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Ministry’s PRC credentials plan angers
students
By Flora Wang
STAFF REPORTER
Wednesday, Feb 10, 2010, Page 3
The Taiwan Students Union (TWSU), an organization of students studying in China,
yesterday accused the Ministry of Education of discrimination after it confirmed
that it was considering not recognizing diplomas earned in China before Taiwan
officially begins recognizing such documents.
Chen Cheng-teng (陳正騰) issued a statement on the union’s Web site, protesting the
ministry after it described those who studied in China before the policy changes
as “sneaking” out of Taiwan and heading to China.
NO PROHIBITION
Chen said the law did not prohibit local students from studying in China, adding
that students had studied there since cross-strait exchanges began in 1987.
Chen said since the ministry recognizes foreign credentials obtained before the
Act on Reviewing of Foreign Academic Degrees (外國學歷採認辦法) took effect in 1987, the
ministry should apply similar standards to Chinese diplomas.
Chen issued the statement in response to the ministry’s notice to amend the Act
for Reviewing and Accrediting Academic Degrees on the Chinese Mainland
(大陸學歷採認與檢覈辦法).
The ministry said it planned to allow Republic of China nationals, Chinese
nationals residing in Taiwan and those applying to schools in Taiwan to seek
credential recognition.
ALTERNATIVES
However, individuals who studied in China before the act takes effect would not
be allowed to apply, the ministry said. Instead, the ministry said it planned to
hold examinations to screen the proficiency of those who obtained bachelor’s
degrees from China before Chinese diplomas are officially recognized.
As for those who obtained master’s degrees or doctoral degrees, the ministry
planned to review each candidate’s thesis or dissertation before offering proof
of equivalent academic proficiency.
Taiwanese students who obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from top
Chinese universities could also join the screening exams, but they would not be
granted a teaching certificate to teach at local Taiwanese schools, the ministry
said.
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