High School Diploma, which is the most direct route to American university applications. IB Diploma programmes are available at some schools as an alternative senior pathway. If your family is likely to move to a country where the IB is more common — such as Europe or Singapore — discuss the curriculum transition with each school's admissions team to understand the best pathway for your child's academic future.