English-Taught Programs in Taiwan Guide

Taiwan is rapidly emerging as a hub for English-taught programs Taiwan, attracting international students with its high-quality education, innovative curricula, and no mandatory Mandarin requirement. With over 2,000 such programs across bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels, fields like engineering, business, and technology are particularly prominent, supported by Taiwan’s world-leading tech industry.

This comprehensive guide details top universities, average tuition costs, scholarship opportunities, and application steps for the 2026 intake, helping prospective students make informed decisions for a rewarding academic experience

Aerial view of National Taiwan University campus, a leading institution offering numerous English-taught programs in Taiwan.

Overview of English-Taught Programs in Taiwan

English-taught programs in Taiwan have grown significantly in recent years, with universities offering fully or partially English-medium degrees to accommodate international applicants. These programs cover undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, with strong emphasis on high-demand disciplines such as STEM, business administration, and social sciences.

More than 40 universities now provide English instruction options, many of which are eligible for government scholarships. Students can select programs with 50% or 100% English delivery, eliminating language barriers while benefiting from Taiwan’s advanced research infrastructure and industry connections.

International enrollment continues to rise, reaching over 123,000 students in the 2024/25 academic year, with projections indicating further growth into 2026. The combination of academic excellence, affordability, and a safe environment makes Taiwan an increasingly popular choice.

Top Universities Offering English-Taught Programs

Several institutions stand out for the quality and variety of their English-taught offerings:

National Taiwan University (NTU) — Taiwan’s flagship university, offering over 40 English programs including the Global Undergraduate Program in Semiconductors, Master’s in Biodiversity Conservation, and PhD in Green Materials and Precision Devices.
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) — Renowned for engineering and technology, with graduate programs in quantum technology, molecular science, and international AI tracks.
National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) — Strong in humanities, education, and arts, featuring master’s degrees in English linguistics, literature, applied linguistics, and health promotion & wellness.
Tamkang University — Provides business and tech-focused options, such as the Master’s in Computer Science & Information Engineering and dual-degree programs in finance with international partner universities.
Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST) — Offers 16 fully English-taught programs, including BBA in International Business Administration and PhD in Electrical Engineering.

Additional strong options include National Chung Hsing University (agribusiness and biotechnology) and Providence University (computer science and international business).

Breakdown of typical tuition and living expenses for students pursuing English-taught programs in Taiwan.

Tuition Costs for English-Taught Programs

Tuition in Taiwan is notably affordable compared to the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia. At public universities such as NTU, semester fees typically range from NT$50,460 (≈ USD 1,682) for liberal arts and social sciences to NT$62,100 (≈ USD 2,070) for medical or engineering programs.

Private universities generally charge higher rates, often between NT$90,000–120,000 (≈ USD 2,850–3,800) per semester for undergraduate studies. Annual tuition estimates are:

Bachelor’s: 1,100–7,500 EUR
Master’s: 600–15,500 EUR
PhD: 700–7,000 EUR

Additional credit-based or miscellaneous fees may apply, though many are waived or capped for scholarship recipients. Including living expenses, total annual costs for most students fall between USD 4,000–9,500.

Scholarship Options for International Students

Taiwan provides a range of competitive scholarships designed to support international talent, particularly in English-taught programs.

The MOFA Taiwan Scholarship awards a monthly stipend of up to NT$33,000 for degree-seeking students, plus tuition coverage up to NT$40,000 per semester. It is open to outstanding applicants from most countries; applications typically open in February–March for the following academic year.

The MOE Taiwan Scholarship offers monthly allowances of NT$15,000–20,000 (depending on level) and similar tuition support, with a focus on cultural and educational exchange.

The TaiwanICDF Scholarship targets students from developing nations, covering full tuition, round-trip airfare, accommodation, insurance, and a living allowance. It supports 29 designated English-taught programs across 19 universities; the 2026 application deadline is March 15.

University-specific awards are also common, such as NTU’s International Student Entrance Scholarship (up to NT$100,000 per year) and Academia Sinica’s Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP), which includes generous stipends and research funding.

Application Process for 2026 Intake

Applying for English-taught programs in Taiwan is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Follow these steps:

Search programs on the official Study in Taiwan portal or university websites.
Confirm eligibility: high school diploma (undergraduate), relevant bachelor’s degree (master’s), English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.0+, or equivalent), and supporting documents.
Gather required materials: academic transcripts, CV/resume, statement of purpose/study plan, letters of recommendation, passport copy, and language test scores.
Submit applications through each university’s online portal. Deadlines vary; for example, NTU’s 2026 fall intake closes around January 15.
Apply separately for scholarships via MOFA, MOE, or TaiwanICDF portals (often February–March 2026).
Upon acceptance, apply for a resident visa (student category) at a Taiwanese diplomatic mission.

Living and Studying in Taiwan

Monthly living expenses are reasonable: on-campus accommodation costs NT$35–100 per month in dormitories, while off-campus options range higher. Food, transport, and personal expenses typically total NT$10,000–20,000 (≈ USD 315–630) per month.

Taiwan ranks highly for safety, efficient public transportation, universal healthcare access for students, and a welcoming multicultural society. International students frequently engage in cultural festivals, tech meetups, and outdoor activities.

Comparison with Other Study Destinations

Compared to many European countries, Taiwan offers specialized programs in semiconductors and technology at lower overall costs. For those considering alternatives, review the study in Germany requirements to compare pathways.

Taiwan prioritizes skilled education migration through scholarships and post-study work options. For broader immigration context, basic information on the asylum process may be useful, though most students enter on education visas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top universities offering English-taught programs in Taiwan?

National Taiwan University (NTU), National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), Tamkang University, and Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST) are among the leaders.

How much does tuition cost for English-taught programs in Taiwan?

Public university tuition ranges from NT$50,000–62,000 per semester; private institutions typically charge NT$90,000–120,000 per semester.

Are scholarships available for international students in English-taught programs?

Yes, major options include MOFA Taiwan Scholarship, MOE Taiwan Scholarship, and TaiwanICDF Scholarship, which cover tuition, stipends, and sometimes airfare and accommodation.