Taiwan raises internship allowance for teacher trainees to NT$15,000

Taiwan's Ministry of Education announced a significant increase in the internship allowance for aspiring teachers, aiming to alleviate financial pressures and attract more talent to the profession. Starting August 1, 2024, the monthly allowance for teacher trainees will rise from NT$10,000 to NT$15,000.

This adjustment, revealed by Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao during a media interview, is set to benefit an estimated 5,500 teacher trainees each academic year. The six-month internship period often leaves students without stable income, and the increased allowance seeks to provide crucial economic support, potentially influencing their decision to complete their teaching programs.

The ministry cited rising living costs and increased competition for talent from sectors like technology and finance as key reasons for the hike. The new allowance level was determined by referencing the average minimum living cost across Taiwan for 2025, which stands at NT$16,911, and comparing it with stipends offered to other scholarship students, such as those in public service programs or military academies.

By enhancing the financial support system, the Ministry of Education hopes to stabilize the supply of qualified teachers and encourage more individuals to pursue a career in education, ensuring the continued cultivation of high-quality educators for Taiwan's schools.