Study and find schools in Taiwan

Studying in Taiwan

Taiwan is an island in East Asia where Mandarin Chinese is the main language of daily life and teaching, written in traditional characters. It has become a growing destination for international students: according to Study in Taiwan, which uses Ministry of Education statistics, there were 140,417 international students in the 2025/26 academic year. The largest groups come from Vietnam (52,974), Indonesia and Malaysia.

Study in Taiwan, the official portal, highlights teaching focused on real-world applications, links with Taiwan's industries through internships, and the chance to learn Mandarin while you study.

The education system

According to the Ministry of Education, students can study for up to 20 years: six years of primary school, three of junior high school and three of senior high school, followed by higher education. Higher education is offered by universities, colleges, universities of science and technology and technical colleges. The main levels are:

• Bachelor's degree: normally four years, with a two-year option for some students; internships can add half a year to two years
• Master's degree: one to four years
• Doctoral degree: two to seven years
• Junior colleges: five-year programmes after junior high school or two-year programmes after vocational senior high school

There are national (public) and private universities, and many run degree programmes or courses in English alongside teaching in Mandarin. Intakes vary by university: National Taiwan University, for example, admits international degree students for September and, for some graduate programmes, February entry.

Admission and recognition

International students apply directly to the university or college, within its own application period, and send the required documents. Each institution reviews the application and, if it is successful, issues an admission notice. Language requirements are set by each programme; for Chinese, the Ministry of Education lists the TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) as its proficiency test. You will very likely need a Taiwanese embassy or mission in your country to verify your documents.

Student visa and residence

Once admitted, you apply for a visa. The type of visa depends on the length and nature of your programme; requirements often include proof of admission, a financial statement and a health certificate, and Study in Taiwan refers students to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) for the current rules. Students who stay for a full degree obtain an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), which also requires a health examination. Since 1 January 2024 the ARC of international students can be extended for up to two years after graduation. Information checked October 2026.

Costs and funding

Fees differ between universities and programmes, so check the fee pages of the universities you are interested in. Study in Taiwan states that students enjoy low tuition and living costs.

The Ministry of Education Taiwan Scholarship covers tuition and miscellaneous fees of up to NTD 40,000 per semester and pays a monthly allowance of NTD 15,000 or NTD 20,000. It can be held for four years for a bachelor's degree, two for a master's and four for a doctorate. Applications go through a Republic of China (ROC) overseas mission, and you must apply to the university separately. Universities also offer their own scholarships.

Where to study

In Taipei, National Taiwan University, founded in 1928, has more than 34,000 students and, according to the university, about 7,000 overseas students and 1,900 courses in English. In Taoyuan City, Yuan Ze University is a private university with English-taught programmes and programmes linked to industry. Students featured on Study in Taiwan also attend universities in New Taipei City, Hsinchu City, Taichung City and Kaohsiung City.

Culture and practical life

Learning Mandarin is one of the main reasons to choose Taiwan. The Ministry of Education counts 71 Mandarin Chinese language centres attached to universities, with courses all year round for every level and purpose.

Most institutions offer on-campus dormitories, and the international office helps with off-campus rentals. Your university will help you obtain health insurance: students usually start with private insurance and then join the National Health Insurance plan, and Taiwan has more than 12,000 medical facilities. The LMMF (Light a Match Meet a Family) programme, set up by the Ministry of Education, matches international students with host families.

International students may work part-time with a work permit from the Workforce Development Agency of the Ministry of Labor, for up to 20 hours a week during term; the limit does not apply in summer and winter breaks. After graduation, eligible students can do an internship of up to one year, and graduates who want to work in Taiwan are assessed under a points-based system.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in Taiwan in English?

Yes. Many universities offer English-taught degree programmes; National Taiwan University alone lists about 1,900 courses in English. Learning some Mandarin still makes daily life much easier.

How do I apply to a university in Taiwan?

Apply directly to the university or college within its application period and send the required documents. The institution reviews your application and issues an admission notice.

Are there scholarships for international students?

Yes. The Taiwan Scholarship covers tuition and fees up to NTD 40,000 per semester plus a monthly allowance of NTD 15,000 or NTD 20,000; you apply through a Taiwanese overseas mission.

Can international students work in Taiwan?

Yes, with a work permit from the Workforce Development Agency, for up to 20 hours a week during the semester.

Where can I learn Mandarin in Taiwan?

At one of the 71 Mandarin Chinese language centres attached to universities, which run courses throughout the year.