Hsinchu International School
Founded 1981
Updated July 2026
Languages
English
MandarinHsinchu International School is a purpose-built international school in Taiwan that has provided education for foreign nationals since 1981. It offers a comprehensive Pre-K through graduation programme focused on academic excellence and college preparation.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school emphasizes an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and mutual respect to foster a genuine love of learning. It aims to develop well-rounded personalities who are prepared to face the challenges of the modern world. The leadership believes that teacher expertise, combined with a warm, caring, and secure environment, is vital for student growth and success.
Programmes
The school provides a structured curriculum spanning from Pre-K through the secondary grades. The academic programme includes core subjects such as Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, with advanced offerings including AP Psychology and AP Art. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and prepare students for university, with instruction delivered in English.
Outcomes
Graduates of the school have successfully gained admission to a wide range of prestigious universities worldwide, including Stanford, Caltech, Oxford, Cornell, Duke, NYU, and Juilliard. The school's college counseling program provides personalized guidance to help students navigate their academic paths and prepare for higher education. Alumni have achieved success in diverse fields, including performing arts and professional sectors.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides English as a Second Language (ESL) support to assist students in their language development. Additionally, the school employs a dedicated counselor responsible for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), student wellbeing, and safeguarding. Academic support is integrated into the curriculum to help students excel across all subjects.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- How much is tuition at Hsinchu International School?
- Annual tuition at Hsinchu International School is NT$370K–NT$512.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Hsinchu International School co-educational?
- Hsinchu International School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Hsinchu International School located?
- Hsinchu International School is an international school in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K & K | 3–5 | NT$370K |
| 1st - 4th Grade | 6–10 | NT$392K |
| 5th - 6th Grade | 10–12 | NT$406K |
| Grades 7 – 12 | 12–18 | NT$512.4K |
Source:PDF2023_HIS-SD-Course-Catalog.pdfPDF2026-2027-SD-fees.pdfPDF2026-2027-ED-fees.pdfPDFHIS-online-application-form.pdf
Other fees(9)
| Placement test· Entrance Testing Fee (Payable on the testing day) | NT$5K |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· One-time Capital Fee (Per child: NT$ 40,000; Per family: NT$ 60,000) | NT$40K |
| Registration fee· Annual Registration Fee (Per child: NT$ 35,000; Per family: NT$ 45,000) | NT$35K |
| Materials· Annual Electronic Resource Licensing Fee (NT$ 9,000 for Secondary, NT$ 5,000 for Elementary) | NT$9K |
| Insurance· Annual Insurance Fee | NT$800 |
| Uniform· Annual Sports Kit Fee | NT$800 |
| EAL· ELL Fee (NT$ 38,000 per semester) | NT$38K |
| Meals· Lunch Fee per semester (Pre-K & K: NT$ 11,000; Grades 1-6: NT$ 12,000; Secondary: NT$ 13,000). Optional Lunchtime Drink is NT$ 1,600 per semester. | NT$12K |
| Bus / transport· Transport Fee per semester (Elementary: NT$ 29,000; Secondary: NT$ 29,000 - NT$ 32,000) | NT$29K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: Family rate
Admissions
The school accepts applications for students and provides information on tuition and fees, which are payable in two installments. Prospective families can access general application forms and specific tuition schedules for the Elementary and Secondary departments. The school maintains a refund policy for withdrawals, with specific terms based on the timing of the withdrawal within the semester.
Calendar
The school year is divided into two semesters, with tuition payments due by August 20 for the first semester and January 14 for the second semester. Tuition and fees for students enrolling after the start of the school year are calculated based on academic quarters.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is a purpose-built facility featuring state-of-the-art science labs equipped with modern technology. The school grounds include fully-featured classrooms, a spacious auditorium, a cafeteria, a lobby, and dedicated performance and play areas.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a variety of student-led activities, including a journalism club that publishes the 'Bamboo Times' school magazine and a craft club. Additionally, the school supports a student peer support team known as SHIINE. Students have opportunities to engage in creative and analytical pursuits, such as writing, critical thinking, and various hands-on projects.
- Mrs. Rowena LinesFounder, Head of School, Elementary Dept. Principal
Mrs. Lines co-founded Hsinchu International School in 1981 and has served as its leader for over 40 years. She is currently focused on the Elementary Department, emphasizing a learning environment characterized by warmth, caring, and security.
- Mr. Samuel LivingstonSecondary Dept. Principal
Mr. Livingston joined HIS in 2016 and has over 20 years of experience in Australian and international schools. He holds a Bachelor of Education and leadership certification, and is completing a Master of Educational Leadership.
- Mrs. Eira Lines WolefElementary Coordinator
Eira is a graduate of HIS who later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art History and completed her teacher certification. After serving as a librarian and Pre-K homeroom teacher, she has transitioned to the role of Elementary Coordinator.
- Mr. Donovan RobusSchool Counselor, Head of Social Studies, Coordinator of SHIINE
Mr. Robus joined HIS in 2014 and is responsible for Secondary Department–wide Social and Emotional Learning, student wellbeing, and safeguarding. He also serves as the Head of Social Studies and coordinator of the SHIINE student peer support team.