Intern Teacher Stipend Boosted! Ministry of Education Announces: Monthly Allowance to Rise to NT$15,000 Starting August

Amid worsening teacher shortages, Taiwan's Minister of Education, Cheng Ying-yao, announced that the monthly stipend for intern teachers will be increased from NT$10,000 to NT$15,000, effective August 1, 2024. The goal is to provide intern teachers with more stable living support so they can fully focus on mastering teaching skills during their school placements and fulfill their dreams of becoming teachers.

In 2024, the Ministry had already raised the education internship subsidy from NT$5,000 to NT$10,000. During an episode of Liberty Times' program "Guan Wo Shen Me Shi" aired today (24th), Minister Cheng announced a further increase to NT$15,000, effective August 1.

Cheng explained that the pre-service education stipend was previously NT$5,000, increased by NT$5,000 two years ago, and will now be boosted again starting August 1. He emphasized that the goal is to ensure intern teachers have relatively stable financial support, allowing them to concentrate on acquiring essential teaching expertise and achieving their aspirations of becoming elementary and secondary school teachers.

In addition to support for pre-service teachers, Cheng stated that in-service teachers will also benefit. The Ministry has approved retroactive increases starting from September of last year: administrative allowances for principals and directors will rise by NT$1,000 to NT$2,000; hourly teaching rates will increase by 20%. Specifically, elementary school teachers’ hourly rate will rise from NT$336 to NT$405, junior high from NT$405 to NT$455, and senior high from NT$455 to NT$505. Homeroom teacher allowances will also increase from NT$3,000 to NT$4,000 per month.

Cheng emphasized that the Ministry aims to provide greater support to teachers, enabling them to安心 (feel secure) in the education field, focus on their professional duties, and effectively guide the new generation of students and children.