By Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
The "108 curriculum" is Taiwan's competency-based national curriculum, launched in 2019 (year 108 in the Republic of China calendar). It reshaped Taiwanese education from rote memorisation toward autonomous, holistic and interdisciplinary learning. Used at Taiwanese-affiliated international schools and by many domestic schools serving international families.
The learning pathway
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Ages 6–12
Elementary
Six years of primary. Cross-disciplinary "issues" learning is a distinctive part of the 108 reform.
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Ages 12–15
Junior High
Three years of lower secondary. Students take core subjects and start building their "learning portfolio" — a required part of senior-high applications.
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Ages 15–18
Senior High
Three years of upper secondary. Students choose specialty subjects, complete inquiry projects and finalise their learning portfolio for university admissions.
The learning portfolio
A hallmark of the 108 reform: students build a cumulative record of coursework, projects and self-directed exploration. Universities use it alongside exam scores when admitting students, aiming to reward breadth and self-direction, not just test-taking.
Is Taiwan 108 right for your child?
It tends to suit families who…
- •Have Taiwanese family or are moving to Taiwan
- •Value competency-based, project-driven learning
- •Are considering Taiwanese universities
It may be less ideal if…
- •The portfolio-heavy expectation feels unfamiliar
- •You want a globally-standardised curriculum like IB
- •Your child has no Mandarin and is joining above primary
Common questions
FAQs about the Taiwan 108 curriculum
What's different about the 108 curriculum?
It emphasises three "core literacies" — autonomous action, communication & interaction, and social participation — and shifts from a subject-driven syllabus toward competency- and issue-based teaching.
Is the Taiwanese senior-high diploma accepted overseas?
Yes, though families usually pair it with international qualifications (IB, A-Level, AP) and English-language scores for a smoother path to UK/US universities.
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