Taiwan, when you hear about it, you might be thinking of a small island nation in East Asia, but as small as it may be, Taiwan boasts a nominal GDP surpassing that of some larger economies like Poland and Switzerland. This means that in terms of finance, Taiwan is among the world’s most stable economies, providing its citizens with an above-average standard of living. For international students, this translates to an environment where both education and living costs are remarkably affordable compared to other major global study destinations, making Taiwan an increasingly attractive option for those seeking high-quality education without the heavy price tag.
This article breaks down the costs of studying and living there as an international student, helping you make the most of your budget!
Costs of Studying in Taiwan
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Studying in Taiwan is generally more affordable than in many other countries, with public universities offering even more budget-friendly options compared to private institutions. On average, students can expect to pay around 50,000 NTD per year for a bachelor’s degree, while the cost for a master’s degree typically ranges from 55,000 to 60,000 NTD annually.
While universities in Taiwan offer programs in both English and Chinese, it’s important to note that courses taught in the local language still come with a cost—unlike in some other countries like Germany where local-language programs might be free. However, students can ease the financial burden through various scholarship opportunities, which we’ll explore in more detail later.
| INSTITUTION |
AVE. UNDERGRADUATE TUITION |
AVE. POSTGRADUATE TUITION |
| National Taiwan University |
55,000 NTD |
100,000 NTD |
| National Tsing Hua University |
38,500 NTD |
36,000 NTD (Up to 180,000 NTD for Dual Masters) |
| National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University |
55,000 NTD |
60,000 NTD |
| Asia University, Taiwan |
53,000 NTD |
54,000 NTD |
| National Yunlin University of Science and Technology |
17,000 NTD |
11,000 NTD |
Other Academic Costs
When considering studying abroad, students often focus on tuition fees, but it’s equally important to account for additional academic costs.
These can include student insurance, computer and laboratory usage fees, and language learning fees (for Foreign Language courses), which at the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology are 578 NTD, 385 NTD, and 550 NTD, respectively. Other potential expenses include application fees, on-campus charges, and healthcare costs. Beyond the university-provided estimates, students should also budget for supplies like stationery, books, and other educational resources that may be required during their studies.
Costs of Living in Taiwan
1. New Taipei
When evaluating living costs in New Taipei, students must consider expenses for housing, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous needs. Despite being a metropolitan area, Taipei is often regarded as affordable and convenient for students. According to the Office of International Affairs at National Taiwan University, accommodation expenses per semester range between 24,000 and 50,000 NTD, depending on whether students opt for single or double rooms and choose on-campus or off-campus living.
However, living in the bustling metropolitan area of New Taipei can significantly increase overall expenses, pushing the total semester budget beyond 100,000 NTD.
2. Taichung
As compared to New Taipei, Taichung is believed to be cheaper in terms of cost of living. The rentals are low as compared to New Taipei which can be seen through a rough estimate of the cost of living provided by National Chung Hsing University. In Taichung on-campus accommodation is said to be around 400 – 500 USD per semester while the off-campus housing charges can be thrice.
The stationary and textbook expenses are more or less the same in both New Taipei and Taichung, estimated to be around 165 – 265 USD per semester. The overall living costs of Taichung are around 4,000 USD annually, which is obviously less than New Taipei.
3. Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung, located in southern Taiwan, is home to some of the country’s renowned universities and offers an affordable lifestyle for students. The primary living expense, rent, is quite reasonable, with on-campus accommodation costing up to 400 USD per semester. For those choosing off-campus housing, monthly rents typically range between 150 and 230 USD.
In addition to rent, overall living costs in Kaohsiung are estimated to be around 270 to 400 USD per month. This includes essentials like food, utilities, and transportation, the latter often made more affordable thanks to student discount offers.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in Taiwan
Scholarships for International Students
As mentioned earlier, there is no free education in Taiwan even if international students are willing to study in the local language. However, there are multiple scholarships available for international students, in order to help them reduce their financial burden. Take a look at the table below and go through the scholarship opportunities, in order to find the best fit for yourself.
Part-time Work for International Students
International Students in Taiwan are permitted to work part-time as a form of assistance to cover their regular expenses. However, students wishing to work must obtain a work permit from the Workforce Development Agency and they must also adhere to the working hours limitation, which is 20 hours/week, except during summer or winter breaks. Students can take up roles of assistant teachers or researchers and can work in restaurants and supermarkets part-time, depending upon their needs.
Having gone through all the academic and living costs of being an international student in Taiwan, you can easily conduct a cost-and-benefit analysis. If you’re sure about pursuing higher education in Taiwan after reading all the necessary information, do not hesitate and take your next step towards a bright future!
Hopefully, this article has provided you with the information you are looking for. Check out our Study in Taiwan and Open Courses pages for more articles and study opportunities!
