Since 1994, the minister of edcation started the process of higher education reform to upgrade junior & technical colleges and to establish community colleges in near future. Obviously, due to these reforms, higher education system in Taiwan will encounter dramatic transformation. Therefore, it is time to examine whether the functions of different patterns of higher education institutions are overlapped or contradictory. The essay aims: firstly, to account for the meaning and theoretical model of patterns and functions of higher education institutions. Secondly, from the view of the historical development, to probe the development process and related factors of Taiwan's higher education. Thirdly, to depict the patterns and fuctions of Taiwan's higher eduction institutions now. Fourthly, to analyze the development trends of the patterns and functions of Taiwan's higher education institutions. Fifthly, to reflect and criticize related issues. Finally, to make conclusions.