Key Points:
- Taiwan education indicators show near-universal completion from primary to senior high school, far exceeding global averages.
- Student progression remains on track, with over-age enrollment rates close to zero compared to global norms.
- Participation is also high in early childhood and higher education, with enrollment rates well above worldwide levels.
Taiwan has recorded strong results across several global education indicators, with Taiwan education indicators showing performance well above worldwide averages in school completion, early learning participation, and higher education enrollment. New statistics released by the Ministry of Education show that students in Taiwan consistently complete formal education at rates far above global norms, reflecting broad access to schooling and sustained participation from early childhood through university.
The findings are part of the report titled “United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Education Statistical Indicators.” The data compares Taiwan’s education outcomes with global averages and regional figures, offering insight into how students progress through different stages of learning. The indicators focus on participation, completion, and continuity rather than policy or governance.
Strong Completion Rates From Primary to High School
One of the most notable findings highlighted by Taiwan education indicators is the country’s near-universal completion of basic education. In 2021, the elementary school completion rate reached 99.98 percent. This figure stands well above the global average of 87.1 percent. Almost all students who begin elementary school in Taiwan go on to finish it.
At the junior high level, Taiwan education indicators reported at 99.75 percent, compared with a global average of 76.8 percent. This shows that students in Taiwan continue their education through lower secondary school with minimal drop-off.
Senior high school completion also remained high. The rate stood at 98.81 percent, while the global average was 57.9 percent. This gap highlights how many students worldwide do not complete upper secondary education, while in Taiwan, completion is the norm rather than the exception.
The ministry also shared data on students who are significantly older than the expected age for their grade. In 2023, the share of elementary students older than expected by more than two years was only 0.01 percent. The global average for this measure was 10.06 percent. At the junior high level, Taiwan reported a rate of 0.04 percent, compared with a worldwide average of 9.40 percent.
These Taiwan education indicators suggest that most students in Taiwan move through school on schedule, with very few experiencing long delays in grade progression.
Early Learning And Higher Education Participation Remain High
Taiwan also showed strong outcomes in early childhood education. Participation in organized learning programs during the year before elementary school reached 95.09 percent in 2023. This compares with a global average of 75.11 percent. The data indicate that most children in Taiwan attend kindergarten at age five before entering elementary school.
Early exposure to structured learning environments is often linked to smoother transitions into formal schooling. For teachers and education planners, this level of participation suggests that students begin elementary education with similar preparation levels.
In higher education, Taiwan education indicators continued to outperform global and regional benchmarks. The gross enrollment rate for higher education reached 90.3 percent in 2023. This exceeded the global average of 43.2 percent and the East Asian regional average of 74.03 percent.
A high enrollment rate means that a large share of young adults continue their studies after completing secondary education. For students, this reflects wide access to colleges and universities. For educators, it points to sustained demand for advanced instruction across academic and professional fields.
Overall, the indicators show consistent participation at every stage of education in Taiwan. From kindergarten through university, students remain engaged in formal learning at rates that exceed global norms. For students and teachers alike, the data offers a clear picture of an education system where continuity, access, and completion are widespread across age groups.