How to Study in Taiwan for International Students

As an international student, you should consider studying in Taiwan! The country is home to a number of highly respected universities and research institutions, and it has a deep cultural history and vibrant contemporary culture to explore. Additionally, Taiwan is known for its welcoming and friendly people, and the cost of living is generally lower than in other developed countries, making it an affordable study abroad destination.

When it comes to the choices that are available, Taiwan currently has 133 universities, from which 45 universities are a part of the public sector and 88 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Taiwan you should definitely check out are National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University, and China Medical University, Taiwan.

Being able to study in Taiwan as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Taiwan, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Taiwan

When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Taiwan, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 31,800 TWD to 149,800 TWD, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 21,100 TWD and 300,000 TWD.

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Taiwan

To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Taiwan, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
National Chin-Yi University of Technology 39,200 TWD - 41,800 TWD 37,300 TWD - 40,500 TWD
National Taiwan Sport University 71,400 TWD 72,000 TWD
National Taipei University of Business 58,900 TWD 51,300 TWD - 75,600 TWD
National Formosa University 107,800 TWD
Tainan National University of the Arts 64,000 TWD 48,400 TWD - 50,200 TWD
National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism 46,000 TWD 46,000 TWD
University of Taipei 89,300 TWD - 104,600 TWD 88,200 TWD - 105,600 TWD
Taipei National University of the Arts 130,000 TWD
National Pingtung University of Science and Technology 97,000 TWD - 128,700 TWD 97,000 TWD - 128,700 TWD
National Chiayi University 33,600 TWD - 33,900 TWD 40,700 TWD - 47,600 TWD
National Dong Hwa University 110,000 TWD 50,000 TWD
National Chi Nan University 65,000 TWD - 65,500 TWD 31,200 TWD
National Taiwan University of Sport 107,000 TWD 106,000 TWD
National Pingtung University 90,900 TWD - 108,500 TWD 93,900 TWD - 112,800 TWD
National United University 53,700 TWD - 59,700 TWD 52,300 TWD - 60,300 TWD
National Changhua University of Education 89,400 TWD - 108,100 TWD 95,500 TWD - 109,000 TWD
National Taipei University 91,400 TWD - 105,400 TWD 42,000 TWD - 49,300 TWD
National Yunlin University of Science and Technology 92,200 TWD - 104,500 TWD 93,300 TWD - 104,200 TWD
National Ilan University 77,200 TWD - 99,000 TWD 74,600 TWD - 90,800 TWD
National Taitung University 94,200 TWD - 108,300 TWD 93,800 TWD - 108,400 TWD
National Kaohsiung Normal University 91,400 TWD - 106,400 TWD 52,800 TWD - 66,000 TWD
National University of Tainan 91,400 TWD - 106,400 TWD 91,400 TWD - 106,400 TWD
National Taipei University of Education 75,400 TWD - 79,800 TWD 75,400 TWD - 79,000 TWD
National University of Kaohsiung 92,000 TWD - 108,000 TWD 88,800 TWD - 106,000 TWD
National Taiwan Ocean University 92,000 TWD - 106,000 TWD 90,000 TWD - 106,000 TWD
National Taipei University of Technology 94,800 TWD - 109,700 TWD 55,600 TWD - 64,600 TWD
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology 34,700 TWD - 35,700 TWD 21,100 TWD - 36,900 TWD
National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology 31,800 TWD - 32,100 TWD 22,300 TWD - 26,200 TWD
National Chung Hsing University 66,200 TWD - 66,700 TWD 42,300 TWD - 50,700 TWD
National Central University 45,700 TWD - 53,200 TWD 22,200 TWD - 26,700 TWD
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University 69,900 TWD - 70,800 TWD 80,600 TWD - 115,900 TWD
National Chengchi University 98,000 TWD - 114,000 TWD 112,000 TWD - 186,000 TWD
National Quemoy University 92,200 TWD - 107,900 TWD 94,600 TWD - 106,000 TWD
National Taiwan University of Arts 108,000 TWD 24,400 TWD
National Taiwan Normal University 66,800 TWD - 67,400 TWD 55,600 TWD - 66,700 TWD
National Cheng Kung University 90,200 TWD - 107,200 TWD 68,400 TWD - 82,200 TWD
National Taiwan University 101,000 TWD - 124,200 TWD 102,600 TWD - 300,000 TWD
National Sun Yat-sen University 99,000 TWD - 115,800 TWD 107,600 TWD - 127,300 TWD
National Tsing Hua University 76,700 TWD - 80,000 TWD 52,600 TWD - 72,600 TWD

Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Taiwan

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science 100,200 TWD - 116,900 TWD 109,100 TWD - 116,900 TWD
Tungnan University 36,300 TWD - 38,000 TWD 36,300 TWD - 38,000 TWD
Nanya Institute of Technology 44,900 TWD - 51,600 TWD
Ling Tung University 81,100 TWD - 90,200 TWD 81,100 TWD - 90,200 TWD
Chang Jung Christian University 38,000 TWD - 63,000 TWD 38,000 TWD - 39,800 TWD
Tatung University 77,300 TWD - 80,800 TWD 77,300 TWD - 80,800 TWD
Da-Yeh University 100,400 TWD - 121,700 TWD 97,300 TWD - 111,300 TWD
China University of Technology 90,100 TWD - 103,400 TWD 103,400 TWD
Providence University 37,300 TWD - 39,100 TWD 37,300 TWD - 39,100 TWD
Ming Chi University of Technology 37,600 TWD
Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology 86,000 TWD - 107,200 TWD 86,000 TWD - 107,200 TWD
CTBC Business School 90,900 TWD 90,900 TWD
Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health 91,000 TWD 91,000 TWD
Chung Chou University of Science and Technology 132,300 TWD 132,300 TWD
Kainan University 91,400 TWD - 108,800 TWD 101,600 TWD
Asia Eastern University of Science and Technology 87,000 TWD - 108,000 TWD 93,600 TWD - 108,000 TWD
Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts 44,000 TWD 44,000 TWD
Tatung Institute of Commerce and Technology 98,000 TWD 98,000 TWD
Tung Fang Design University 96,800 TWD - 110,800 TWD 110,800 TWD
Far East University 36,300 TWD - 38,000 TWD 36,300 TWD - 38,000 TWD
Tajen University 93,500 TWD - 103,800 TWD 93,500 TWD - 103,800 TWD
Yu Da University of Science and Technology 90,100 TWD - 103,300 TWD 90,100 TWD - 103,300 TWD
Hungkuang University 91,100 TWD - 112,700 TWD 101,900 TWD - 112,700 TWD
Tzu Chi University 68,000 TWD - 78,600 TWD 24,500 TWD - 74,700 TWD
Kun Shan University 74,000 TWD - 77,400 TWD 74,000 TWD - 77,400 TWD
Nanhua University 94,200 TWD - 140,200 TWD 96,300 TWD - 106,200 TWD
MingDao University 75,500 TWD - 79,600 TWD 74,100 TWD - 77,500 TWD
China University of Science and Technology 90,000 TWD - 106,000 TWD 104,000 TWD - 106,000 TWD
Jinwen University of Science and Technology 33,900 TWD 33,900 TWD
Yuanpei University of Medical Technology 102,100 TWD - 108,100 TWD 102,100 TWD - 109,700 TWD
Fo Guang University 89,100 TWD - 101,200 TWD 89,100 TWD - 101,200 TWD
Minghsin University of Science and Technology 89,300 TWD - 102,500 TWD 93,400 TWD - 107,200 TWD
Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology 73,400 TWD 73,400 TWD
Lunghwa University of Science and Technology 83,800 TWD - 96,200 TWD 77,700 TWD - 89,200 TWD
Huafan University 78,100 TWD 74,700 TWD - 78,100 TWD
Aletheia University 90,400 TWD - 104,500 TWD 90,800 TWD - 104,900 TWD
Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages 104,500 TWD - 105,900 TWD 104,500 TWD - 105,900 TWD
Shu-Te University 76,200 TWD - 79,700 TWD 76,200 TWD - 79,700 TWD
Chang Gung University 77,700 TWD - 93,800 TWD 63,800 TWD - 96,100 TWD
Asia University, Taiwan 94,400 TWD - 114,400 TWD 94,400 TWD - 114,400 TWD
Chienkuo Technology University 94,600 TWD - 108,500 TWD 94,600 TWD - 108,500 TWD
Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology 99,500 TWD - 116,500 TWD 99,500 TWD - 116,500 TWD
Chung Hua University 90,300 TWD - 103,800 TWD 88,900 TWD - 103,800 TWD
Cheng Shiu University 95,200 TWD - 109,500 TWD 95,200 TWD - 109,500 TWD
Shih Chien University 95,200 TWD - 149,800 TWD 90,800 TWD - 143,200 TWD
Chaoyang University of Technology 121,400 TWD 121,400 TWD
Kaohsiung Medical University 95,300 TWD - 115,300 TWD 97,100 TWD
I-Shou University 96,000 TWD - 145,000 TWD 96,000 TWD - 145,000 TWD
Taipei Medical University 106,900 TWD
Ming Chuan University 94,900 TWD - 111,100 TWD 93,400 TWD - 109,600 TWD
China Medical University, Taiwan 57,000 TWD 48,400 TWD
Tunghai University 115,800 TWD - 135,100 TWD 115,800 TWD - 135,100 TWD
Feng Chia University 47,100 TWD - 49,200 TWD 47,100 TWD - 49,200 TWD
Fu Jen Catholic University 39,500 TWD - 41,300 TWD 38,700 TWD - 40,500 TWD
Chinese Culture University 76,200 TWD - 79,700 TWD 76,200 TWD - 79,700 TWD
Tamkang University 78,000 TWD - 81,600 TWD 80,000 TWD - 83,700 TWD
Soochow University, Taiwan 96,800 TWD - 113,000 TWD 96,800 TWD - 113,000 TWD
Yuan Ze University 78,000 TWD - 81,700 TWD 85,900 TWD - 89,900 TWD

If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Taiwan, check out the Cheap Universities in Taiwan!

Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.

2. Requirements to Study in Taiwan for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Taiwan, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In Taiwan, English and Chinese are the languages of instruction. If you’re looking to study in any of the academic institutions here, you might need to prove language proficiency by taking standardized tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo for English. Depending on the institution and the language of instruction for your program, you might also have to prove your language proficiency by submitting TOCFL for Chinese.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Taiwan and their required minimum scores for each program level.

Asia Eastern University of Science and Technology

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Asia University, Taiwan

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Chang Gung University

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in Taiwan

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Taiwan have online applications available on their websites, like National Taiwan University and National Tsing Hua University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Taiwan.

National Taiwan University

National Tsing Hua University

China Medical University, Taiwan

Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.

After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!

The admission process in Taiwan differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.

The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Taiwan.

The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.

4. Visa Application for International Students in Taiwan

Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Taiwan. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Taiwan as an international student.

In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Taiwan. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Student’s Resident Visa.

To start your student visa application in Taiwan, you will need to present the following:

  1. Application form
  2. Two passport-style photographs
  3. The original passport and one copy
  4. Proof of financial means (original and photocopy)
  5. The original health insurance certificate and one copy
  6. Proof of acceptance into a study program or a record of enrollment (both the original and photocopies)
  7. The original diploma and transcripts for each year of your highest education, along with one photocopy of each

Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Taiwan is NT$1,000.

After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:

  1. Submit all the required documents at the level of an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas Mission

For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.

That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Taiwan. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!