Known for its world-leading high tech industry, Taiwan is an emerging destination for international students. If the technology field is not for you, there are plenty of other subject areas available for study. The Taiwan government has made it a priority to attract more international students, so you will be welcomed by the Taiwanese universities.
Taiwan can offer you a high quality education in a wonderful environment. On top of that, the Ministry of Education has set the target of reaching 150,000 international students by 2020. To help towards achieving this, higher education institutions are offering more courses in English, and there are more scholarships for international students. They have also made the application process simpler, meaning that the higher education system is more accessible to everyone.
There are 10 of Taiwan’s universities in the 2023 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked is National Taiwan University (NTU), which is in 77th place. The next highest ranked is National Tsing Hua University, which is in 177th place. The high ranking of Taiwan’s universities mean that graduates have internationally recognised degrees and are poised for their dream careers.
In Taiwan, international students need either a Visitor Visa for stays under 6 months or a Resident Visa for longer programs. Applications should be made at Taiwan (ROC) Embassies and Missions abroad.
For more information about visas, see our International Student Visas advice article.
There are over 100 universities in Taiwan, and they can be divided into the following categories:
Public universities – There are 29 public universities in Taiwan, offering a wide range of courses at degree and masters level. These include the National Central University, National Taiwan University and National Chengchi University.
Specialized public universities – There are 10 public universities in Taiwan which focus on specific fields, including the training of teachers, sports and the arts. These include National Taipei University of Education, National Taiwan University of Arts and National Taiwan Sport University.
Public universities of science and technology – There are 17 public universities in Taiwan focusing on engineering, sciences and technology, often with an aim to prepare students for a vocation. These include the National Taipei University of Technology, National Penghu University of Science and Technology and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology.
Private universities – There are 39 private universities in Taiwan, some of which are non-secular, catering to a wide range of subjects and study levels. Examples include Tunghai University, Chinese Culture University and Hsuan Chuang University.
There are an additional 46 private universities of science and technology in Taiwan, including Taiwan Steel University of Science and Technology, Ming Chi University of Technology and China University of Technology.
Universities in Taiwan offer a world class education, with many ranking highly in world university rankings.
| University | Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2024 | Best Global Universities | QS World University Ranking |
| National Taiwan University (NTU) | 152 | 203 | 69 |
| China Medical University, Taiwan | 301-350 | 507 | |
| Asia University, Taiwan | 401-500 | 1425 | 901-950 |
| National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech) | 401-500 | 889 | 387 |
| National Tsing Hua University | 401-500 | 394 | 233 |
| National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University | 401-500 | 579 | 217 |
| Taipei Medical University | 401-500 | 907 | 577 |
| National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) | 501-600 | 639 | 228 |
| National Taiwan Normal University | 501-600 | 1049 | 431 |
| National Yunlin University of Science and Technology | 501-600 | 1617 |
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| Capital City | Taipei City |
|---|---|
| Currency | TWD, New Taiwan Dollar |
| Language(s) | Standard Chinese |
| Major Student Cities | Hsinchu, Taichung, Kaohsiung |
The official language of Taiwan is Taiwanese Mandarin. There are also two recognised national languages; Formosan languages and Hakka.
Courses in Taiwan are offered in either Mandarin or English. No matter which language you choose to study, you will have to provide evidence of proficiency if it is a non-native language. If you do not meet the required standards of teaching, you may be able to take a language preparation course to help you improve.
Even if you are studying in English, you should make an effort to learn as much Taiwanese Mandarin as possible. Communicating with locals and other students will be a perfect way to practice. Having an extra language is a skill that looks fantastic on your CV/resume, and can increase your chances of employment!
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