About Open College

Taipei Main Campus

I. Brief History

　　The Open College, affiliated with the National Taipei University of Business (NTUB), is Taiwan’s first distance learning institution. Its origins trace back to February 1965, when the Ministry of Education designated the then Taiwan Provincial Taipei Vocational School of Commerce (predecessor of NTUB) to pilot radio-broadcast courses. The initial subjects offered were Introduction to Business and Accounting, produced and broadcast by the educational radio station.

　　In 1966, the school officially established the Advanced Commercial Radio Experimental Supplementary School. Two years later, in August 1968, the institution was restructured into a junior college, with the radio supplementary school continuing as an affiliated unit. With the establishment of the Chinese Television System (CTS) in 1971, distance education transitioned into television-based instruction. Due to its outstanding performance, the supplementary school was formally restructured into a junior college in 1977, offering programs in International Trade, Business Administration, Banking and Insurance, Business Information and Accounting. In 1997, an Applied Foreign Languages Program - English Track was added. In addition to the main campus, five regional learning centers were set up in Zhongli, Keelung, Yilan, Hualien and Taitung. Since its reorganization, tens of thousands of students have graduated with two-year junior college diplomas. The Open College embodies the concept of lifelong learning and re-education. For over two decades, it has played a unique role in Taiwan’s diverse educational system, characterized by distinct teaching features and a specialized position. In 1998, the College transitioned to a registration-based enrollment system, further easing access to education. In June 2002, it was officially upgraded to the Open College, offering a Department of Applied Business, enrolling students for Two-Year Institutes of Technology. This expansion provides more opportunities for working professionals to pursue advanced education, contributing significantly to elevating the nation's cultural and academic standards.

II. Current Status

1. Departments

Bachelor’s Program

  Department of Applied Business: In response to industrial transformation, this program imparts fundamental business knowledge, theories and practices in organizational management, and practical English skills. It aims to cultivate professionals in fields such as business management, information management, applied foreign languages, finance, international business and accounting information.

Junior College Division

   Business Administration Program: With a balance between theory and practice, students gain professional knowledge in marketing, production, finance, IT and human resources. Emphasis is also placed on business ethics, negotiation skills, creative thinking and problem-solving.

   Applied Foreign Languages Program: This program emphasizes English as the primary foreign language, supplemented by Japanese, and is reinforced with training in computer skills and business practices, nurturing multilingual marketing professionals.

   Information Management Program: In response to the e-economy era, this program offers business-oriented courses and IT-related subjects to develop professionals with ethical awareness, a spirit of service and the ability to integrate business and information systems.

  Finance and Banking Program: In line with financial globalization and liberalization, this program fosters professionals with global perspectives and practical skills in wealth management, investment, finance, securities and insurance.

2. Teaching Methods and Facilities

　　Open College employs a “five-mode” instructional approach: television, radio, online, correspondence and face-to-face learning. A key feature of the Open College is its use of media-based instruction. For over two decades, television and radio teaching have been produced and broadcast by the Chinese Television System’s Instructional Programming Division, National Education Radio and the Voice of Han Broadcasting Network, all of which have been well received by students. Radio serves as a supplementary medium, with broadcasts aired by National Education Radio and the Voice of Han Broadcasting Network. In response to the rapid development of the internet in recent years, online learning has become an increasingly vital component of distance education. Recognizing this trend, Chinese Television System established an “Online Learning Center” to provide a digital learning environment. Within this e-learning ecosystem, students can access course materials and participate in lessons directly via the internet - expanding the reach of distance education and realizing the ideal of learning anytime, anywhere.

Correspondence teaching remains a core method. Instructional materials are compiled and published biweekly by CTS’s Education Division, and students may submit questions through written correspondence. Face-to-face instruction is a key component. Students typically attend in-person sessions biweekly, for a total of eight sessions per semester. Instructors are experienced professionals, holding either a master’s degree or teaching certificate. These sessions not only address student inquiries but also enhance interaction and learning outcomes. Curriculum review meetings are held each semester to discuss teaching methods, pacing, coordination between lectures and practicum and related issues, thereby improving instructional quality. Since 1999, course registration has been fully computerized via online and phone systems, minimizing travel time and promoting the principle of "more internet, less commuting. "This allows students to balance academic goals with career and family life - making studying a form of enjoyable leisure.

3. Student Support and Extracurricular Activities

　　Most Open College students are working professionals. Therefore, student counseling emphasizes self-motivation, perseverance and adherence to discipline and autonomy. In addition to campus life management, students also receive psychological support. Although different from traditional institutions, the College maintains a vibrant extracurricular environment. There are currently nine student clubs: Charity Club, Mountaineering Club, Outing Club, Photography Club, Badminton Club, Flower Arrangement Club, Internet Communication Club, Cultural Creativity Club and Yoga Club. There are also four major organizations: the Departmental Student Association, Class Association, Graduation Committee and Alumni Association. These groups are well-structured and frequently organize meaningful events during the students’ free time. In addition to encouraging participation in club activities, the College also hosts leadership training and various educational activities each semester to strengthen student-school engagement.

III. Future Outlook

　　The educational system of the Open College differs significantly from that of traditional institutions. Its teaching methods and administrative strategies must continuously evolve in response to environmental changes and student needs in order to truly fulfill the vision of lifelong learning. Since launching its pilot radio program in February 1965, the college has cultivated numerous talents in both the public and private sectors over the past four decades. Alumni are spread across the country, serving in various government agencies, financial institutions, and enterprises. Many have gone on to prominent roles in politics, academia, business, and as elected representatives at both local and national levels - making noteworthy contributions to society and the nation. In today's diverse learning environment, schools must develop distinct strengths and continuously improve instructional quality. Online learning has become an unstoppable trend, with the goal of supporting continuing education and creating dynamic, flexible learning spaces - where learning can happen anytime, anywhere. Designing an effective online learning environment has become a key focus in the evolution of distance education. Looking ahead, the college plans to shift toward an online-centered model, marking a new milestone in its development. In addition to welcoming returning graduates who previously earned Two-Year Junior College qualifications from the Open College, long-term development plans also include evaluating the feasibility of international student recruitment. These efforts are expected to expand access to advanced learning opportunities for working professionals and contribute meaningfully and to raising the overall cultural and educational standards of the nation.