When considering higher education programs abroad, factors such as affordability, educational standards, living costs, transportation, and access to essential services may be important to international students. Taiwan combines a broad higher education system with varied city environments, natural attractions, a rich food culture, and extensive transportation networks.
Many of Taiwan’s universities admit international students and offer degree programs across a wide range of disciplines. If you are unsure which Taiwanese city to live and study in, follow this guide as we explore five options for international students.
Top Cities to Study in Taiwan for International Students
The cities below are presented as practical study destinations rather than as a formal ranking. The selection considers factors such as university options, transportation, cultural attractions, and the overall city environment.
1. Taipei
Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, is an important cultural and tourism center with temples, museums, memorials, and historic sites. Major attractions include Taipei 101 and Yangmingshan National Park, where visitors can find hiking trails, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes. The city is also known for its night markets and other recreational and cultural activities.
If you plan to study in Taipei, you will have access to several major universities. Institutions such as National Taiwan University, National Taiwan Normal University, and the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology offer programs in a wide range of academic fields.
2. Hsinchu
Located in northwestern Taiwan, Hsinchu is a coastal city known for the Hsinchu Science Park and its technology sector. Its landscape includes urban areas, coastal environments, and nearby hills. Attractions within Hsinchu City include the Hsinchu City God Temple, the historic East Gate, Eighteen Peaks Mountain, and the National Hsinchu Living Arts Center.
Hsinchu is an important center for higher education, scientific research, and technology. It is home to institutions such as National Tsing Hua University and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.. Student expenses vary considerably according to the university, housing arrangement, and lifestyle, so prospective students should consult current university accommodation and living-cost information.
3. Tainan
Known for its temples and historic sites, Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital. Its cultural landscape includes sites connected to Dutch, Qing-dynasty, and Japanese colonial history. The city is also well known for its traditional architecture, local cuisine, old streets, and religious festivals.
Tainan is home to universities offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Examples include the International BBA Program in International Business at Chang Jung Christian University and biotechnology and bioindustry programs at National Cheng Kung University. Both universities publish scholarship or grant opportunities for eligible international or overseas students, although the eligibility rules and available benefits vary by program and academic year.
4. Taichung
Taichung is home to major cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Natural Science, the National Taichung Theater, and the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. Its urban center offers food, shopping, and cultural attractions, while its outer districts provide access to mountain and coastal scenery.
The city includes universities such as National Chung Hsing University and Feng Chia University, both of which provide information and admissions services for international students. Some universities in Taichung offer English-taught degrees or individual courses, but the language of instruction varies by program and should be confirmed on the university’s current program page.
5. Taoyuan
Taoyuan is an important transportation hub and is home to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The Taoyuan Airport MRT links the airport with Taipei Main Station, Taoyuan High Speed Rail Station, and several other transport connections.
Higher education opportunities are spread across several districts of Taoyuan City. Chang Gung University is in Guishan District, while Yuan Ze University and National Central University are in Zhongli District. National Central University and Yuan Ze University list fully English-taught degree options in selected fields. Students in the wider Taoyuan area can also access traditional sites, shopping areas, parks, reservoirs, forest recreation areas, and other cultural and natural attractions.
Each of Taiwan’s cities offers different advantages for international students. When comparing potential study destinations, consider the availability of your chosen program, its language of instruction, current tuition and living expenses, transportation, and accommodation. Once you have selected a city, review the latest admissions and program information published by the universities listed in this article.
Hopefully, this article will help you find the right city in Taiwan for your studies. For more articles and study opportunities, check out our Study in Taiwan and Available Programs for International Students!
