Taipei City Expands Lifelong Learning Voucher Program to 18-Year-Olds, Increasing Subsidies to 10,000 Slots

The Taipei City Government's Department of Education announced an expansion of the citizen lifelong learning voucher program. The eligibility age has been lowered from 55 and above to 18 and above, and the number of subsidized slots has increased from 2,400 to 10,000. This initiative encourages citizens of all generations to learn at Taipei's 12 community colleges. Registration for the lottery is open until the 28th, with winners announced on the 29th. The program, which began in 2023 as the 'Elderly Citizen Lifelong Learning Voucher,' has been well-received. The expanded program offers NT$2,000 for new students and NT$1,000 for returning students in the 'Elderly Citizen Group' (55+), with 2,000 slots for new students and 5,000 for returning students. The 'General Citizen Group' (18-54) will receive NT$2,000 for new students and NT$1,000 for returning students, with 1,000 slots for new students and 2,000 for returning students. Citizens with low-income or low-middle income status do not need to enter the lottery and will receive NT$3,000 in tuition credits upon online registration. Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua stated that the city government hopes to encourage more citizens to engage in community college learning, whether for professional skill enhancement, acquiring a second specialty, or personal enrichment and well-being. Community colleges offer diverse courses at 17 locations, covering areas like language, law, health, ecology, and crafts. In 2025, 5,428 courses were offered, with 114,520 course selections.