Lai Ching-te promotes a ‘presidential-level package’ of education support as new NT$5,000 child allowance advances

As schools reopen in Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te is presenting a package of measures aimed at easing the financial pressure on students and families. Its most prominent promise is a planned monthly growth allowance of NT$5,000 for every child from birth through age 18.

The Executive Yuan has included funding for the allowance in next year’s central government budget, and the payments are expected to begin next year. Lai highlighted the proposal during a meeting of the Democratic Progressive Party’s Central Standing Committee, where he also reviewed assistance for tuition, accommodation and transportation.

The central government already covers tuition for all students at public and private senior high and vocational schools. Students at private universities receive an annual tuition and miscellaneous-fee subsidy of NT$35,000. Additional support totals NT$15,000 a year for students from middle- and low-income households and NT$20,000 for those from low-income households.

For housing, the government is funding improvements and new construction through its “New Dormitory Movement 2.0.” University students living on campus can receive rent support of NT$5,000, or NT$7,000 for economically disadvantaged students and children of active-duty military personnel. Students renting off campus can apply for the Interior Ministry’s expanded NT$300 billion rent-subsidy program, with many university students eligible for an additional 1.2-times payment.

The government is also continuing subsidies for the TPASS commuter pass and has introduced TPASS 2.0 frequent-rider benefits. Lai said the measures reflect an effort to reduce family costs from childhood through higher education and help young people pursue their ambitions.