An Overview of Taiwan and Its Distance Education History National Open University The National Open University was established on August 1, 1986. The University began telecasting and broadcasting courses on November 1, 1986. The objectives of the National Open University are to: 1) Provide opportunities for lifelong learning; 2) Offer equal higher education opportunities for all people who are unable to enroll in traditional colleges and universities; 3) Convey knowledge to the whole society via new communication technologies; and 4) Promote the qualitative improvement of the country's human resources. Regular Students must be over 20, have a high school qualification, and pass the National Open University entrance examination. Students must be at least 18 years old to be admitted as Non-Diploma Students. Upon the completion of 40 credits, Non-Diploma Students may participate in the entrance examination and have the opportunity to become Regular Students. Auditing Students are people who wish to audit a particular course primarily for personal interest instead of taking the course for college credits. There are no requirements for auditing students and the courses are tuition free. Courses are delivered through a variety of media, including television, radio, printed course materials, and classroom instruction at learning centres (study centres). Television and radio courses are produced and delivered through the facilities and network systems of the China Television Station and the National Educational Broadcasting Station. Classroom instruction is conducted in 12 learning centres which are conveniently located for students. The learning centres provide: administrative support; supplementary classroom instruction; tutorial support; academic counselling; library and audio-visual centre facilities; extracurricular activities; and community services. Statistical summary: By 1990, the number of students had reached over 62,800 (including Regular Students and Non-Diploma students). 63.24 % are female and 36.76% of students are male. Regular Students make up 64.23% and Non-Diploma students make up 35.77%. The largest age group is between 25 and 29, comprising 35.52% of the student population. Of students' occupations, 26.10% are businessmen, 25.02% are public officials, 14.62% are labourers. The rest of the students are teachers, self-employed, housewives, unemployed and others.

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