American School in Taichung

Application Procedures

​Step 1: Campus Tour

We strongly encourage you to visit AST to see the campus for yourself. Campus tour is by appointment only, so book ahead! Please contact our Office of Admissions to make an appointment.

Step 2: Submit Application and Documents

Please submit all application documents to the Registrar’s office. The necessary documents are:

• Application form
• Two recommendation letters
• Complete records from previous school(s) (with English translation if needed)
• One photocopy of your current non-ROC passport
• Two photos (2”)
• Doctor’s certification of good health (Completed Medical Form)
• Non refundable application processing fee of NT$3,000

Important: Application materials sent to American School in Taichung become the property of the school and will not be returned or forwarded to other institutions.

Step 3: Admission Interview/Test

For grade 1 applicants will have an interview in English with a member of the faculty. For grades 2 and up, applicants will be tested on reading comprehension, language usage, and math using an adaptive, computer-based proficiency test. Additional testing may be required and AST may need to contact the previous school’s administration.

Step 4: Admission Committee Review

Our admission committee will review your application materials, tests, and interview results. The committee will make a decision on acceptance, grade level, and possible ESOL placement or language support at AST. The criteria to be followed by the Admissions Committee in making these decisions include:

• Passport: AST can accept only those students who have a valid passport from countries other than the Republic of China. A Hong Kong/Macau passport holder may qualify if a parent also holds a Hong Kong/Macau passport and has legal working status in Taiwan. The parent needs to submit either a working permit or a letter from his/her employer in Taiwan. Philippine passport holders need to show their visa page with the customs stamp.
• School Records: Generally, we expect applicants to have “B” or better grades for at least the current and previous school year.
• Age: By August 31 of the school year the applicant must be 6 years old to enter grade one.
• English/Math proficiency: The results of the candidate’s assessment must demonstrate a high potential for success at AST.

Step 5: Admission Decision

We will call to inform you of the admission decision, and discuss registration and orientation procedures for successful applicants. In some cases AST will offer a conditional offer of acceptance based on the admission requirements.

Step 6: Orientation and Scheduling

After completing the full payment of semester tuition and fees, secondary students will be connected to the counselor to create a schedule that meets their needs. You can access the course catalog on the website. Elementary students will be placed according to their grade level. Before the school year begins, they will have an opportunity to go through a New Student Orientation and be welcomed to AST.

Applications after the start of the school year.

AST encourages families to apply as early as possible, before the start of the semester, but recognize that unexpected situations can arise. AST is open to late applicants and arrivals, but stress that material that was already covered will be the responsibility of the student.

Restriction

• Age restriction: The applicant must be 6 years old by August 31 of the school year to enter Grade 1.
• Passport restriction: AST can accept only those students who have a valid passport from countries other than the Republic of China (Taiwan) and People's Republic of China (Mainland China).

A Hong Kong/Macau passport holder may qualify if a parent also holds a Hong Kong/Macau passport and has legal working status in Taiwan. The parent needs to submit either a working permit or a letter from his/her employer in Taiwan.

Philippine passport holders need to show their visa page with the customs stamp.

If you have any questions about the application procedures or would like further information, please feel free to get in touch with us by email. Our inbox is always open! Alternatively, you can call.