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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