International Students Must Know
Students applying from abroad who have received formal admission letters should apply at nearest ROC embassy, consulate or representative agency for entry visas to enter Taiwan. Visitor visas or resident visas are issued to students depending on the length of their study.
International students staying in Taiwan for more than six months will have to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
Visa Application & Regulations
Foreign nationals are required to apply for Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within fifteen days after entering into Taiwan. Failure to comply will result in fine payment if they violate the regulation set by the Immigration Department in Taiwan.
- Ten days and under, after the assigned time frame (which is fifteen days after being issued a Resident Visa), they will be fined NT$1000.
- Thirty days and under, after the assigned time frame (which is fifteen days after being issued a Resident Visa), they will be fined NT$3000.
- Above thirty days after the assigned time frame (which is fifteen days after being issued a Resident Visa), they will be fined NT $5000.
If foreign nationals stay in Taiwan after a Visitor visa or a Resident Certificate expires, they will be fined according to the regulation set by the Immigration Department in Taiwan.
- Ten days and under, after the expiration date, they will be fined NT$1000.
- Duration from eleven days to thirty days after the expiration date, they will be fined NT $3000.
- Duration from thirty-one days to ninety days after the expiration date, they will be fined NT $5000.
- Above ninety-one days after the expiration date, they will be fined NT $10000.
Notes:
- If you did not apply for the Resident Certificate according to the regulation of Immigration Department, you will be fined and be expected to apply for it within the rescheduled time frame. If not, you might have to pay extra fine.
- If you still stay in Taiwan after your Visitor visa or Resident Certificate expires, you will be fined and be expected to leave the country within the scheduled time frame as well. If not, you will be deported.
How to Apply - Resident Visa & ARC
A. Resident visa
Students with a visitor visa will first need to apply for a resident visa from the Taipei City Service Center, National Immigration Agency. The visa will be issued within 15 days. Required documents:
- Fill out a copy of Multiple-Purpose Application Form for foreign residents and attach two photos (2x2 inch color photos).
- Submit the original and a copy of passport.
- Letter of admission.
- Application fee up to NT$3000, depending on country of origin.
B. Alien Resident Certificates (ARC)
Students with a resident visa will need to apply for the ARC in the Keelung City Service Center, National Immigration Agency within 15 days. Required documents:
- Fill out a copy of Multiple-purpose Application Form for Foreign Residents and attach two photos (2x2 inch) (only for the new ARC applicant)
- Submit the original and a copy of passport, including the resident visa.
- Submit the original and a copy of student ID or original receipt of tuition and dormitory payment.
- Application fee: NT$1,000.
Notes:
- ARC and Re-entry: Students may apply for re-entry and the ARC at the Keelung City Service Center, National Immigration Agency at once.
- Student's Visa: Students holding multiple entries Visa may re-enter Taiwan within the valid period stated on the visa. Students holding single entry visa and if he or she leaves Taiwan, he or she will need to apply for a visa from overseas in order to re-enter Taiwan.
Things to Do
- Obtain proper documents for departure and arrival
- Book your flight
- Check customs regulations on what you are allowed to take out and bring in
- Pack your bags
Tips for Packing Your Bags
Taiwan is hot most of the time, but its winter can be very chilly. You might not need a thick coat, but bring some sweaters and a jacket.
Closet space is a big issue in dormitories. Do not over-pack. You can purchase all of your daily needs in town, unless you have a special preference for your home product.
If you bring your own electrical appliances, make sure you have a converter if your home country does not use 110 volts electricity.
Must haves
Here is a list of items most international students at NTOU recommend you bring from home:
- Passport and other documents for status verification
- Original academic documents: Transcripts, degrees/diplomas/certificates
- A good dictionary example a Chinese–English, if English is your official language. Purchase a reliable dictionary that explains Chinese in your local language.
- Photocopies of passport, other documents for status verification, and academic documents: Ensure that you have photocopies of the main pages of your passport (expiry date/passport number/date of birth), your authenticated graduation transcripts, degrees/diplomas/certificates etc. Keep a set of photocopies in each piece of luggage, in case one of your bags are misplaced or lost in transit. You also need to carry at least 10 photographs of yourself (2x2 inch color photos with white background)
- Important numbers: Write your passport number, travelers’ checks numbers, bank draft number, flight number, your contact number and an emergency contact number on a single sheet of paper. Keep it in your handbag, so you don’t have to take out your important documents every time when you need to fill out a form. Leave a list of all these important numbers at home as well.
Preparations for Keelung
A. Booking Your Flight
As soon as you receive your NTOU acceptance letter, you should apply to the R.O.C. Representative Office (Embassy) in your country for a residence visa. As soon as your visa has been granted, book your flight to Taipei.
B. Finances
Your first month allowance takes 3 weeks to process upon arrival. You are advised to secure US$2000 to cover living expenses for the first month in Taiwan.
Cash (US dollars) and travels checks are accepted. As a precaution when collecting US dollars, make sure that the dollar notes are 2014 or more recent. Money changers can reject old US dollar notes due to uncertainty of authenticity.
Upon arrival, you may exchange cash or travelers checks to NT Dollars at the CKS International Airport.
Exchange rates are not stable and can fluctuate at times. On a yearly average $1 US = $30 NT (Taiwan Dollars).
C. Customs Regulations
Taiwan is an island with valuable agriculture industry. No plants and fruits are allowed into the country. During your flight, you will be given a customs declaration form. Please visit the Directorate General of Customs’ website for more detailed information.
D. Packing Your Bags
Keelung is located on the coast, and its weather is very unpredictable. You don’t need a heavy coat for the winter, but bring clothes that you can wear in layers, for the temperature can change drastically during the course of a day. Almost all students dress informally and in comfortable clothes such as jeans, shorts, t-shirts, etc. It is useful that if you bring some formal and traditional suits for formal occasions.
E. Electrical Items and Other Household Equipment
Most off-campus student accommodation is furnished but most likely does not include any household goods.
Simple household items can be bought at very low cost at many stores around campus or at the city center, but some students may wish to bring some of their own basic items.
Voltage used in Taiwan is 110 volts with a frequency of 60 cycles, AC. The sockets for plugs are two pinned.
Preparation for Session Start
Your first few weeks at NTOU are going to be busy ones! Use this checklist to get settled in and to prepare for classes.
| Checklist Items | ✔ | |
| 1 | Report Office of International Affairs to complete the initiated procedure and get required documents. | |
| 2 | Immigration/Visa application | |
| 3 | Register your courses, and pay your fees | |
| 4 | Open a bank account | |
| 5 | Arrange your health insurance | |
| 6 | Get your mobile phone/ Internet connected. You can buy a telephone sim card at the airport. | |
| 7 | Explore Keelung City | |
| 8 | 10 photos (2x2 inches with background) | |
| 9 | Cash/Traveler’s checks (Amount Approximately US$ 2000) | |
| 10 | Authenticated graduation certificate and translated official transcripts in English |
Airport Pick-Up Service
Airport Pick Up Service & Request Information
Office of International Affairs provides a complimentary Airport Pick-up Service for all newly enrolled NTOU international students arriving in Taiwan or the first time. Before your departure, please make sure you filled out the form of Airport Pick-up Service Request Form and confirmed with staff.
If you want to begin your new session well prepared, we recommend all international students to arrive in Taiwan one week before the registration.
On your arrival date, we will arrange precise time to pick you up from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and take you to your NTOU student dormitory safe and sound.
Free Chinese course for new students
School has arranged free Chinese classes for you to get acquainted in Taiwan, among Chinese speaking people. If you are late, you will miss these special Chinese classes.
- Fill out a copy of Multiple-Purpose Application Form for foreign residents and attach two photos (2x2 inch color photos).
- Submit the original and a copy of passport.
- Letter of admission.
- Application fee up to NT$3000, depending on country of origin.