Universities in Taiwan

Higher education in Taiwan is overseen by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and offered by universities, colleges, universities of science and technology and technical colleges, both public and private. Programmes are taught in Mandarin Chinese or in English, and Study in Taiwan, the official study portal, highlights the chance to learn Mandarin alongside a degree.

The two universities on this site illustrate the range. National Taiwan University (NTU) in Taipei, founded in 1928, has more than 34,000 students, over 7,000 overseas students and more than 1,900 courses taught in English. Yuan Ze University (YZU) in Taoyuan City, founded in 1989 by the Far Eastern Group, has over 9,000 students in five colleges, including engineering, informatics and management.

How Taiwanese university degrees work

According to the MOE, the education system includes:

• Bachelor's degree: normally four years; some subjects add internships of six months to two years, and two-year bachelor's programmes also exist
• 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

Universities set their own programmes and admission criteria within MOE regulations. At NTU, for example, international students are admitted under MOE regulations directly through the university's Office of International Affairs.

Admission for international students

International students who meet the criteria of the Regulations Regarding International Students Undertaking Studies in Taiwan apply directly to the university or college during its application period and receive an admission notice if they pass the review. There is no central entrance exam for international applicants. Application windows vary: for September 2027 entry, NTU accepts international applications from 29 September to 5 November 2026 (first round) and from 1 December 2026 to 19 January 2027 (second round). Requirements for language and documents differ by programme, so check them with the university.

After admission, students apply for a student resident visa at a Taiwan (ROC) overseas mission. The Bureau of Consular Affairs asks for the admission permit, a passport valid for at least six months, a health certificate issued within three months, authenticated diplomas and transcripts, and proof of funds sufficient for at least six months of living costs. In Taiwan, the National Immigration Agency issues the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).

Costs and funding

Tuition is billed per semester and set by each university. At NTU, undergraduate tuition for international students ranges from TWD 50,460 (liberal arts, social sciences, law) to TWD 62,100 (medicine and public health) per semester; graduate students pay full tuition for the first two years and only basic tuition from the third year. NTU estimates living costs in Taipei at TWD 66,000 to 157,000 per semester (four months) without tuition, including housing, books and National Health Insurance.

The MOE Taiwan Scholarship covers tuition and miscellaneous fees of up to NTD 40,000 per semester and a monthly allowance of NTD 15,000 or NTD 20,000, for up to four years of undergraduate study, two years of a master's or four years of a doctorate. Applications go to a Taiwan overseas mission, separately from the university application. Universities also offer their own scholarships. International students may work up to 20 hours a week during term, with no limit in the summer and winter breaks, after obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Labor's Workforce Development Agency.

How to choose a university in Taiwan

• Language: a programme taught in English or in Mandarin, and whether Mandarin classes are available alongside the degree
• Field: research universities, universities of science and technology and specialised institutions differ in focus
• Location: Taipei and the surrounding cities such as Taoyuan or regional university towns
• Cost: tuition per semester, dormitory places (most institutions offer on-campus housing) and scholarships
• Timing: application rounds open up to a year before the start of studies

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in Taiwan in English?

Yes, at many universities. NTU alone lists more than 1,900 courses taught in English. Not every programme is taught in English, so check the language of instruction for each programme.

How much does a university in Taiwan cost?

Each university sets its own fees. At NTU, undergraduate tuition for international students is about TWD 50,000 to 62,000 per semester, plus living costs that NTU estimates at TWD 66,000 to 157,000 per semester.

Are there scholarships for international students in Taiwan?

Yes. The MOE Taiwan Scholarship covers tuition of up to NTD 40,000 per semester and a monthly allowance of NTD 15,000 or 20,000. Applications are made through a Taiwan 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 term and without that limit during summer and winter breaks.