When Does International School Start in Taiwan? A 2027 Guide

Most international schools in Taiwan begin their academic year in mid August, while local schools start in September. Both run a broadly similar September-to-June shape overall, so unlike Japan or South Korea, this isn't a dramatic mismatch, more a difference of a few weeks at the start of the year.

For 2027 to 2028, expect a similar pattern, though exact dates are usually confirmed only around 12 months out, so it's worth checking directly with any school on your shortlist.

Why the dates differ slightly from local schools

Local schools in Taiwan run two semesters, the first from September to late January or early February, the second from after Chinese New Year through to June. International schools generally start a little earlier, mid August rather than September, and the school year's calendar may otherwise differ from a local school in term breaks and how holidays are scheduled, so it's recommended to check with the individual school for precise dates rather than assume they match.

Term dates and key holidays

For international schools in Taiwan following an August-to-June calendar, you can generally expect:

• Winter break: Around two to three weeks over Christmas and New Year.
• Lunar New Year break: A holiday around Chinese New Year, with exact dates and duration set by each school.
• Spring break: Some schools offer a separate spring break, depending on their calendar.
• Summer break: Usually begins in June, with classes resuming in August.
• Taiwan public holidays: Check the school calendar for local holiday closures, which may fall outside the main term breaks.

Confirm exact dates with your chosen school before planning travel, as international school calendars can differ from Taiwan’s local school calendar.

What to prepare, and from when

Five popular international schools in Taiwan

Morrison Academy Taipei, Linkou, New Taipei City. American curriculum with AP, Christian school, ages 5 to 18, around 923 pupils. TWD 592,000 to 706,000 a year (approx. USD 18,800 to 22,500).

Kaohsiung American School, Zuoying, Kaohsiung. American standards-based curriculum with IB Middle Years and Diploma pathways, ages 4 to 18, around 700 pupils. TWD 527,100 to 712,100 a year (approx. USD 16,800 to 22,600).

I-Shou International School, Dashu, Kaohsiung. Full IB continuum plus Cambridge IGCSE and A Level, day and boarding from Grade 6, ages 6 to 18, around 600 pupils. TWD 351,400 to 611,400 a year (approx. USD 11,200 to 19,400) depending on programme track.

VIS Experimental High School, Taipei. AP curriculum, ages 12 to 18, around 262 pupils. TWD 536,000 to 566,000 a year (approx. USD 17,000 to 18,000).

International Bilingual School at Tainan Science Park, Tainan. Public bilingual school with an American curriculum and AP courses, ages 6 to 18, around 146 pupils. TWD 75,060 to 89,020 a year (approx. USD 2,400 to 2,800), notably lower than the private schools above, reflecting its public funding.

Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.

Check school availability in Taiwan on doris

Schools in Taiwan may have waiting lists for certain year groups, so it helps to prepare well ahead of your preferred start date.

Start by exploring schools in Taiwan on doris and opening the profiles of those on your shortlist. You can review admissions details and, where available, check availability or send an enquiry to ask about places, waiting lists and application requirements. Include your child’s age and intended start date so the school can give you relevant guidance.

Start your school search early to give your family more time to explore options and prepare your application.

FAQ

What month does international school usually start in Taiwan? Most international schools start in mid August, a few weeks ahead of local schools, which start in September.

What are the term dates for schools in Taiwan? Local schools run two semesters, September to late January or early February, then after Chinese New Year through to June. International schools generally follow a similar shape but confirm their own term dates independently.

Does the international school year in Taiwan match the local school year? Broadly, yes, both run roughly the same months, but international schools tend to start a few weeks earlier and set their own term breaks.

When should we start applying for a 2027 start in Taiwan? Around 12 months ahead, particularly for younger year groups at popular Taipei and Kaohsiung schools where places go quickly.

Do schools in Taiwan close for Chinese New Year? Yes. Chinese New Year 2027 falls on 6 February, and Taiwan's statutory holiday runs 5 to 9 February, observed by both local and international schools.

doris is a free, impartial international school discovery platform designed to help parents find the right international school for their children worldwide. Every school profile includes fees, curriculum, admissions, pupil numbers and more. Parents can compare schools, contact schools directly, access expert parent guides, and connect with a community of parents around the world. Start your search at doris.

This guide was written by Aziza F, part of the doris editorial team. doris sources school data from institutions worldwide and speaks directly with parents navigating the school search process. Fee data reflects published and publicly available information for the 2026 to 2027 academic year and is reviewed annually. External sources: school academic calendars and fee pages, Taiwan Ministry of Education.

Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.