When seeking higher education programs abroad, factors like affordability, educational standards, living costs, and other facilities might be important to an international student. Taiwan offers an impressive blend of all these factors in addition to its other perks such as its breathtaking natural environment, delicious cuisine, and friendly population.
Some of Taiwan’s top universities are internationally acclaimed for their excellence in academia and research. If you are unsure which Taiwanese city to live and study in, follow this quick guide until the end. We explore Taiwan’s top cities so international students can pursue their higher educational dreams.
Top Cities to Study in Taiwan for International Students
These top cities in the country are ranked based on key indicators such as student view, diversity, university rankings, desirability, and affordability. These urban destinations are excellent for international students as most are well-populated leading to easy access to required facilities.
1. Taipei
Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei is as much a cultural hub as a tourist attraction. It’s home to heritage sites like temples, museums, memorials and more. The city’s various geographical landmarks like the Yangmingshan National Park and the popular Taipei 101 observatory, also attract countless tourists every year. The city offers multiple opportunities for recreation like night markets, mountains to hike, hot springs, and volcanic fumaroles.
If it’s the city of Taipei that you are planning to study in, you are in for an incredible journey. Beyond the reasons the city is popular among tourists, Taipei is also home to some of Taiwan’s most prestigious universities. Public and private institutions in Taipei, like the National Taiwan University and Tamkang University, offer some of the most highly sought-after programs in the international community.
2. Hsinchu
Located near the northwestern coast of Taiwan, Hsinchu is one of the most populous cities in the country. Despite this, it is a comfortable residential area with a varying climate and an interesting diversity of landscape. Some of the top destinations to visit in Taiwan are in this city. These include the National Hsinchu Living Arts Center, Neiwan Old Street, and other cultural sites.
Hsinchu is one of Taiwan’s most focused educational hubs with six highly-reputed universities internationally. This has led to a rising population of international students living within the city. Living expenses for a student living in the city per month can be as low as USD 1,000 depending on the lifestyle. Housing expenses can be as low as USD 400 per month in Hsinchu City Centre, which depends on the amenities available to the student.
3. Tainan
Known for its diversity and number of temples, some unique to the city, Tainan is often referred to as the cultural capital of Taiwan. If you are a history enthusiast, you would appreciate the city’s rich heritage on display– a window to the Japanese era over 300 years ago. Owing to the number of temples, Chinese-style buildings, and other tourist attractions, Taiwan’s food, transportation, and housing facilities are top-notch.
The city’s higher education system comprises 14 universities offering a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The Bachelor’s in International Business degree offered at Chang Jung Christian University and biotechnology programs offered at the National Cheng Kung University are popular and highly-rated courses for international students. These top universities also offer several financial aid options for international students, ensuring they will support diversity and global welfare.
4. Taichung
Home to the National Museum of Natural Science, the National Taichung Theater, the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, and other cultural sites, Taichung is a popular historic and cultural viewpoint of Taiwan. Beyond the city’s artificial significance, Taichung’s natural environment and abundant ecosystem, punctuated by a pleasant climate year-round have made it a top destination for tourists as well as international students and workers. The city is known for its advanced industrial and commercial scene providing a front seat to students and employees in these fields.
The city features highly-ranked institutions like the National Chung Hsing University and Feng Chia University which proudly host a large number of international students. Educational programs at these reputed universities emphasize research, global integration, and innovation. Many programs at universities in Taichung are bilingual and are open to international students.
5. Taoyuan District
The northern district of Taoyuan is home to a sizable international student community thanks to its convenient environment and proximity to the international airport in Taoyuan. It is one of Taiwan’s fastest-growing cities with a stable economy fostering a blend of innovation and technology in its long-held reputation for cultural richness. The city’s Mass Rapid Transit Transport System is advanced, ensuring that residents of the city are well connected to the rest of the country.
Higher education in the Taoyuan district emphasizes student internalization by providing English-taught courses across fields like science, engineering, and liberal arts at top universities such as the National Central University. Students at these universities not only enjoy the privilege of high-quality education facilities but are also nurtured in a vibrant environment filled with traditional events, tourist sites, modern shopping areas, and recreational parks.
Each of Taiwan’s cities has its unique perks to offer not just for tourists but also for international students. As a student looking for potential study destinations, these cities might perfectly align with your requirements and also provide the education you are looking for. If you have finalized your choice of Taiwan as your study destination, check out the universities in these cities we’ve listed in this article.
Hopefully, this article will help you find the right city you want to study in Taiwan. For more articles and study opportunities, check out our Study in Taiwan and Available Programs sections!
