By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — The Kaohsiung Finland International School (KSFIS) held its opening ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Cianjin Elementary School (前金國小), launching an English-language program for foreign-passport holders, according to Focus Taiwan.
The school began with more than 20 students from countries including the United States, Australia and Japan. Its opening cohort ranges from first through seventh grade, while the school plans to offer education from kindergarten through high school.
KSFIS occupies an independent academic building on the elementary school campus in Qianjin District (前金區).
Tuition and eligibility
Only students who hold foreign passports are eligible to enroll, according to the school profile cited by Focus Taiwan.
The school’s official admissions page lists annual tuition of NT$500,000 for primary school, NT$600,000 for middle school and NT$700,000 for high school.
Those amounts do not include textbooks, learning materials, uniforms, transportation, meals or other miscellaneous expenses, the school said.
Finnish and IB approaches
KSFIS said its curriculum will incorporate Finnish educational approaches, including phenomenon-based and inquiry-based learning, alongside principles associated with the International Baccalaureate program.
The school said it has entered the IB candidacy process and aims to obtain authorization in 2027. Authorization has not yet been granted.
Lauri Raunio, head of the Finland Trade Center in Taiwan, said several locations were considered before Kaohsiung was selected. He cited the city’s transition from a heavy-industry center toward high-tech industries and its growing foreign population.
City provides campus space
Liu Ching-wen (劉靜文), deputy director of the Kaohsiung City Education Bureau, said Cianjin Elementary School would provide space for KSFIS and share resources and facilities.
The city government said growth in the semiconductor, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing sectors was increasing demand for international workers and a wider range of education options.
A June Kaohsiung City Government announcement said the Finnish school and a French international education institution would both begin operating in September on existing elementary school campuses.
Map: View the Kaohsiung Finland International School location on Google Maps.
