Over 90% of Taiwan higher education institutions offer mental health leave for students

臺灣逾九成大學提供學生心理假

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — More than 90% of Taiwan’s higher education institutions now allow students to take mental health leave.

The policy, introduced in 2022 at 11 universities, has since expanded to 135 institutions, including universities, independent colleges, and junior or technical colleges. This marks an elevenfold increase in just four years, according to CNA.

According to statistics compiled by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, self-harm accounts for 25% of deaths among Taiwanese aged 15–24, making it the second leading cause of death in this age group. Among young women, self-harm ranks first, representing 34.4% of fatalities, according to National Chung Cheng University.

Surveys show that college students are experiencing higher rates of depression. Academic pressures, uncertainty about the future, and financial difficulties are cited as the main stressors.

Under Ministry of Education guidelines issued last February, mental health leave must be treated as an independent category, separate from other forms of absence. Schools are expected to grant at least three days per semester.

Students do not need to provide documentation for single-day or half-day requests. Institutions are also required to activate support mechanisms to ensure students receive timely assistance when needed.

National Taiwan University introduced mental health leave in 2023. Dean of Student Affairs Chu Shih-wei (朱士維) said the policy gives students space to step back when needed while alerting the university to potential issues.

Chu reported that roughly 400 to 500 NTU students apply for mental health leave each month, totaling 1,500 to 2,000 per semester. While significant, he noted that the proportion of students using the policy is not unusually high compared with other leave categories.

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University launched mental health leave last year. Dean of Student Affairs Chien Wen-pin (簡紋濱) said students have responded positively, using the option to recover emotionally before resuming classes.

Despite the policy’s popularity, Chu emphasized that counseling resources remain critical.

The Legislative Yuan recently amended the Student Guidance and Counseling Act, lowering the required counselor-to-student ratio at universities from 1:1,200 to 1:900. The education ministry also provides funding for additional full-time counselors to meet growing demand.

The focus on mental health has extended beyond campuses. Earlier this year, the Cabinet approved amendments to civil service leave rules, granting employees three days of annual mental health leave as part of personal leave, set to take effect on Oct. 10.