Education is considered a necessity, and an internationally recognized degree is often seen as a helpful foundation for professional growth. Many students go abroad for higher education to improve their future employment prospects. However, choosing an institution that is both globally recognized and comprehensive in its course offerings can be challenging.
Taiwan is a strong study abroad destination because it offers a broad higher education system, a wide range of academic fields, and many opportunities for international students. Several Taiwanese universities are also recognized in major global rankings, and the country continues to invest heavily in research and development.
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, four universities in Taiwan placed in the global top 200: National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, and National Cheng Kung University. Taiwan’s national research and development expenditure also reached NT$1,049,307 million in 2024. In addition, public universities can be a cost-effective option, as official cost estimates generally show lower tuition ranges for public schools than for private schools.
In this article, we have outlined seven of the top public universities in Taiwan in detail.
Top Public Universities in Taiwan
Taiwan is home to several well-established public universities with strong academic and research profiles. Some of the best public universities in Taiwan are discussed below.
| INSTITUTION NAME | NOTABLE PROGRAM AREAS |
|---|
| National Taiwan University | Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Management |
| National Tsing Hua University | Engineering, Nuclear Science, Life Sciences and Medicine, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science |
| National Cheng Kung University | Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Bioscience and Biotechnology, Planning and Design, and Medicine |
| National Central University | Science, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Management, and Liberal Arts |
| National Sun Yat-sen University | Engineering, Marine Sciences, Management, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts |
| National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University | Biomedicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| National Chung Hsing University | Agriculture and Natural Resources, Liberal Arts, Life Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Medicine |
1. National Taiwan University
National Taiwan University (NTU) is one of Taiwan’s oldest and most prominent public research universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, it ranked 54th worldwide. NTU’s College of Management is also accredited by AACSB.
Established in 1928 as Taihoku Imperial University during Japanese rule, the university was renamed National Taiwan University in 1945. Since then, it has played a major role in Taiwan’s higher education, research, and public life.
NTU offers programs across a wide range of fields, including science, arts, humanities, engineering, medicine, and management. International students can apply for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and scholarship opportunities are available through the university and Taiwan government scholarship schemes.
2. National Tsing Hua University
Another leading Taiwanese public university is National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), a research-focused institution in Hsinchu. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, NTHU ranked 142nd worldwide.
NTHU is known for its strengths in science, engineering, nuclear science, life sciences, medicine, electrical engineering, computer science, and technology management. The university also highlights three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni: Physics laureates Chen-Ning Yang and Tsung-Dao Lee, and Chemistry laureate Yuan T. Lee.
NTHU’s history dates back to the early 20th century, and the university was re-established in Taiwan in 1956. It has since developed into a comprehensive research university offering degree programs in science, technology, engineering, humanities, social sciences, management, and related fields.
3. National Cheng Kung University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Notable Program Areas: Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Bioscience and Biotechnology, Planning and Design, and Medicine
Tainan’s National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is a leading public research university with strong roots in engineering and applied research. NCKU has also received support from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education through major higher education development initiatives.
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, NCKU ranked 191st worldwide, placing it among the global top 200. Its major academic areas include engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, bioscience and biotechnology, planning and design, management, liberal arts, social sciences, and medicine.
4. National Central University
Another strong public institution in Taiwan is National Central University (NCU), which is known for its cross-disciplinary academic environment. Founded in Nanjing in 1915 and later re-established in Taiwan, NCU is now located in Zhongli.
NCU has colleges in liberal arts, science, engineering, management, electrical engineering and computer science, earth sciences, Hakka studies, and health science and technology. Its academic structure also includes communication engineering and several research-focused units.
The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across fields ranging from physical sciences and engineering to management, humanities, and social sciences.
5. National Sun Yat-sen University
Located in Kaohsiung, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) was established in Taiwan in 1980 and has developed into a research-oriented public university. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, NSYSU ranked 438th worldwide.
NSYSU has colleges in science, engineering, marine sciences, management, social sciences, liberal arts, and interdisciplinary education. Its College of Management is AACSB-accredited, and the university is especially well known for its coastal campus and marine science strengths.
6. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Notable Program Areas: Biomedicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Electrical and Computer Engineering
Another major public university is National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU). It was founded in 2021 through the merger of National Yang-Ming University and National Chiao Tung University. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, NYCU ranked 177th worldwide.
The merger brought together Yang-Ming’s strengths in biomedical research and Chiao Tung’s strengths in electronic communication, engineering, and technology. Today, NYCU is known for interdisciplinary work in biomedicine, engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, smart healthcare, and sustainability.
NYCU also offers scholarship opportunities for international students. Depending on the award and academic level, selected students may receive a tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, or both. Applicants should check the university’s official scholarship pages for the most current eligibility rules and amounts.
7. National Chung Hsing University
Lastly, we recommend National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), a public university in Taichung. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, NCHU ranked 634th worldwide.
NCHU has a strong academic tradition in agriculture and life sciences and now includes colleges in liberal arts, agriculture and natural resources, science, engineering, life sciences, veterinary medicine, management, law and politics, electrical engineering and computer science, and medicine. The university is also active in sustainability work and has announced a goal of reaching a net-zero emissions campus by 2040.
FAQs: Studying in Taiwan’s Public Universities
Can International Students Enroll in Public Universities in Taiwan?
Yes, international students can apply to public universities in Taiwan. International students generally apply directly to the university or college during its designated application period and submit the documents required by that institution and program.
Requirements vary by university and level of study, but applicants are commonly asked to provide academic credentials, transcripts, a passport copy, financial proof, recommendation letters or a statement of purpose, and language proficiency documents when required. After admission, students usually need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence documents through the relevant Taiwan authorities.
Public universities in Taiwan continue to emphasize internationalization, research, and global partnerships. International students can find programs across many disciplines and may also explore Taiwan government scholarships and university-level scholarships.
Studying abroad is considered a major step toward a successful career by many students. However, choosing the best public university for an advanced degree can be challenging. Taiwan offers several public institutions across a diverse range of subject areas.
We hope this article on the best public universities in Taiwan helps you decide which institution is the best fit for you. Don’t forget to explore the range of program options available for international students in Taiwan on our Study in Taiwan and Available Programs for International Students!
