Taiwan is an island in East Asia with a higher education system that includes junior colleges, colleges and universities, universities of science and technology, and graduate schools. The system offers qualifications ranging from associate degrees to doctorates, and international students may be eligible for government or university scholarships.
Students considering Taiwan should review tuition costs, living arrangements, and the education system before applying. This article provides an overview of the country’s higher education landscape, including the types of institutions, levels of academic qualifications, and other information relevant to international students.
Types of Higher Education Institutions in Taiwan
1. Junior Colleges
Junior colleges award associate degrees and offer two-year and five-year programs. Five-year junior colleges admit junior high school graduates, while two-year junior colleges generally admit graduates of vocational senior high schools.
Under Taiwan’s Junior College Act, two-year junior college programs generally require at least 80 credits, while five-year programs generally require at least 220 credits. Students who complete the required study, credits, and graduation requirements receive an associate degree.
2. Institutes of Technology
Colleges of technology and universities of science and technology form part of Taiwan’s technical and vocational education system. Their programs emphasize practical knowledge, industry connections, and the development of specialized professional skills.
These institutions may offer associate degrees, two-year and four-year bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. National Yunlin University of Science and Technology and National Taipei University of Technology are examples of universities in this sector. Students should consult each institution’s current program listings for available fields and degree levels.
3. Universities and Colleges
Universities and colleges in Taiwan offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines. Graduate schools may operate within universities and provide advanced academic and professional education.
National Taiwan University and Taipei Medical University are among the institutions included in our guide to universities in Taiwan. Standard bachelor’s programs generally last four years, master’s programs may last one to four years, and doctoral programs may last two to seven years. Programs requiring an internship may include an additional six months to two years of training.
Types of Degree Levels in Taiwan
1. Associate Degree
Associate degrees may be conferred by junior colleges and universities. Two-year junior college programs generally require at least 80 credits, while five-year junior college programs generally require at least 220 credits.
Graduates of relevant associate degree programs may be eligible to apply to two-year bachelor’s programs within Taiwan’s technical and vocational education system. Admission requirements vary by institution and program.
2. Bachelor’s Degree
Students generally enter a four-year bachelor’s program after completing senior secondary education. Taiwan’s technical and vocational education system also offers two-year bachelor’s programs for applicants with relevant associate degrees or vocational qualifications. Depending on the field, required internships may last from six months to two years.
Universities establish the specific coursework and graduation credit requirements for each bachelor’s program. Under Taiwan’s Degree Conferral Act, students must complete the prescribed period of study, required credits, any required internship, and other graduation requirements before receiving a bachelor’s degree.
3. Master’s Degree
After completing a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification, students may apply for a master’s program at a Taiwanese university. Master’s programs generally last one to four years and may combine advanced coursework with research or professional practice. Credit requirements vary by institution and program. A thesis is generally required, although approved alternatives may be permitted in certain artistic, applied technology, sports, and professional practice programs.
A master’s degree allows students to develop advanced knowledge in a specialized field. National Chung Cheng University and China University of Technology are among the Taiwanese institutions offering master’s programs. Applicants should confirm each program’s current language, credit, thesis, and admission requirements.
4. Doctoral Degree
Doctoral programs, including Ph.D. programs, generally last from two to seven years and may include advanced coursework, original research, a dissertation, and a degree examination. Taiwan’s Ministry of Education reported in its 2025–2026 overview that more than 80% of university faculty members held doctoral degrees.
Universities such as Yuan Ze University and Tamkang University offer doctoral programs. Yuan Ze University’s College of Management states that its Ph.D. program is taught in English. At Tamkang University, doctoral and English-taught offerings are listed separately, so applicants should confirm the language of instruction for their intended program.
FAQs: Higher Education in Taiwan
What Grading System Does Higher Education in Taiwan Use?
Grading policies vary by university. Many institutions use both a 100-point scale and letter grades. For example, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology uses A+ as its highest letter grade. At that university, the minimum passing grade is 60, equivalent to C-, for undergraduate students and 70, equivalent to B-, for master’s and doctoral students.
Students should consult their institution’s current academic regulations because grading scales, minimum passing grades, and the use of pass-or-fail assessments may differ among universities and degree levels.
Are There Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in Taiwan?
Taiwanese universities and government agencies offer scholarship opportunities for eligible international students. These may include government scholarships, university-sponsored financial aid, and scholarships from other organizations.
Chang Gung University’s scholarship for international master’s students is an example of university-provided financial support. Its published scholarship schemes may include a monthly stipend or research assistantship, a tuition and miscellaneous-fee waiver, and free on-campus accommodation for up to two years. Some benefits are conditional on the applicable scholarship scheme and the student’s arrangement with a supervising professor. Applicants should review the current scholarship rules and their intended university’s website before applying.
Pursuing higher education abroad is a major decision. Before applying, students should learn about the culture, education system, admission requirements, and living conditions in their intended study destination. We hope this article has helped explain the main features of higher education in Taiwan.
If you are planning to study in Taiwan, our Guide to Studying in Taiwan provides additional information. If you are interested, check out our Available Programs for International Students!
