Taiwan’s higher education system, relatively manageable living costs, and culturally rich environment are among the factors that attract international students. Taiwan is linguistically diverse, and Mandarin Chinese is widely used in daily life and in many university settings, which can present a challenge for non-native speakers.
University programs may be taught in Chinese, English, or a combination of the two. Whether you need a language test—and which one—depends on the program’s medium of instruction, the department’s rules, and any applicable exemption policy.
Read on to learn about the language tests you may encounter when applying to universities in Taiwan and how to prepare for them.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Taiwan
Taiwanese universities do not generally require every international applicant to demonstrate proficiency in both Mandarin and English. Instead, the required language evidence usually corresponds to the program’s language of instruction. An English-taught program may require English proficiency, a Chinese-taught program may require Chinese proficiency, and a bilingual program may require both. Requirements and exemptions vary by university and department.
Mandarin Chinese Language Tests for International Students
Chinese proficiency can broaden your choice of programs and make everyday communication in Taiwan easier. Many Chinese-taught programs require applicants to provide evidence of Chinese proficiency, while fully English-taught programs may not. The Chinese tests most commonly encountered in university requirements are TOCFL and, for some programs, HSK.
1. TOCFL – Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language
The TOCFL is a standardized Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers administered by Taiwan’s Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency-Huayu. TOCFL has separate Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing tests. Its main framework uses three bands—A, B, and C—with six levels aligned with CEFR levels A1 through C2. Novice assessments are also available for beginning learners.
Admission requirements cannot be summarized as a universal Level 2 or Level 3 minimum. At National Taiwan University, accepted Chinese proficiency evidence depends on the particular program. National Cheng Kung University‘s general admission guidelines require TOCFL A2 for Chinese-taught and mixed Chinese-English programs, although individual departments may impose additional or higher requirements. Always consult the latest prospectus for your intended program.
2. HSK – Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi
The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) is an international standardized Chinese proficiency test organized by Chinese Testing International. It assesses a learner’s ability to use Chinese in daily, academic, and professional settings.
The official new HSK framework has three stages and nine levels. The skills tested vary by level: the lower levels emphasize listening and reading, writing is included from Level 3, and the advanced Levels 7–9 assess listening, reading, writing, translation, and speaking. Some programs at National Taiwan University and National Tsing Hua University accept HSK as an alternative form of Chinese proficiency evidence. However, acceptance and minimum scores are program-specific; there is no reliable Taiwan-wide rule requiring HSK Level 3 or 4 for undergraduate study and Level 5 or 6 for graduate study.
English Language Tests for International Students
Non-native English speakers applying to English-taught programs may be required to demonstrate their English proficiency. Universities commonly accept standardized test scores, but the accepted tests, minimum results, exemptions, and score-validity periods vary by institution and program.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
The IELTS Academic test assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills relevant to undergraduate and postgraduate study. It is widely accepted by higher education institutions, but applicants should confirm that their intended program accepts IELTS and check the exact minimum overall and component scores.
At National Sun Yat-sen University, English proficiency thresholds are set by individual departments rather than through a single university-wide IELTS minimum. For example, one department lists IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 79, while other programs may use different standards. Applicants should consult the latest requirements published by their intended department.
As of July 2, 2026, British Council Taiwan lists a fee of TWD 9,000 for an in-center IELTS Academic or General Training test. Fees can vary by test type and provider and may change, so confirm the current amount through the booking system. IELTS is recognized by more than 12,500 institutions worldwide.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
The TOEFL iBT, administered by ETS, assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills for academic environments. ETS states that TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries. Acceptance and minimum scores remain the responsibility of each university or program.
To register, use the official ETS website and choose an available TOEFL iBT test-center or Home Edition appointment. The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition was discontinued after January 20, 2024. Beginning January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT score reports use a 1–6 scale; during a two-year transition period, reports also include a comparable overall result on the former 0–120 scale.
At institutions such as National Chengchi University and National Cheng Kung University, English requirements vary by program. National Cheng Kung University’s general 2027 guidelines require English proficiency at CEFR B1 or above for English-taught and mixed Chinese-English programs, but applicants must follow the specific requirements of their intended department. Do not rely on a blanket TOEFL score range for all undergraduate or graduate programs.
3. GEPT – General English Proficiency Test
As a Taiwan-based alternative to tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, the GEPT is developed and administered by the Language Training and Testing Center. It evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking across five CEFR-aligned levels: Elementary, Intermediate, High-Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior.
GEPT fees are quoted in New Taiwan dollars and vary by level and test format. For example, the 2026 schedule lists TWD 1,050 for the High-Intermediate Listening and Reading test and TWD 2,800 for the High-Intermediate one-day test. Applicants should check the current schedule for the level and components they intend to take.
The GEPT is used in a range of educational and employment contexts in Taiwan and is also recognized internationally. The test provider reports that more than 100 Taiwanese universities and colleges use GEPT results in some contexts and that more than 80 universities worldwide recognize the test. However, this does not mean that every Taiwanese degree program accepts GEPT for international admission or requires the High-Intermediate level. Confirm the accepted test and minimum result directly with your intended program.
With several language proficiency tests available—from Taiwan’s TOCFL and the HSK for Chinese to internationally recognized English tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, as well as the locally developed GEPT—the most important step is to identify the exact requirement for your intended program. Plan ahead, allow enough time for testing and score delivery, and prepare for the test that your university officially accepts.
We hope this article helps you understand the language requirements you may encounter when applying to a university in Taiwan. For more study opportunities, visit our Study in Taiwan and Available Programs for International Students!
