12 Best Universities In Kaohsiung For International Students 2025

Kaohsiung is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Taiwan. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 12 universities and colleges in Kaohsiung, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 12 universities in Kaohsiung, National Sun Yat-sen University and Kaohsiung Medical University are the top-performing schools in Kaohsiung. This list covers both public and private institutions in Kaohsiung.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Kaohsiung. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Kaohsiung.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Kaohsiung?

Applying to the universities in Kaohsiung involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Kaohsiung to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Kaohsiung?

Tuition fees at Kaohsiung’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 31,800 TWD to 145,000 TWD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 22,300 TWD to 145,000 TWD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Kaohsiung!

As we cover the best universities in Kaohsiung for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Kaohsiung for International Students

National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), situated in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was primarily established with the government’s plan to expand excellent higher education in southern Taiwan. The foundation of NSYSU has opened many opportunities for its local community. Aside from generating countless professionals and experts, it has also opened doors to the creation of universities and colleges in the region, which at present have become some of the best and most respected institutions in Taiwan.

Established in 1954, Kaohsiung Medical University is the oldest and one of the most prominent private medical universities in the country. The university is recognized for its significant contributions to medical education and disease research. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various medical fields tailored to produce qualified professionals with the knowledge, skills, and genuine concern to provide high-quality holistic health care to their patients. 

Located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, I-Shou University is a prominent private university known across the country for its excellent and innovative academic and research programs. With a focus on internationalization, the university maintains strong partnerships with various international institutes to provide opportunities for its students and faculty to study or work abroad. The university also offers English-taught programs and language courses to enhance its students’ English communication skills and make them competitive candidates in the international labor market.

The National University of Kaohsiung is the only university established during the start of the new millennium in 2000. It seeks to assist students in achieving their dreams by offering an education that is for professionals. It highlights practical-based teaching, enabling students to gain valuable experience that will aid them in facing future challenges in the industry.

Located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology is the largest technical university in the country. It was established in 2018 through the unification of the National Kaohsiung Marine University, the National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, and the National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology. The university is well-known for its programs in engineering, business, and ocean technology which are designed to help the country in achieving its sustainability and development goals. 

Originally established in 1954 as a female teachers’ college, the National Kaohsiung Normal University (NKNU) is home to one of the best Chinese language centers in Taiwan. NKNU has two campuses, which are both located in Kaohsiung.

National Kaohsiung Normal University values efficiency, digitization, and innovation in all areas. As such, they tailor their programs to meet global standards and tackle societal issues.

Located near the Cheng-Ching lake in Kaohsiung city is Cheng Shiu University (CSU), a private university nurturing business and technical professionals. CSU got its name from ‘The Great Learning,’ one of the Chinese classical philosophies. The university adopts a modern approach to learning and sculpts its curricula to meet community demands. They also offer programs in Engineering, management, and creativity.

Named after the first Chinese bishop, Wenzao Lo, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages is the only university in Taiwan dedicated solely to Language education. The university believes in the uniqueness of the individual and seeks to foster the growth of the whole individual. They offer various language programs, including Chinese, English, and diverse European languages.

Fooyin University is a leading educational institution in Taiwan for health and life sciences. It aims to raise competent and ethical practitioners, scientists, and managers who can provide high-quality treatment and care to patients and help build a healthier and more harmonious society. The university also has highly-qualified educators known for their vast experience and expertise in their respective fields. 

 

With an educational philosophy of equally emphasizing science and technology and humanities, as well as integrating academic work and industry, Kao Yuan University (KYU) is a multidisciplinary university that offers programs in the fields of engineering, informatics, and business and management. Located in the Kaohsiung Science Park in Taiwan, KYU is highly research-driven and provides a good learning environment for its students.

Established as a hospitality management academy, the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism is the only public university that specializes in hospitality and tourism in Taiwan. It ranks highly among universities in Taiwan, ranking 6th in Taiwan, competing with other top schools despite only offering programs in the field of hospitality. The university’s main goal is to promote Taiwan’s hospitality industry and push its education internationally.

Formerly known as Shu-Te Institute of Technology, Shu-Te University (STU) is a vocational institution devoted to skill acquisition, problem-solving, and management. STU aims to continuously churn out problem solvers by adopting a practice-based, teaching-oriented, and student-centered curriculum.

The school offers day and night options for its courses. Interior design, e-sports management, and information management are examples of programs at STU.