| As part of efforts to promote excellence in higher education, the central government will spend an average US$1.5 billion annually from 2006 to 2008 to help universities carry out organizational reforms, integrate resources, and become globally recognized leaders in their respective areas of strength.
Another demonstration of the government's commitment to enhancing Taiwan's academic environment is the dramatic transformation which Academia
Sinica—the nation's most prestigious research institution—has undergone. Over the past dozen years, its operating budget increased fourfold; its departments were greatly expanded and new facilities constructed; and the number of full-time research fellows more than
doubled and included many world-class scientists. Currently, Academia Sinica has 23 institutes in three
divisions—Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Taiwan's young people have won distinction in international competitions. The 23 Taiwanese high school students who took part in the International Science Olympiads in physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and informatics in 2005 brought home twelve gold medals, nine silvers, and two bronzes. In March 2006, students of Da Yeh University in Changhua County overpowered their competitors in an international micro robot sumo tournament held by the Japan Society for Precision Engineering at the Tokyo University of Science. They won three first prizes, two second prizes, and an award for artistic design in five categories of competition.
2005-2006 Education Profile
Literacy rate (age 15 or higher): over 97%
Government outlays for education: 18.5% of combined central and local government expenditures, accounting for over 5% of GDP (2005)
Institutions of higher learning: 162 (145 universities and colleges, 17 junior colleges)
Students enrolled in institutions of higher learning:
Total: 1.3 million
Master's programs: 150,000
Doctoral programs: 27,531
Taiwanese studying abroad: 33,000
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