In recent years, Taiwan has become both a cultural and educational hub in Asia. In the 2025/26 academic year, Taiwan hosted 140,417 international students, reflecting its growing appeal to students from Asia and beyond. Taiwan’s academic appeal stems from its competitive higher education system, research-focused universities, and broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, 47 universities from Taiwan are ranked. Many universities in Taiwan are recognized across fields such as engineering, management, medicine, science, and technology, all of which support strong research and career preparation. Taiwan’s competitive curriculum is recognized internationally, and graduates of Taiwanese universities pursue careers in academia, industry, medicine, technology, and public service.
In addition, universities in Taiwan offer a welcoming and international learning environment. Due to these reasons, this article takes a closer look at some of the best biology universities in Taiwan.
Top Schools Offering Biology in Taiwan
1. National Taiwan University
Situated in Taipei, National Taiwan University is one of Taiwan’s leading universities for biology and life sciences. Its predecessor, Taihoku Imperial University, was founded in 1928, and the institution was reorganized and renamed National Taiwan University in 1945. Today, NTU consists of 17 colleges, 61 departments, and 152 graduate institutes, with programs across science, arts, humanities, and many other disciplines.
A significant portion of biological teaching and research is conducted through NTU’s College of Life Science. The college includes the Department of Life Science and the Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, both of which offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Students can also study and conduct research through institutes such as Plant Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Fisheries Science, Biochemical Sciences, and the Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program.
NTU’s biology learning environment is also a major draw for international students aiming to grow quickly as researchers. Das describes the courses as hands-on and research-paper focused, and notes that faculty members and classmates are supportive. She also highlights practical accessibility: “My program is fully taught in English.” Both hands-on research and the international-friendly environment make National Taiwan University one of the best universities in biology in Taiwan for international students.
2. National Cheng Kung University
National Cheng Kung University is a research-led university in Taiwan. Its roots can be traced back to Tainan Technical College, which was established in 1931. Since its establishment, the university has grown into a major institution in fields such as engineering, computer science, medicine, and planning and design. NCKU also describes itself as a major participant in Taiwan’s first economic miracle, with a long history of contributing to industrial development. Its students can also apply for Taiwan scholarships.
The university’s Department of Life Sciences was founded in 1982 and was previously known as the Department of Biology. Today, students can study and conduct research in fields such as Biomedicine, Genomics and Biotechnology, and Ecology. At the center of these subfields is the desire to understand molecular mechanisms in cells and organisms, as well as evolution and relationships between species. The department offers undergraduate education, research opportunities, and master’s and Ph.D. training programs for students preparing for graduate study, research, and the biomedical industry.
3. National Tsing Hua University
Unlike the two previously mentioned universities, National Tsing Hua University is situated in Hsinchu, Taiwan. NTHU was established in Beijing in 1911 as Tsing Hua Academy and re-established in Hsinchu, Taiwan, in 1956. It is distinct from Tsinghua University in Beijing. Since its re-establishment in Taiwan, NTHU has developed into a comprehensive research university offering degree programs in science, technology, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and management.
When NTHU’s Department of Life Science opened in 1991, it was the first department of its kind in Taiwan. As a top biology university in Taiwan, National Tsing Hua University’s primary goal was to establish an interdisciplinary program based on chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology. The College of Life Sciences and Medicine now includes the Department of Life Science, the Department of Medical Science, an interdisciplinary program, the School of Medicine, and graduate institutes such as the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, the Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, the Institute of Molecular Medicine, the Institute of Biotechnology, and the Institute of Systems Neuroscience. At the core of these programs is an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses both theoretical and practical education.
4. Taipei Medical University
Taipei Medical University is another strong option for students interested in biology-related fields in Taiwan, especially biomedical science, biotechnology, and medical research. TMU, formerly known as Taipei Medical College, was founded on June 1, 1960. Since then, it has expanded into a major medical university with colleges, graduate institutes, and affiliated hospitals. The university emphasizes clinical-oriented translational research and interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, clinicians, educators, and industry partners.
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology belongs to TMU’s School of Medicine, and its courses are used across several schools and colleges, including the School of Medicine, College of Oral Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Public Health and Nutrition, College of Medical Science and Technology, and College of Nursing. The department was renamed the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology on August 1, 2014. Students interested in biology-related degree pathways at TMU can also explore programs such as the School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, the Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, and related master’s and Ph.D. programs in medicine, biotechnology, neuroscience, cancer biology, and translational science.
FAQs: Biology Studies in Taiwan
Which Courses Can You Take with Biology?
With a background in biology, you can pursue several related courses depending on your interests. These may include anatomy, physiology, forensic biology, genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, ecology, biochemistry, and other medical or life science courses. Studying biology can prepare students for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, education, environmental science, and related fields.
Biology is a widely valued program globally, and pursuing it in Taiwan can help international students gain research experience, interdisciplinary training, and exposure to Asia’s growing higher education landscape. The universities above can help students prepare for fulfilling careers in biology, life sciences, biomedical research, biotechnology, and related fields.
We hope you found this article on the best universities for biology in Taiwan informative and helpful. Check out the Study in Taiwan and Available Programs for International Students for more information on studying abroad!
