Navigating private school admissions in Taipei can feel daunting for international families arriving in Taiwan for the first time. The city's international schools each have their own application processes, timelines, and entry requirements, and understanding how the system works is the key to securing a place at your preferred school. This guide walks through the admissions landscape in Taipei for 2026, covering when to apply, what documents you need, how entrance assessments work, and what language support is available for children transitioning into English-medium education.
Taipei's international school community serves a diverse expatriate population drawn by Taiwan's thriving technology sector, semiconductor industry, and growing role in global supply chains. Companies like TSMC, MediaTek, and a vibrant startup ecosystem bring families from North America, Europe, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The result is a collection of schools offering American, British, European, and IB curricula, each with its own admissions culture and expectations.
Admissions Timelines at Taipei International Schools
Most international schools in Taipei operate on a Northern Hemisphere academic calendar, with the school year beginning in August or September and ending in June. The main admissions cycle for the following academic year typically opens between October and January, with application deadlines falling between January and March for the most competitive schools. Offers are usually made between February and April, giving families time to confirm places and plan their relocation.
However, many Taipei international schools also accept rolling admissions throughout the year, subject to available places. This is particularly helpful for families relocating mid-year who cannot wait for the main admissions cycle. Mid-year entry is generally more straightforward at less oversubscribed schools, while the most popular institutions may have waiting lists that make mid-year placement difficult, especially at popular entry points like kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 6.
Top International Schools in Taipei and Their Admissions Processes
Taipei American School
Taipei American School (TAS) is the most sought-after international school in the city and operates a highly selective admissions process. Applications open in October for the following August start. The school requires academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardised test scores where applicable, and a student essay for older applicants. TAS also conducts interviews and may require entrance assessments in English and mathematics. Priority is given to US passport holders, though the school serves a broad international community. Waiting lists are common, particularly for kindergarten and lower primary grades, so early application is essential.
View Taipei American School on ISA
Taipei European School
Taipei European School (TES) offers British, French, and German curriculum sections, each with its own admissions pathway. The British Section follows standard UK school entry points and requires school reports, a reference from the current school, and sometimes an entrance assessment. The French and German sections have their own language proficiency requirements. TES applications typically open in November, with offers made on a rolling basis. The school's multi-section structure means that availability varies by curriculum and year group, so families should enquire early about specific openings.
View Taipei European School on ISA
Dominican International School Taipei
Dominican International School follows an American-style curriculum and has a reputation for a welcoming, community-oriented admissions approach. The application process includes submission of school records, health documents, and a parent questionnaire. Entrance assessments in English and maths are used for placement purposes rather than as a barrier to entry. The school accepts applications year-round and typically has more flexibility on mid-year entry than the larger institutions. Dominican is a good option for families arriving outside the main admissions window.
View Dominican International School Taipei on ISA
Morrison Academy Taipei
Morrison Academy is a Christian international school offering an American curriculum. Admissions require a completed application form, previous school transcripts, teacher references, and a statement of faith from the family. The school conducts English language assessments and may interview families as part of the process. Morrison's admissions timeline follows the main cycle with applications opening in the autumn for an August start, but the school also considers mid-year applications when space permits. Families should be aware that Morrison's Christian ethos is integral to its admissions criteria.
View Morrison Academy Taipei on ISA
Taipei Kuei Shan School
Taipei Kuei Shan School offers a bilingual Chinese-English programme and caters to families who want their children to develop strong Mandarin alongside English. The admissions process includes language proficiency assessments in both English and Chinese, academic records, and a family interview. The school is popular with families who plan to stay in Taiwan long-term and want their children to be genuinely bilingual. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but places in popular year groups fill quickly. Early enquiry is recommended, particularly for the bilingual primary programme.
View Taipei Kuei Shan School on ISA
Required Documents for Admissions
While specific requirements vary by school, most international schools in Taipei request the following documents as part of the application: a completed application form (usually available online), copies of the student's passport and visa or ARC (Alien Resident Certificate), two to three years of academic transcripts or school reports, teacher recommendation letters (typically from the current English and maths teachers), immunisation records, a recent passport-sized photograph, and the application fee (ranging from TWD 3,000 to TWD 15,000, approximately USD 95 to USD 475).
Some schools also require standardised test scores (such as MAP or ISEE for American-curriculum schools), a personal statement or essay from older applicants, and a parent questionnaire or statement about the family's educational philosophy. Having all documents translated into English and notarised before beginning the application process saves significant time and reduces delays.
Entrance Assessments and Interviews
Entrance assessments at Taipei international schools typically evaluate English language proficiency, mathematics ability, and general cognitive skills. The format varies: some schools use standardised tests, while others have developed their own assessment tools. For younger children (kindergarten through Grade 2), assessments tend to be informal, observation-based sessions where the child interacts with teachers in a classroom setting. For older students, formal written tests and interviews become more common.
Interviews may involve the student alone, the parents, or the whole family. Schools use interviews to understand the child's personality, learning needs, and how well the family aligns with the school's values and community. Being honest about your child's strengths and any areas where they may need support creates a better foundation for the school relationship than presenting an overly polished picture.
Language Support for New Arrivals
Most international schools in Taipei offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes for students whose English is not yet at the level needed for full participation in the mainstream curriculum. EAL support typically involves pull-out sessions or in-class assistance from specialist teachers. The intensity and duration of support varies, but most schools expect students to transition to full mainstream participation within one to two years.
For families specifically seeking Mandarin Chinese development, schools like Taipei Kuei Shan and some sections of Taipei European School offer structured Chinese language programmes. The level of Chinese instruction at American and British-curriculum schools varies considerably, from basic conversational classes to more rigorous academic Chinese programmes. Clarifying the depth of Chinese instruction during the admissions process helps set accurate expectations.
Explore all international schools in Taipei and compare admissions requirements, fees, and reviews on International School Advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start the admissions process for Taipei international schools?
For the most competitive schools like Taipei American School and Taipei European School, begin the application process 9 to 12 months before your intended start date. Applications for the main August intake typically open between October and January, with deadlines in January to March. For mid-year entry, contact schools as early as possible to check availability, as popular year groups may already be full.
Do Taipei international schools require entrance exams?
Most international schools in Taipei require some form of entrance assessment, though the format and purpose vary. Assessments typically cover English language proficiency and mathematics. For younger children, these are usually informal observation sessions. For older students, formal written tests are more common. Some schools use standardised tests like MAP, while others have their own assessment tools. Results are used for placement and to identify any learning support needs.
Can my child enter a Taipei international school mid-year?
Yes, many Taipei international schools accept mid-year applications subject to available places. Smaller and newer schools tend to have more mid-year flexibility, while the most established schools may have limited availability. Contact your preferred schools directly to ask about current openings in your child's year group. The application process for mid-year entry is generally the same as for the main intake, including all required documents and assessments.