Education policy modernization under presidential endorsement, highlighting three major strategies
President William Lai has announced three key directions for education policy this year, with a focus on promoting educational equality, inspiring children's full potential, and fostering a sustainable future.
The "Youth Overseas Dream Fund" program is one of the initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders in sustainability. This program awards students up to NT$2 million to study sustainability abroad and bring knowledge of low-carbon policies back to Taiwan.
The Higher Education Sprout Project, which began in 2023 and runs until 2027, is another significant initiative. With a five-year budget of NT$97 billion, an increase of NT$13.2 billion compared with its first phase, the project provides subsidies to 138 universities and colleges to improve teaching quality, promote diversity, boost research capabilities, and enhance industry-academia collaboration.
The National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) receives a budget of 97 billion NT dollars in the second phase of the Higher Education Sprout Project, an increase from the first phase, though the exact amount of increase is not specified. Courses under this project include the net zero transition to help students understand carbon neutrality and good environmental, social, and governance practices.
In addition, students attending private universities could receive a subsidy of NT$35,000. For those studying in dormitories, monthly accommodation subsidies of NT$5000 are available. Students from low and middle-income backgrounds could receive additional subsidies of NT$20,000 and NT$15,000 respectively.
The government is also investing in a holistic approach to education, focusing on important knowledge for the future, such as artificial intelligence applications and carbon neutrality. Teaching methods have been tailored to prioritize balanced physical and mental development.
To support students' practical learning, school fees have been waived for public and private senior-high schools and vocational high schools. A NT$30 billion subsidy program for private rented accommodation has been rolled out, assisting up to 790,000 people.
Moreover, transportation benefits, including TPass perks, have been made available to help students commute more easily. The education budget is protected under law, with annual spending mandated not to fall below 23% of the average government revenue from the past three years.
The first direction of the education policy is promoting educational equality. The system values individual differences among students, and high schools and universities are encouraged to jointly design courses, including AI and its applications.
In conclusion, President Lai's education policy is a wide-reaching initiative aimed at providing equal opportunities for all students, inspiring their potential, and preparing them for a sustainable future.
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