Taiwan is a country popular amongst students who want to study abroad. It is a country filled with culture, history, food, nature, and great outdoor activities. In this quick guide, you will get the most important information about the things you need to know to ease your decision on studying in Taiwan.
Taiwan, a country located on the southeastern coast of Asia. This country has a lot of beautiful mountains and the climate is very tropical with both rainy and dry weathers. It was first discovered in the 16th century by the Portuguese when they sailed their ship to Asia. They referred to Taiwan as Ilha Formosa, which means ‘’the beautiful island’’.
Taiwan used to be part of the Republic of China, but in 1949 they split from the mainland. Around the year 2000, Taiwan became one of Asia’s economic ‘’Tigers’’. Their economic structure developed from a labour industry to a high – tech industry. China is their main trading partner, and the United States and Japan are on the second and third place.
International students find it usually easy to live in Taiwan. With the diverse culture and rich history, the country welcomes international students with open arms.
One of the reasons why students prefer to study in Taiwan is because there is always ‘green mother nature’ around the corner. While some areas are known for the impressive mountains for hiking trips, other areas are known for the forests, sandy beaches, lagoons and architectural history.
In terms of their higher education, the low tuition fees in universities and colleges in Taiwan are also big pull-factors for students. Due to new government policies, it is now possible to receive high-qualitative study programmes in Taiwan for a more affordable price.
It is also good to know that the Ministry of Education of Taiwan has launched programmes for higher education, providing ease in application, as well as studies for foreign students to study in Taiwan. The country also has scholarships available even to international students.
Besides the low tuition fee, the country is also cheap in itself. The cost of living is quite reasonable and, depending on your lifestyle, you can also get to travel to different countries in Asia cheap since they are so nearby. A great way to start exploring the world!
Higher Education in Taiwan
The best universities from Taiwan are mostly in the Taipei area. The National Taiwan University, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei Medical University, National Taiwan Normal University are all based in Taipei or nearby this city.
Top universities cannot only be found in Taipei but across the country as well. In Hsinchu City, you will find great science and technology institutions. Two universities in this city are ranked among the world’s top 200 universities – National Tsing Hua University and National Chiao Tung University.
A. Higher Education Institutions in Taiwan
Should you decide to study in Taiwan, there are a lot of higher education institutions to choose from. Currently, there are more or less 163 universities, colleges and junior colleges in Taiwan.
Universities and Colleges
Public schools are supported by the government, and some private school are supported by the commercial groups or religious bodies.
Junior Colleges
These schools can be classified into a five-year or two-year junior colleges, according to the entry requirement. Both offer associate degrees under Article 29 of the Junior College Law.
Five-Year Junior College | Two-Year Junior College |
---|---|
Admit graduates of junior high schools | Admit graduates of skill-based senior secondary schools |
Public universities and colleges
National Taiwan UniversityNational Sun Yat-sen UniversityNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityNational Chung Cheng UniversityNational Dong Hwa UniversityNational Taipei UniversityUniversity of Taipei
Comprehensive universities | |||
Name | Abbr. | Chinese name | Location |
---|---|---|---|
National Central University | NCU | 國立中央大學 | Zhongli District, Taoyuan City |
National Cheng Kung University | NCKU | 國立成功大學 | East District, Tainan |
National Chengchi University | NCCU | 國立政治大學 | Wenshan District, Taipei |
National Chi Nan University | NCNU | 國立暨南國際大學 | Puli Township, Nantou County |
National Chiayi University | NCYU | 國立嘉義大學 | Chiayi City Minxiong Township, Chiayi County |
National Chung Cheng University | CCU | 國立中正大學 | Minxiong Township, Chiayi County |
National Chung Hsing University | NCHU | 國立中興大學 | South District, Taichung |
National Dong Hwa University | NDHU | 國立東華大學 | Shoufeng Township, Hualien County |
National Ilan University | NIU | 國立宜蘭大學 | Yilan City, Yilan County |
National Pingtung University | NPTU | 國立屏東大學 | Pingtung City, Pingtung County Checheng Township, Pingtung County |
National Sun Yat-sen University | NSYSU | 國立中山大學 | Gushan District, Kaohsiung Renwu District, Kaohsiung |
Why study in the best universities in Taiwan for international students?
Taiwan is an appealing country to study for international students. This is as a result of the country’s academic resources, rich cultural environment, and future job prospects. Taiwan has a favorable standard of living and affordable tuition rates compared to western countries.
Taiwan has so much wealth than most countries in the Asia-Pacific. In 2016, the Wealth Report has that Taiwan’s average wealth level per adult is similar to that of Western Europe, at $172,847. In a population of about 23.52 million, 356,000 people are millionaires in Taiwan.
Here are the best global universities in Taiwan
- National Taiwan University.
- National Tsing Hua University.
- National Cheng Kung University.
- National Central University.
- National Chiao Tung University.
- National Taiwan University of Science and Technology.
- China Medical University Taiwan.
- Taipei Medical University.
What requirements do I need to apply to any of the top universities in Taiwan?
Before you apply to any of the best universities in Taiwan for international students, you must meet the eligibility terms required by the Taiwan Ministry of Education. Once you meet the terms, you now can apply for an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Here is a list of necessary documents for a university application in Taiwan:
- Photocopies of original diplomas or exam certificates (translated in Chinese or English)
- Application form
- Proof that you have sufficient funds for course fees and living costs
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation
- Application fee
- Any other documents as required by individual universities
How much will it cost me to study in a Taiwan University?
Taiwan’s higher education system has become quite popular and it receives great recognition. The tuition fees, however, are very reasonable.
Study Level | Tuition Fee, Per Year, in TWD | Tuition Fee, Per Year, in USD |
Bachelor’s Degree | NT$51,000 – NT$78,000 | $1,650 – $2,500 |
Master’s Degree | NT$50,000 – NT$79,000 | $1,600 – $2,550 |
Doctorate’s Degree | NT$ 142,000 | $4,560 |
Which universities in Taiwan offer Ph.D. degree programs?
For you to be able to pursue a Ph.D. degree in any university in Taiwan, then you must be fluent in the Chinese language. If you’re an international student and you’re not fluent in Chinese, it would be a challenge. This is because you will need at least 2 years in intensive learning to be good enough in Chinese to do research.
Therefore, if you’re good in the Chinese language and you wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Taiwan, below are some of the top universities in Taiwan for you:
- National Central University
- Asia University
- National Tsing Hua University
- Tamkang University
- National Chung Cheng University
What universities in Taiwan offer MBA degrees?
Masters in Business Administration are degrees that are recognized internationally and it helps business professionals to advance their expertise and career.
Similarly, MBA degrees which international business schools offer may provide specific study tracks in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Health Care, Public Administration, Marketing or Project Management.
The best international universities in Taiwan that offer MBA degrees that will meet your needs include:
- National Taiwan University (NTU) – College of Management
- The National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) – School of Management
- National Chengchi University (NCCU) – College of Commerce
- The National Tsing Hua University (NTHU)
- National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) – College of Management
- National Taipei University (NTPU) – College of Business
- College of Management at Taipei Tech (NTUT)
- Feng Chia University – College of Business
- Fu Jen Catholic University – College of Management
- I-Shou University – College of Management
- Chang Gung University – School of Business
- National Central University – School of Management
- Asia University, Taiwan – College of Management
Which universities in Taiwan teach in English?
The language of instruction used in universities in Taiwan is actually Chinese which is the country’s official language. If you’re an international student, you can follow undergraduate and graduate studies that are taught in English.
You can actually choose between programs that are 50% or 100% in English. Examples of courses that are taught in English include Computer science and information engineering, health science, business administration, law, global politics, and economics.
Below is a list of universities in Taiwan that teach in English:
- Asian University
- Chang Gung University
- China Medical University
- Chinese Culture University
- Chung Hua University
- National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
- Dayeh University
- Chung Yuan Christian University
- National Chiao Tung University
- Fu Jen Catholic University
- I-Shou University
- National Chengchi University
- Kaohsiung Medical University
- National Cheng Kung University
- Ming Chuan University
- National Central University
List of the best universities in Taiwan for international students in 2020
We, the World Scholarship Forum have put together a list of the top universities in Taiwan that offer associate degrees, bachelor’s programs, masters, and doctoral degrees for you.
The selection of the best public universities in Taiwan was done based on the number of programs, our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial review.
Below is a list of the best universities in Taiwan for international students in 2021:
- National Taiwan University
- The National Tsing Hua University
- Taipei Medical University
- China Medical University, Taiwan
- National Chiao Tung University
- The National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech)
- National Yang-Ming University
- The National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)
- National Taiwan Normal University
- Asia University, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University
- Fu Jen Catholic University
- Kaohsiung Medical University
- National Central University
- The National Chengchi University
#1. National Taiwan University (NTU)
NTU is a national university in Taipei City, Taiwan that was founded in 1928. This school is the best public university in Taiwan and also one of the best universities in the world.
NTU has an overall student population of around 32,000 which comprises of 17,000 undergraduates and 15,000 graduate students.
Currently, this university has 11 colleges, with 54 departments and 103 graduate institutes, 4 university-level research centers (population and gender studies, condensed matter sciences, biotechnology, and biodiversity)
Some of the courses at NTU include liberal arts, science, social sciences, medicine, engineering, agriculture, management, public health, law, computer science, and education.
Meanwhile, a student can offer most of these courses in English, even though the Chinese language is the major language on campus.
Finally, some of their notable alumni include the Nobel laureate in chemistry (Yuan T. Lee), computer scientist (Andrew Yao), and Taiwan’s President (Tsai Ing-wen).
Address: No. 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10617
#2. The National Tsing Hua University (NTHU)
National Tsing Hua University is a research university in Hsinchu City, Taiwan. In 1956, it was founded in Hsinchu City which is known as a high-tech city for science and industrial innovation.
This institution which is one of the best universities in Taiwan offers programs in science, technology, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The university has 7colleges, 17 departments, and 22 independent graduate institutes.
NTHU does joint research with big companies like Delta Electronics, Mediatek, and Novatek Microelectronics. Also, they engage in research with medical institutions such as the Chang Gung Medical Memorial Hospital, China Medical University, and Mackay Memorial Hospital.
Address: No. 101號, Section 2, Guangfu Road, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
#3. Taipei Medical University
Taipei Medical University was established as Taipei Medical College in 1960. In 2000, the name changed to Taipei Medical University.
At TMU, a student can take several courses in English. Taipei Medical University offers medical elective programs that attract thousands of international students.
TMU has an affiliation with three hospitals namely; Taipei Medical University Hospital, Wan Fang Medical Center, and Shuang Ho Hospital.
Address: No. 250號, Wuxing Street, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
#4. China Medical University, Taiwan
This is a private university in Taichung, Taiwan that was founded in 1958. It enrolls approximately 8,000 students each year.
The mission of this institution, however, is to develop traditional Chinese medicine and promote its synthesis with Western medicine. CMU has 8 colleges, that offer educational, research, and practical programs in Western Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacology, Health Care, Biopharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Public Health, and Humanities and Sciences.
Also, the healthcare system of CMHU has 4 Joint Commission International-accredited hospitals having over 5000 beds. In fact, this is the second-largest healthcare system in Taiwan.
Address: No. 91號, Xueshi Road, North District, Taichung City, Taiwan 404
#5. National Chiao Tung University (NCTU)
National Chiao Tung University is a public research university in Hsinchu, Taiwan. It was founded in 1896 as Nanyang Public School by an imperial edict of the Guangxu Emperor. NCTU is one of the top universities in Taiwan.
Similarly, it was the first Chinese university to begin an electrical engineering program and the first to offer a combined engineering and management course at a higher education level.
NCTU attracts doctorates from Berkeley, Harvard, and Cambridge.
Some of the notable of NCTU include Nobel Laureates, Yuan T Lee (1986 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry), and Gao Xingjian (2000 Nobel Prize winner in Literature).
Address: No. 1001號, Daxue Road, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 30010
#6. The National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech)
Taiwan Tech is a technological university in Taipei, Taiwan that was founded on August 1, 1974.
NTUST has 14 departments and 24 graduate programs. These programs appear in 6 colleges namely; College of Engineering, College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, School of Management, College of Design, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and College of Applied Sciences.
In 1979 and 1982, NTUST started offering masters and doctoral programs to students that wish to advance their careers.
Address: No. 43號, Section 4, Keelung Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106