Top Universities in Taiwan

19 min read

Taiwan is more than just a beautiful island. It’s a tech powerhouse filled with opportunities! Imagine landing a job with giants like TSMC, the world leader in chip-making. Or how about working for innovative companies in fields like healthcare and finance? Taiwan’s got it all.

Studying at top universities in Taiwan is your ticket to this exciting world. And guess what? It’s not going to break the bank. You can get a world-class education for around INR 2.3L to INR 3.3L per year. That’s right, quality education without the hefty price tag!

By 2025, Taiwan aims to have over 11 million people working. That’s a lot of jobs! And with sectors like tech, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance booming, you’ll have plenty of choices to kickstart your career.

In this article, you will learn why Taiwan should be your next study destination. Get ready to discover the top universities in Taiwan for international students, their tuition fees, and a future full of possibilities!

Key Highlights 

Here’s a quick overview of everything that you will learn in greater detail about the private and public universities in Taiwan in this comprehensive blog post.

Particulars	Description
Top Public Universities in Taiwan: Top Picks	National Taiwan University (NTU) National Tsing Hua University National Cheng Kung University.
Best Private University in Taiwan: Top Picks	Taipei Medical University (TMU) Chang Gung University Asia University Taiwan
Top Courses from Taiwan Universities	Engineering Medicine Business Administration
Annual Tuition Fees at Best Universities in Taiwan	For Unverdragute Courses: INR 35K to INR 1.8L (NT 14K to NT 70K) For Master’s Courses: INR 1.3L to INR 5.9L (NT 50 K to NT 230K)
Intakes in Taiwan	Fall Intake (Major) Spring Intake Summer Intake
Taiwan Student Visa Fee	INR 5.6K (NT2.3K)
Major Scholarships in Taiwan	MOE Taiwan Scholarship Program Taiwan International Higher Education Scholarship Program Taiwan Government Scholarship
Monthly Cost of Living in Taiwan for Indian Students	INR 62K (NT 24K)
High-Paying Part-Time Jobs in Taiwan	Sales Assistant Research Assistant English Tutor

Why Study in Taiwan?

Taiwan is slowly becoming a compelling study-abroad destination, offering a unique mix of academic excellence, cultural richness, and affordability. 

The country has several universities ranked among the world’s top institutions. For instance, eight Taiwanese Universities are ranked among the top 500 Universities in the world as per QS World University Rankings 2025.

Taiwan is also a global leader in technology and innovation. Studying here provides access to cutting-edge research and development opportunities, especially in fields like engineering, information technology, and life sciences. For instance, Taiwan’s TSMC is the world’s biggest semiconductor manufacturing company.

Still not convinced that top universities in Thailand are the perfect choice for you? Here are 4 compelling reasons why you should choose to study in Thailand. Have a look.

1. Affordable Education and Living Costs: Compared to many Western countries, tuition fees and living expenses in Taiwan are significantly lower, making it a budget-friendly study-abroad option. For instance, Taiwan is 33.2% cheaper than the USA. 

Numerous scholarships and financial aid programs, such as the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship and MOE Taiwan Scholarship Program, are also available for international students, further reducing the financial burden.

2. Cultural Experience: Taiwan offers a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. You can immerse yourself in a lively culture with a rich history. Taiwanese people are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, creating a welcoming environment for international students. 

The country also consistently ranks as 3rd safest country globally, providing a secure environment for international students like yourself so you can focus on your studies.

3. Career Prospects: Taiwan’s strong economic ties with countries worldwide create ample job opportunities for international graduates. It is also known as one of the Four Asian Tigers. Learning Mandarin Chinese, the world’s most spoken language, enhances career prospects in various industries.

4. High Quality of Life: Taiwan has excellent transportation, healthcare, and communication systems, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle. The life expectancy in Taiwan is 81.21 years. From mountains to beaches, Taiwan’s natural landscapes provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

5 Top Public Universities in Taiwan for Indian Students

Taiwan is slowly becoming a compelling study destination for Indian students, attracting them with its world-class universities, affordable education, and lively cultural scene. 

The country has an impressive higher education system. It has over 148 universities, colleges, and junior colleges. 

Moreover, Taiwan’s exceptional safety record, ranking eighth in Asia, provides students with a secure and conducive environment to focus on their academic pursuits.

Here is the list of top public universities in Taiwan where you can study.

Public Universities in Taiwan	QS World Ranking (2025)	Times Higher Education Rankings (2024)
National Taiwan University (NTU)	68	26
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU)	210	71
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)	215	94
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University	219	64
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech)	392	71

1. National Taiwan University (NTU)

This university was started in 1928 as Taihoku Imperial University. It then changed its name to National Taiwan University in 1945. Today, it has 16 colleges and more than 1800 English-taught courses. 

You can study many subjects like science, arts, and more. Over 35K students are studying at NTU, along with 6K international students. In 2028, this university will be 100 years old, and it is Taiwan’s first and oldest university.

Top Courses 

• Liberal Arts
• Social Sciences
• Law

Notable Alumni

• Lee Teng-hui: Former President of Taiwan
• Tsai Ing-wen: Current President of Taiwan

English Requirement

Here’s an overview of the required English proficiency test scores.

Test	Score
IELTS	5.5
TOEFL iBT	72
TOEIC	785

Average Semester Tuition Fees: INR 1.3L to INR 3.8L (NT 50K to NT 150K)

2. National Tsing Hua University (NTHU)

National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) is a great university in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Hsinchu is a beautiful city and the centre of Taiwan’s technology. NTHU has a long history, starting in Beijing, China, in 1911. Then, it moved to Hsinchu, Taiwan, in 1956.

NTHU has grown a lot since then. It has 12 colleges with courses in engineering, nuclear, life science & medicine to choose from. The university has around 17K students and 2K teachers.

Top Courses

• Science
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Computer Science

Notable Alumni

• Liang Chi-chao: Writer, Social Activist, Historian, and Revolutionary Journalist
• Lin Ying-meng: Serving as a councillor of Taipei City Council since 2018

English Requirement

Here’s an overview of the required English proficiency test scores.

Test	Score
IELTS	5.5
TOEFL iBT	65
TOEIC	673
TOEFL CBT	183

Average Semester Tuition Fees: INR 67K to INR 4.7L (NT26K to NT 186K)

3. National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), founded in 1931, is in Tainan. It’s a great university for learning and research. You can find the main parts of the school in the city centre and near the Tainan train station. Tainan is known for its old buildings and delicious food.

NCKU is one of the best schools in Taiwan. The university has 43 undergraduate programmes, 36 independent graduate institutes and nine degree programmes. It has more than 22K students and 2K faculty staff.

Top Courses 

• Engineering
• Science
• Management

Notable Alumni 

• Morris Chang – Founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).
• Yuan T. Lee – Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry.

English Requirement

Here’s an overview of the required English proficiency test scores.

Test	Score
IELTS	5.5
TOEFL	65

Average Semester Tuition Fees: INR 1.1L to INR 1.8L (NT 45K to NT 71K)

4. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University 

National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), formed in 2021 by merging biomedical-focused Yang Ming and tech-centric Chiao Tung, aims to become a global leader in smart medical care. 

Combining strengths in AI, telemedicine, and biotechnology, NYCU seeks to address ageing population challenges through innovation and research. NYCU has over 17K students and over 1.4K faculty staff. It is made up of 19 different colleges and offers almost 100 degree programs.

Top Courses

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Notable Alumni

• Steve Chen – Co-founder of YouTube.
• Min-Liang Tan – Co-founder and CEO of Razer Inc.

Language Requirement

Here’s an overview of the required language proficiency test scores.

Test	Score
IELTS	7
TOEFL	87
GEPT	Advance Level

Average Semester Tuition Fees: INR 87k to INR 5.9L(NT 34K to NT 230K)

5. National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech)

The National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, or Taiwan Tech for short, was founded in 1974. It’s Taiwan’s first tech university and you should have a strong focus on academics, industry partnerships, and global connections while studying at this university.

Located in Taipei, you’ll be absorbed in a vibrant city blending Chinese, Japanese, and South Asian cultures with Western influences. The university’s undergraduate programmes take four to six years to complete. It has around 10K students and around 1K faculty staff.

Top Courses

• Computer Science
• Information Engineering
• Engineering

Notable Alumni

• Kao Yu-ting, a Taiwanese engineer and politician
• Chen Kunshan, a Taiwanese scientist

English Requirement

Here’s an overview of the required English proficiency test scores.

Test	Score
IELTS	5.5
TOEFL iBT	71
TOEIC	750
TOEFL CBT	197

Average Semester Tuition Fees: INR 35K to INR 1.5L (NT 14K to NT 59K)

Top 5 Private Universities in Taiwan

Taiwan is a hidden gem shining with potential. With a remarkable 18 sites nominated for World Heritage status, it’s a country rich in history and natural beauty. Imagine yourself graduating from one of the best private universities in Taiwan, ready to go on a thrilling career. 

There are around 77 private universities in Taiwan. Here’s a list of some of the top private universities in Taiwan for you.

Best Private University in Taiwan	QS World Rankings 2025	Average Semester Fees
Taipei Medical University (TMU)	611-620	INR 1.3L (NT53K)
Chang Gung University	631-640	INR 97K to INR 1.56L (NT38K to NT61K)
Asia University Taiwan	801-850	INR 1.2L to INR 1.46L (NT 47K to NT 57K)
Chang Jung Christian University	1001-1200	INR 95K to INR 1L (NT 37K to NT 40K)
Chung Yuan Christian University	1001-1200	INR 1.5L to INR 3.6L (NT 58K to NT 140K)

1. Taipei Medical University (TMU)

Taipei Medical University (TMU) is a leading healthcare institution in Taiwan, established in 1960. With over 6K students from 40+ countries, TMU offers diverse programs across ten colleges and the innovative College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

TMU excels in research areas such as cancer, neuroscience, and AI in medicine. Its strong research portfolio has secured significant grants and promoted 18 startups. 

Top Courses

• Business and Management
• Life Sciences and Medicine
• Social Sciences and Management
• Natural Sciences

English Language Requirement

Here’s an overview of the required English proficiency test scores.

Test	Score
IELTS	5.5
TOEFL iBT	71
PTE	59
CAE	160

2. Chang Gung University

Chang Gung University, founded in 1987, comprises three colleges — Medicine, Engineering, and Management — housing nearly 30 departments and graduate institutes. 

With a faculty of over 1.2K and a student body exceeding 7K, the university maintains efficient administration through computerised systems and simplified organisational structures. A direct communication channel, the President’s Box, ensures that your concerns are promptly addressed.

Top Courses

• Medicine and Healthcare
• Engineering
• Business Administration
• Information Technology

Language Requirement

Here’s an overview of the required language proficiency test scores.

Test	Score
IELTS	4
TOEFL iBT	54
TOEIC	520
TOEFL ITP	480
TOCFL	Level 4
HSK	Level 4

3. Asia University Taiwan

Asia University (AU) is a rapidly growing institution dedicated to academic excellence, research, and cultural enrichment. Founded in 2001 with international competitiveness in mind, AU has consistently ranked among Taiwan’s top universities. 

Recognised for its teaching quality, research output, and global standing, AU boasts specialised research centres across various disciplines. It has around 500 faculty staff and more than 11K student body.

Top Courses

• Creative Industries and Design
• Healthcare and Biotechnology
• Engineering
• Psychology

Language Requirement

Here’s an overview of the required language proficiency test scores.

Test	Score
IELTS	5
TOEFL iBT	61
TOEFL ITP	500
TOEIC	600
TOCFL	Level 3
HSK	Level 4

4. Chang Jung Christian University

Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU) is a private institution founded in 1993 with a focus on holistic education. Committed to Christian values, CJCU offers 54 undergraduate and 24 graduate programs across nine colleges. The university has demonstrated strong growth, with increasing student enrollment and academic reputation.

CJCU emphasises social responsibility and sustainability, as evidenced by its establishment of the Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots Eco-Center and the Yunus Social Business Center. CJCU has more than 6K students and around 800 faculty.

Top Courses

• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Business and Management
• Law
• Education

Language Requirement

Here’s an overview of the required language proficiency test scores.

Test	Score
IELTS	5.5
TOEFL iBT	71
TOCFL	Level A2

5. Chung Yuan Christian University

Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) was founded in 1955 with a focus on science and engineering education. Upgraded to university status in 1980, CYCU now offers 27 undergraduate and 38 graduate programs across seven colleges.

With a strong emphasis on research and internationalisation, the university has grown significantly and is recognised as a leading private comprehensive institution in Taiwan. 

CYCU is committed to holistic education and aims to cultivate graduates who are knowledgeable, compassionate, and possess strong moral character. CYCU has more than 15K students and around 800 faculty.

Top Courses

• Engineering and Technology
• Science
• Business Administration
• Design

Language Requirement

Here’s an overview of the required language proficiency test scores.

Test	Score
IELTS	5
TOEFL iBT	64
TOEIC	700
HSK	Level 4

Intake in Taiwan

Taiwan has set its sights on welcoming a substantial international student population, aiming to attract approximately 320K students by the year 2030. A key factor contributing to Taiwan’s appeal is its flexible academic calendar. 

Unlike many countries with strict intake periods, top universities in Taiwan offer multiple admission cycles throughout the year. This accommodating approach provides international students with greater freedom and opportunity to choose a start date that aligns with their personal and academic goals.

Here’s a tabulated overview of intakes at top universities in Taiwan.

Intake	Start	End
Fall Intake (Major)	September/October	August
Spring Intake	February/March	December
Summer Intake	June/July	May

Important: Each intake period has its own set of deadlines and requirements. You should always check the specific dates and application procedures on the respective university’s official website. 

Application Process to Apply at the Top Universities in Taiwan

Taiwan’s impressive ranking as first in the 2024 Social Institutions and Gender Index underscores its progressive stance on gender equality. 

This forward-thinking characteristic extends to its higher education sector. While the application process to a Taiwanese university can vary slightly based on the institution and specific program, the following general steps provide a solid foundation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Research and Choose a University and Program
   • Identify Taiwanese universities that offer your desired program.
   • Check the program’s admission requirements, including academic qualifications, language proficiency, and any specific documents.
   • Consider factors like tuition fees, living costs, and university location.
2. Prepare Academic Documents
   • Obtain official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
   • Request academic certificates or diplomas.
   • Get your degree evaluated by a recognised evaluation agency if required by the university.
3. Demonstrate English Proficiency
   • Take an English proficiency test like TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent.
   • Some universities may accept other English language proficiency certificates.
4. Prepare Financial Documents
   • Show proof of financial support, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters.
   • This is often required to obtain a student visa.
5. Write a Statement of Purpose (SOP)
   • Clearly articulate your reasons for choosing the university and program.
   • Highlight your academic achievements, goals, and how the program aligns with your career aspirations.
6. Gather Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

Request two LORs, one from professors and one from academic advisors who can vouch for your academic abilities and potential.

7. Prepare Additional Documents (if required)

Some programs may require additional documents like portfolios, research proposals, or certificates.

8. Apply Online or Through the University’s Application Portal
   • Fill out the online application form accurately and completely.
   • Pay the application fee (if applicable).
   • Submit all required documents electronically or by post.
9. Visa Application
   • Once you receive an admission offer, apply for a student visa at the Taiwanese embassy or consulate in India.
   • Prepare the necessary visa application documents as instructed.

Also Read: NSTC International Internship Pilot Program

How to Apply for a Taiwan Student Visa?

Did you know Taiwan is the second happiest country in Asia? Hence, starting your educational journey in top universities in Taiwan will be amazing. But to study in Taiwan, you’ll need to get a student visa. 

Here’s an overview of the type of Taiwan study visa, processing time and fees.

Visa Type	Fees	Processing Time
Student Visa	INR 5.6K (NT2.3K)	Approx four weeks

From eligibility criteria at top universities in Taiwan to preparing all necessary documents and understanding the student visa application process. You will find it all below.

Eligibility

• You should have a valid passport.
• You should be offered a full-time degree program at any of the top universities in Taiwan.
• You should be able to support yourself during your studies in Taiwan financially.

Application Process

The application process for a student visa for Taiwan is pretty easy. 

You have two main options:

• Online Application: This is the quickest and easiest way. Just fill out the application on the Taiwan government’s website.
• Embassy/Consulate Application: If you can’t apply online, visit the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in your home country.

Required Documents

Here’s a list of documents needed to apply for a Taiwan study visa.

• Application form, completed and signed
• Two passport-size pictures of yourself: photos should not be more than six months old
• Valid passport
  • It should be valid for at least six months
  • It should have three blank pages
• University offer letter
• Health certificate
• Proof of financial support such as bank statements or scholarship documents [Minimum INR 3L (NT 120K)]
• Proof of language proficiency

Scholarships by the Government and Top Universities in Taiwan

Taiwan has a thriving economy, ranking as the eighth largest in Asia, with a staggering GDP of $761 billion. Recognising the value of international talent, Taiwan generously offers a variety of scholarships to entice and support students from around the world. 

These opportunities are made possible through the support of various organisations, including the Ministry of Education, the Taiwan Government, and individual universities.

The benefits of these scholarships range from covering tuition fees and living expenses to providing full tuition waivers and additional allowances. 

Here is a detailed table of the scholarship programs available for top universities in Taiwan:

Scholarship	Offered By	Award
MOE Taiwan Scholarship Program	Ministry of Education (MOE)	Full tuition fee waiverMonthly stipend for living expenses Health insurance
Taiwan International Higher Education Scholarship Program	All Taiwanese Universities	Covers tuition fees Living expensesMonthly allowance
Taiwan Government Scholarship	Taiwan Government	Covers tuition fees Monthly allowance
Taiwan ICDF Scholarship	International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF)	Full tuition coverage Round-trip airfareHousing allowance Monthly allowance

1. MOE Taiwan Scholarship Programme

The MOE Taiwan Scholarship Programme, provided by the Ministry of Education (MOE), supports outstanding international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Taiwan. The scholarship covers tuition and miscellaneous expenses up to NTD 40K per semester (INR 1L) and includes a monthly stipend for living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You should not be a resident of Taiwan
• You should have at least a high school graduation diploma with excellent academic record
• You should have a good character certificate

2. Taiwan International Higher Education Scholarship Programme

The Taiwan International Higher Education Scholarship Programme aims to support international students pursuing various degrees in Taiwan. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and offers a monthly stipend.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You should not be a Chinese national
• You should have a resident visa and all the required documents to study in Taiwan.
• You should be another scholarship holder
• You should have at least a high school diploma with excellent academic records

3. Taiwan Government Scholarship

The Taiwan Government Scholarship supports international students by providing full tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends for living expenses, and health insurance.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You should not be a resident of Taiwan
• You should have at least a high school graduation diploma with excellent academic record
• You should have a good character certificate

4. Taiwan ICDF Scholarship

The TaiwanICDF offers scholarships for higher education to develop skilled workers in partner countries. Through the Taiwan International Cooperation Alliance (TICA), it manages 29 scholarship programs in collaboration with Taiwanese universities. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• You should not be a Chinese national
• You should have a resident visa and all the required documents to study in Taiwan.
• You should be another scholarship holder
• You should have at least a high school diploma with excellent academic records

Cost of Living in Taiwan for Indian Students

Taiwan is an amazing place to study! The cost of living here is actually pretty reasonable. You can expect to spend around INR 62K (NT 24K). 

When you compare the living expenses in Taiwan with other countries, you will realise that the former is pretty affordable. For instance, the cost of living in Taiwan is 33.3% cheaper than the USA, 27.1% cheaper than the UK, and 34.4% cheaper than Australia.

You can definitely make it work if you plan your budget carefully. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of essential living expenses while studying at top universities in Taiwan.

Particulars	Cost Per Month
Accommodation	INR 26K to INR 36K (NT10K to NT14K)
Groceries	INR 2.5K to INR 5K (NT1K to NT2K)
Transportation	INR 3K (NT1.2K)
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan Cost	INR 1.9K (NT744)
Basic Utilities Cost	INR 6.4K (NT2.5K)
Internet Plan Cost	INR 1.8K (NT715)

Note: The costs mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary by location and currency exchange rates.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Taiwan 2024

Part-Time High-Paying Jobs in Taiwan for International Students

Taiwan is facing a significant labour shortage. According to the 104 Job Bank, there are over 1 million job openings but only around 5,95,000 job seekers.

As an international student, you might consider part-time work to supplement your income. However, there are specific requirements. 

First, you need an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), which proves your legal student status in Taiwan.

An ARC is a type of legal identity card which states that you are legally registered as an International student at one of the top universities in Taiwan. You can apply for an ARC at the immigration office as soon as you enter the country.

Now, to work legally, you’ll also need a work permit. This permit is valid for six months and must be renewed. You can apply for it at the Workforce Development Agency.

Here’s a list of the five top-paying part-time jobs in Taiwan.

Job	Wage Per Hour
Waiter	INR 458 (NT 179)
Barista	INR 515 (NT 201)
Sales Assistant	INR 1K (NT 414)
Research Assistant	INR 1.4K (NT 579)
English Tutor	INR 1.7K (NT 683)

To Conclude

Choosing to study at top universities in Taiwan opens doors to world-class education, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant cultural experience. With tuition fees ranging from INR 1L to INR 3.3L per semester, Taiwan provides an affordable education. The country is known for its prestigious institutions like the National Taiwan University and National Tsing Hua University, offering a variety of programs at reasonable tuition fees. 

The top universities in Taiwan are amazing! They’re known for being really smart and doing cool research. Imagine studying at a place like National Taiwan University or Tsinghua University – you’d be learning from the best!

Studying at top universities in Taiwan means you’re part of something exciting. Taiwan is big on technology and new ideas. You could be the next big thing in tech, working for companies like TSMC or MediaTek. The sky’s the limit here!