The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced that it will start actively promoting enrollment to Chinese students on Friday in alignment with President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) inauguration speech. Lai called on degree-seeking students from China to study in Taiwan to pursue peace and mutual prosperity.
The MAC pointed out the various ways that the government has demonstrated care and concern for students from China, mentioning how the National Health Insurance program extended coverage to Chinese students with the help of Lai last year. The government has additionally relaxed other regulations, such as those that make it easier for Chinese students to apply for driver’s licenses and have family visit.
Aside from the more than 10 measures the MAC has relaxed since the government opened the door for Chinese students in 2011, it now accepts the academic qualifications of 346 schools. Chinese students are able to apply for government scholarships and bursaries, study-related research, and internships.
The MAC says it hopes to promote mutual learning and understanding between students from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and is now calling on China to resume student programs as soon as possible by furthering communications and coordination.