Taiwan universities have expanded mental health leave programs, reflecting growing recognition of student wellbeing and mental health needs. According to Ministry of Education data, 135 universities and colleges now offer psychological leave, accounting for over 90 percent of higher education institutions nationwide. This marks a dramatic eleven-fold increase since 2022, when only 11 schools provided such leave.
Students usually receive 3-5 days per semester for mental health leave, also called psychological or adjustment leave. National Taiwan University introduced the policy in 2023, granting three days per semester, with same-day leave allowed without supporting documentation.
The system notifies student affairs and counseling centers if a student applies for multiple or extended mental health leave days. NTU Vice President Chu Shi-wei said the policy gives students a “chance to breathe” and alerts advisors to needed support.
Since the policy’s introduction, NTU receives approximately 400 to 500 mental health leave applications per month, totaling 1,500 to 2,000 per semester. Chu emphasized that applications remain proportionally low compared to all categories of personal leave.
The increased use of psychological leave has also heightened demand for counseling staff. After amendments to Student Guidance and Counseling Act, counselor-to-student ratio increased from one per 1,200 students to one per 900. The Ministry of Education provides subsidies to hire additional counselors. NTU now employs 40 full-time staff, including psychologists and social workers.
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University implemented mental health leave in 2023 as well. NYCU officials reported that, in a typical class of 30, five to ten students apply per semester, showing responsible use of the system.
In 2024, the ministry issued guidelines recommending three days per semester under a dedicated psychological leave category, separate from other leave. Additionally, programs on campuses aim to improve student mental health literacy and enhance counselor training.
Looking ahead, psychological leave policies will expand across Taiwan’s universities, offering structured support to enhance students’ wellbeing and resilience.
