Guide for International Students
留臺說明
International Student Career Guide
Created specifically for Shu-Te University international students (including Overseas Chinese, foreign, and Hong Kong/Macau students), this guide helps you navigate post-graduation employment in Taiwan. It provides practical insights into regulations, application processes, and career preparation to support your professional journey here
Working in Taiwan: International Student Guide
I. Overview of Employment Policies in Taiwan
To address the challenges of a declining birth rate, industrial labor shortages, and global competition for talent, the government has actively promoted policies aimed at "Recruiting and Retaining International Talent" in recent years. These initiatives encourage international students to remain and work in Taiwan after graduation, supplementing the domestic workforce while fostering industrial internationalization. Upon completing their degrees in Taiwan, international students are eligible to apply for a change in residency status to enter the professional workforce. Through regulatory relaxation, the implementation of the Points System, and cross-ministerial support mechanisms, the government continues to lower the barriers for international graduates to build their careers in Taiwan.
Key Policy Highlights:
1.Direct Job Search After Graduation:
Upon completing their degrees, international students may apply for a residency extension to seek employment in Taiwan.
2.Diverse Employment Channels:
Opportunities are not limited to high-level white-collar positions but also encompass the service industry, manufacturing, technical roles, and professional technical personnel.
3.Points System Replacing High Salary Thresholds:
For graduates newly entering the workforce, a comprehensive assessment—based on indicators such as education, salary, language proficiency, and professional skills—is used instead of a strict minimum salary requirement.
4.Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration:
By integrating enterprises with government agencies, the policy provides job matchmaking, internship bridging, and retention counseling.
This policy not only facilitates the career development of international students but also enhances the multicultural diversity and global competitiveness of Taiwan's industries.
II. Applicable Residency Types for International Students
1.Post-Graduation Job-Seeking Residency (Extension of Stay):
International students who have completed their degrees but have not yet secured a job can apply for a residency extension for a specified period to seek suitable employment in Taiwan. During this stage, engaging in formal full-time work is prohibited; however, attending interviews and participating in job matchmaking activities is permitted.
2Work Residency (General Foreign Professionals):
Graduates who have secured an employment contract can have their employers assist them in applying for a work permit and processing an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) for employment. This category applies to most white-collar, professional, and technical positions.
3.Points System Professionals:
If the salary does not meet the traditional minimum threshold, graduates can apply for a work permit through the "Points System." This system provides a comprehensive evaluation based on criteria such as education level, language proficiency, professional certifications, years of study in Taiwan, and job responsibilities.
4.Specific Industry or Technical Personnel:
For industries facing labor shortages—such as manufacturing, food and beverage, hospitality, and long-term care—graduates may apply for specific work statuses according to the regulations of the competent authorities. The procedures and qualifications for these roles differ from those for general professional personnel.
III. Common Types of Employment in Taiwan
Based on domestic enterprise categories, employment opportunities span general corporations, the technology sector, the service industry, and design/marketing roles. The typical career paths for international students in Taiwan are categorized as follows:
1.Corporate White-Collar and Professional Roles:
Includes marketing planning, international sales, software engineering, financial management, design, and research assistants. These roles are primarily concentrated in the technology, manufacturing, branding, and service-oriented sectors.
2.Service, Tourism, and Hospitality Roles:
Such as food and beverage management, hotel and lodging services, retail operations, and management trainees for chain brands. These positions are particularly suitable for international students with strong language skills and cross-cultural communication advantages.
3.Manufacturing and Technical Roles:
Includes production line management, quality control, engineering assistants, and technicians. These roles are highly integrated with Taiwan’s export-oriented industries and offer stable employment demand.
4.Multinational Corporations and Overseas Market Roles:
Includes Southeast Asian market development, overseas procurement, cross-border e-commerce, and international customer service. International students can leverage their native language proficiency and deep understanding of their home markets.
Application Guide & Flowchart for Employment in Taiwan
View Flowchart
Shu-Te University International Students' Study Phase in Taiwan
Degree Completion (Associate / Bachelor's / Master's / Ph.D.)
Pre-Graduation Career Preparation (Internships, Corporate Matchmaking, Resume Writing, Language & Professional Skills Enhancement)
Have you secured a job offer?
NO
YES
Apply for "Post-Graduation Job-Seeking Residency" Contract (Extension of Stay)
Obtain an Employment Contract
Job Hunting and Interviews (Full-time work prohibited)
Employer Applies for a Work Permit
Secure a Job Offer
Issued by the Ministry of Labor
Apply for a Work Resident Certificate (ARC) (National Immigration Agency)
Legally Employed in Taiwan (Based on approved position and duration)
Residency Extension / Transfer (Contract renewal, job change, long-term development in Taiwan)
Key Points of the Points System for Employment in Taiwan
To assist international students in smoothly transitioning to employment in Taiwan after graduation, the government established the "Foreign Professional Points System." This system replaces a single high-salary threshold with a comprehensive evaluation of diverse criteria, allowing newly graduated international students to obtain work qualifications based on their education, abilities, and development potential.
I. Purpose of the Points System
1.Lowering the Employment Threshold:
Avoiding salary as the sole criterion for approval.
2.Encouraging the Retention of International Students:
Recognizing the outcomes of their education and training in Taiwan.
3.Fulfilling Industrial Labor Needs:
Assisting enterprises in recruiting talent with professional and linguistic advantages.
4.Promoting Long-Term Talent Development:
Guiding international students in gradually accumulating career experience.
II. Target Audience.
The Points System mainly applies to:
1.International students who have completed an Associate's degree or higher in Taiwan.
2.Individuals who have obtained an employment contract from a legal employer in Taiwan.
3.Individuals whose salary does not meet the basic minimum threshold for general foreign professionals.
III. Key Assessment Criteria Include:
1.Educational Background
•Points increase with higher degree levels (Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.).
•Graduating from a Taiwanese university/college is a significant bonus factor.
2.Salary Level
•Points are awarded based on the actual employment salary tier.
•Salaries below the traditional high-salary threshold are still eligible for points.
3.Job Content and Professionalism
•Whether the position involves professional, technical, or specific enterprise needs.
•The relevance of the job to the applicant's major or expertise.
4.Language Proficiency
•Chinese proficiency (e.g., TOCFL - Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language).
•English or other foreign language proficiency (e.g., TOEIC, IELTS).
5.Study and Life Experience in Taiwan
•Years of study in Taiwan.
•Experience in off-campus internships, industry-academia cooperation, or corporate internships.
6.Other Bonus Criteria
•Professional certifications.
•Specific industry needs.
•Government-targeted key industries or fields with labor shortages.
Career Preparation and Professional Development
For international students to successfully secure employment in Taiwan, meeting legal regulations and eligibility is only the first step. It is equally important to begin career preparation and long-term planning early. By accumulating skills, practical experience, and career awareness during your studies, you can not only increase your chances of employment but also build a solid foundation for long-term development in Taiwan.
I. Key Career Preparations During Studies
International students should begin their career preparation while still in school, focusing on the following key areas:
1.Professional Competence Development
•Strengthen professional knowledge and practical skills in your major field.
•Align academic learning with industry demands to enhance "job-readiness."
2.Language and Communication Skills
•Improve Chinese workplace communication (writing, presentations, and meeting articulation).
•Enhance English or other foreign language skills based on industry requirements.
3.Workplace Professionalism and Cultural Adaptation
•Understand Taiwanese workplace culture, work ethics, and teamwork models.
•Develop time management, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication skills.
II. Bridging Internships and Industry-Academia Collaboration
Internship experience is a critical factor for international students staying in Taiwan:
1.Off-campus Internships & Industry-Academia Cooperation
•Accumulate work experience in Taiwan through formal internship courses.
•Increase the chances of being directly hired by the internship provider after graduation.
2.Enterprise-Oriented Practical Learning
•Participate in corporate projects, practical workshops, or industry seminars.
•Gain early insights into industry operations and job responsibilities.
3.Building Professional Networks
•Maintain good interactions with advisors, supervisors, and colleagues.
•Foster relationships that assist with job recommendations and future career transitions.
III. Resume, Interview, and Job Search Skills
Effective preparation significantly improves your chances of a successful job match:
1.Resume and Autobiography Writing
•Tailor your resume to job requirements, highlighting professional skills and practical experience.
•Clearly state your residency status and the types of work permits you are eligible for.
2.Interview Preparation and Performance
•Familiarize yourself with common interview questions and situational scenarios.
•Emphasize your multicultural background and linguistic advantages.
3.Utilizing Job Search Channels
•善用校內就業輔導資源與徵才平台
•參與就業博覽會與企業說明會
IV. Long-term Career Development Planning
Working in Taiwan is not just a short-term arrangement; it requires a long-term career mindset:
1.Initial Career Phase
•Focus on accumulating work experience and professional skills.
•Become familiar with Taiwan’s industrial landscape and corporate culture.
2.Mid-term Career Growth
•Aim for specialized expertise or management roles.
•Seek opportunities for promotion, salary increases, and cross-departmental experience.
3.Long-term Development in Taiwan
•Plan for long-term residency or Permanent Residency (APRC) status.
•Establish a stable professional career and a foundation for life in Taiwan.
On-Campus and Government Resources
I. On-Campus Resources
Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs (OICA), Shu-Te University – International Student Career Guidance Base The base provides integrated services for international students regarding employment, internships, and professional development in Taiwan. Key services include: Providing career counseling, resume reviews, mock interviews, organizing corporate recruitment seminars, career fairs, and job matchmaking activities.
II. Government Resources
EZ Work Taiwan (Online Application System for Foreign Professionals):
The official online service platform providing work permit applications, eligibility regulations, document downloads, and procedural guidelines for foreign nationals (including international students).
https://ezwp.wda.gov.tw/wcfonline/wSite/Control?function=IndexPage
2.Work in Taiwan (Workforce Development Agency, Ministry of Labor):
A comprehensive portal offering information on application qualifications, required documents, and process descriptions for international students (including post-graduation employment and part-time work during studies).
https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3.Contact TAIWAN (Global Talent Recruitment Portal):
A national-level recruitment website that matches international talent with Taiwanese enterprises. It is a user-friendly platform offering job matching, as well as employment and living resources for international seekers.
This guide is subject to update based on the latest regulations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official announcements from the relevant government authorities.