Taiwan ends provisional diploma use for student visas in Vietnam

Taiwan’s offices in Vietnam stopped accepting provisional graduation certificates for student visas from the 2026 academic year, closing a route previously available while applicants waited for official diplomas.

Official diplomas now required in Vietnam

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City now accept applications only from students holding an official high school diploma, VnExpress reported Aug. 6. Applicants could previously submit either that diploma or a provisional graduation certificate.

The shift tightens enforcement rather than creating a new nationwide requirement. Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has long required student resident visa applicants to provide an original diploma and academic transcripts authenticated by a Taiwan overseas mission.

Vietnam’s 30-day gap could delay enrollment

Vietnam stopped issuing provisional graduation certificates under Circular 13/2026, which took effect April 24. Schools must instead provide an exam-results certificate, then issue the official diploma within 30 days.

That timing leaves some students unable to file immediately after graduation. Vietnamese applicants entering Taiwanese schools for the 2026-27 intake need to obtain the official diploma, complete the required local and Taiwanese authentication and submit it before visa and enrollment deadlines. An exam-results certificate alone won’t satisfy the offices’ current standard.

The rule applies to long-term students

Degree and other long-term students generally need an admission letter, passport, residence health certificate, proof of funds and authenticated academic records. Documents not issued in Chinese or English may require translations.

Students already in Taiwan who plan to convert from visitor status to a student resident visa still need authenticated original records before the conversion can be approved. Universities may separately refuse registration when students fail to present properly verified diplomas and transcripts.

The change doesn’t apply to ordinary tourists or travelers entering under standard visitor arrangements. Those considering study as part of moving to Taiwan should distinguish student resident visa rules from tourist and nonstudent residence categories.