Taiwan Offers Local Tuition Rates to Chinese Diaspora Students
Taiwan provides local tuition rates to ethnically Chinese students, a policy rooted in the country's history and strategy
Taiwan stands out from other countries by offering local tuition rates to international students who are part of the Chinese diaspora. This unique policy allows ethnically Chinese students to pay the same tuition fees as local students, even if they have never been to Taiwan before.
Background and History
The policy dates back to 1912, when the Republic of China's nationality law was based on ancestry. This meant that ethnic Chinese individuals living abroad were not considered foreigners, but rather citizens living elsewhere. After the Republic of China retreated to Taiwan in 1949, this logic was carried over, and students of Chinese descent were treated as more than ordinary students. They were referred to as "qiaosheng" or "overseas Chinese students".
Application Process and Benefits
The application process for these students differs from that of standard international students. They are required to enrol in a Taiwan boarding school specifically designed for this track and compete for a spot, just like local students would. For students like Malaysian content creator Briana Leong, who is part of the ethnic Chinese population in Malaysia, the discount is a significant benefit. However, Leong acknowledges that the reason behind this policy is not purely generosity, but rather a strategic move by Taiwan to build affinity with the Chinese diaspora.
Strategic Implications
According to Leong, Taiwan's goal is to create an emotional attachment among Chinese diaspora students, which can be drawn upon for global support when needed. This policy is a reminder that scholarships and tuition breaks are often not just about education, but also about a country's strategic interests and who it wants to feel a sense of belonging to. The policy has been in place for many years, and its implications continue to be felt by students like Leong, who have benefited from the discounted tuition rates.
The Taiwanese government's approach to international students is shaped by its history and cultural ties with the Chinese diaspora. By offering local tuition rates to these students, Taiwan aims to foster a sense of connection and loyalty among them, which can have long-term benefits for the country. As Leong's experience shows, this policy can have a significant impact on the lives of students who are part of the Chinese diaspora, and it continues to be an important aspect of Taiwan's strategy for engaging with the global community.
