Taiwan is a subtropical island in East Asia known for its mountainous landscapes, coastlines, ecological diversity, and rich cultures. Its society combines long-standing traditions with modern technology.
There are many opportunities for students who intend to pursue higher education in Taiwan, including a wide range of academic programs, internationally ranked universities, scholarship options, and pathways to work in Taiwan after graduation.
Because Taiwan has numerous universities and higher education institutions, aspiring students may find it difficult to decide where to enroll. In this article, we have narrowed the list to several universities that are well regarded in Taiwan and internationally.
Read on to learn about these universities.
Top Universities in Taiwan for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | NOTABLE ACADEMIC FIELDS |
|---|
| National Taiwan University | Chemistry, Engineering, Oncology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology |
| National Tsing Hua University | Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Nanoscience |
| National Cheng Kung University | Biotechnology, Civil Engineering, and Electrical Engineering |
| Taipei Medical University | Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Artificial Intelligence in Medicine |
| National Taiwan University of Science and Technology | Engineering and Technology, Management, Design, and Education |
1. National Taiwan University
National Taiwan University is a comprehensive public research university and Taiwan’s highest-ranked institution in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing 54th globally. Its predecessor, Taihoku Imperial University, was founded in 1928, and the institution was renamed National Taiwan University in 1945. NTU offers a broad range of academic disciplines through its colleges, professional schools, departments, graduate institutes, and research centers. Its Main Library is the largest university library in Taiwan, and the university manages land equal to about 1% of Taiwan’s area, much of it through the NTU Experimental Forest.
NTU enrolls more than 32,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Students can access academic advising, career development, entrepreneurship support, and industry-linked learning opportunities.
2. National Tsing Hua University
National Tsing Hua University is a public higher education institution in Hsinchu. It was established in Beijing in 1911 and re-established at its present campus in Hsinchu in 1956. It has since developed into a comprehensive university with academic fields spanning science, engineering, life sciences and medicine, humanities and social sciences, technology management, the arts, education, semiconductor research, and sustainability.
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, NTHU is ranked joint 142nd globally. Its research activity and international partnerships attract students and scholars from around the world.
3. National Cheng Kung University
Blending tradition and technology, National Cheng Kung University is a comprehensive public research university in Tainan. Founded in 1931 as Tainan Technical College, NCKU has grown well beyond its engineering roots. Its campuses include historic buildings and cultural sites, while its research and industry partnerships connect the university with southern Taiwan’s technology sector, including the Southern Taiwan Science Park.
NCKU is ranked joint 191st globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Its academic strengths include engineering, computer science, biotechnology, medicine, and sustainability-related fields. International applicants should consult NCKU’s current admissions materials for the latest list of English-taught and bilingual programs. The university also maintains dual-degree pathways with overseas partners, including KU Leuven and Purdue University, although availability depends on the college and degree level.
4. Taipei Medical University
Taipei Medical University was founded in 1960. It now comprises 11 colleges, a General Education Center, more than 6,000 students, and seven affiliated medical institutions. TMU emphasizes clinical and translational research in areas such as cancer, neuroscience, pulmonary medicine, biomedical devices, cell therapy, and artificial intelligence in healthcare.
In the Times Higher Education 2026 subject rankings, TMU placed in the 251–300 band worldwide for Medical and Health. It was also ranked 97th in the 2026 Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings. These results, together with its medical education and affiliated healthcare institutions, make TMU a strong option for international students interested in health-related fields.
5. National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, commonly known as Taiwan Tech, is a public university in Taipei. Founded in 1974 as the National Taiwan Institute of Technology, it was the first higher education institution in Taiwan’s technical and vocational education system and became a university under its current name in 1997. Its current academic units span engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, management, design, liberal arts and social sciences, applied sciences, and industry–academia innovation.
Taiwan Tech describes its mission as developing an international applied research university with strong industry links. It is ranked joint 379th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, its Engineering and Technology field ranked 194th globally, while Architecture and Built Environment, Civil and Structural Engineering, and Education and Training were among Taiwan’s top three. The university also offers English-medium courses and international academic opportunities.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 include 47 universities from Taiwan, with seven placed among the global top 500. Taiwanese universities offer programs across science, engineering, technology, medicine, business, the humanities, and many other fields. Prospective students should compare current program languages, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, and career pathways before applying.
We hope this article on universities in Taiwan for international students was helpful. For more information, check out the Study in Taiwan and Available Programs for International Students!
