Taiwan

• • Competitive education costs. Tuition and living expenses are generally lower than in many major Western study destinations, although costs vary by university, programme, city, and accommodation type.

  • Strong technology and engineering environment. Taiwanese universities offer programmes connected to electrical engineering, computer science, semiconductors, intelligent engineering, manufacturing, and applied technology.

  • English-taught degree options. The official Study in Taiwan database allows students to filter programmes according to the percentage of courses taught in English.

  • Opportunity to learn Mandarin. Even students enrolled in English-taught programmes can develop Mandarin skills through daily life, university language courses, and interaction with local communities.

  • Government and university scholarships. Financial support may include tuition subsidies, monthly stipends, or university-specific tuition waivers.

  • Post-study employment opportunities. Under rules effective in 2026, eligible international graduates who receive approval to extend their residence may work in Taiwan without a separate work permit for up to two years during that extended residence period.

For example, National Cheng Kung University identifies programmes by language category. Its general guidance requires English proficiency for English-taught programmes, both English and Mandarin proficiency for mixed-language programmes, and Mandarin proficiency for Chinese-taught programmes. Exact requirements remain programme-specific.

3. Exposure to Mandarin and East Asian Business Culture

Mandarin can become a valuable professional skill for students interested in business, engineering, supply chains, technology, international relations, or careers involving Greater China and East Asia. Students should still remember that studying in an English-medium programme does not remove the practical value of learning Mandarin.

4. Opportunities to Work During and After Study

International students may apply for a student work permit. During the academic semester, their total working hours may not exceed 20 hours per week, excluding summer and winter holidays. Students should therefore treat part-time work as supplementary income rather than their primary source of financial support.

After graduation, eligible graduates may receive an extended residence period of up to two years and work without a separate work permit during that period. After the extension ends, the graduate must move to the appropriate employment and work-authorization arrangement.

1. Not All Programmes Are Fully English-Taught

This is the most important issue for Indonesian students.

A university may advertise English-taught courses without offering an entire degree in English. Some departments provide enough English courses for international students to graduate, while others still require students to take compulsory subjects in Mandarin.

For example, NYCU states that, outside fully English-taught international programmes, applicants to departments using Chinese as the main instructional language should have at least basic Mandarin proficiency at approximately TOCFL A2 level.

Students must therefore distinguish between:

• 1. 1. • Full EMI: the complete programme is taught in English.

        • English-sufficient or bilingual: enough English courses may be available, but some Mandarin-taught classes may still be required.

        • Mandarin-taught: most compulsory courses are delivered in Mandarin.

2. Mandarin May Be Necessary for Daily Life and Employment

It is possible to live in major cities using basic English, but Mandarin will make communication, internships, part-time work, housing arrangements, and future employment much easier.

Students planning to work in Taiwan after graduation should begin Mandarin preparation before departure.

3. Application Systems Differ by University

Taiwan does not use one central undergraduate application platform for all international applicants. Students must apply directly to each university and follow separate requirements, deadlines, and document formats.

4. Programme Names Can Be Misleading

A programme called “international” is not always fully English-taught. Students should check:

• • 1. • The official curriculum

       • Compulsory course language

       • Graduation requirements

       • Departmental language requirements

       • Availability of English-taught electives

5. Post-Graduation Employment Requires Planning

Taiwan provides employment pathways for international graduates, but students should not assume that an international degree automatically guarantees a job. Mandarin ability, technical skills, internship experience, academic performance, and employer sponsorship remain important.

Taiwan may be a strong option for students who:

• • Want a good balance between academic quality and cost

  • Are interested in technology, engineering, business, design, agriculture, or health-related fields

  • Are willing to study Mandarin alongside their degree

  • Are comfortable living in a predominantly Mandarin-speaking society

  • Want exposure to East Asian industries and workplaces

  • Are prepared to check programme language and curriculum details carefully

Begin with the academic field, not the university name.

Consider the following questions:

• Which school subjects do you perform well in?

• Which types of problems do you enjoy solving?

• Do you prefer theoretical learning, practical projects, laboratories, design work, business cases, or communication-based subjects?

• What kind of career environment suits you?

• Is the profession regulated in the country where you intend to work?

• Would learning Mandarin improve your future career prospects?

Popular Fields to Explore in Taiwan

Technology and engineering

• • • Computer science

    • Artificial intelligence

    • Electrical engineering

    • Semiconductor engineering

    • Mechanical engineering

    • Materials science

    • Industrial engineering

    • Environmental engineering

Business and management

• • • International business

    • Business administration

    • Finance

    • Information management

    • Technology management

    • Global supply-chain management

Science and health

• • • Biotechnology

    • Biomedical engineering

    • Life sciences

    • Public health

    • Food science

    • Agricultural science

Creative and social fields

• • • Communication

    • Design

    • International relations

    • Education

    • Asian studies

    • Chinese language and culture

Students should also explore universities such as National Taiwan Normal University, National Taipei University of Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, National Central University, National Chung Hsing University, Tamkang University, Ming Chuan University, Asia University, and specialised medical or science universities where relevant.

Questions to Ask Before Applying

• • Is the programme genuinely taught in English?

  • What percentage of compulsory courses is available in English?

  • Is TOCFL required for admission or graduation?

  • Are international students guaranteed university accommodation?

  • Are scholarships automatically considered or separately applied for?

  • Are internships available to international students?

  • What are the graduate employment outcomes?

  • Is the degree recognised in the country where the student intends to work?

  • What additional fees are charged beyond tuition?

A. MOE Taiwan Scholarship

The Ministry of Education Taiwan Scholarship currently provides:

• • • • Up to NT$40,000 per semester for approved tuition and miscellaneous expenses

      • NT$15,000 per month for undergraduate students

      • NT$20,000 per month for master’s and doctoral students

      • Support for up to four years for an undergraduate degree, two years for a master’s degree, and four years for a doctoral degree

Applications are generally submitted through the relevant Taiwan overseas mission, while admission to the university is handled separately. Students should always check the annual announcement from the Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta because eligibility, quotas, required documents, and deadlines may change.

B. University Scholarships

Universities may offer:

• • • • Full or partial tuition waivers

      • Monthly stipends

      • Dormitory subsidies

      • Scholarships based on academic merit

      • Scholarships specifically for international students

The application process differs. Some universities automatically evaluate applicants for scholarships through the admission application, while others require a separate form. For example, NCKU states that newly admitted international students are evaluated for its international student scholarship through the admission review process, without an additional first-year scholarship application.

C. Huayu Enrichment Scholarship

The Huayu Enrichment Scholarship supports Mandarin-language study rather than a full bachelor’s degree. Scholarship amounts and duration are announced annually. Some 2026 overseas mission calls listed a monthly stipend of NT$28,000. Students should verify the Indonesian allocation and conditions through TETO Jakarta.

As a general counselling estimate, many students should prepare approximately NT$220,000–350,000 per academic year, before international airfare, depending on tuition, city, housing, scholarship support, and personal spending. This is a planning estimate derived from current university cost examples, not an official national fee.

Students should prepare an emergency fund and should not calculate their budget on the assumption that they will immediately find a part-time job.

Disclaimer:

Estimated living costs are general averages and may vary depending on city, lifestyle, exchange rates, and personal spending habits—always check official sources for up-to-date information. 

Students should use this as a planning guide only. The official deadline published by each university always takes priority. 

Requirements vary, but applicants commonly need:

• • • Online application form

    • Passport copy

    • Recent passport photograph

    • High school diploma or expected-graduation certificate

    • Academic transcripts

    • Study plan or statement of purpose

    • English proficiency certificate for English-taught programmes

    • TOCFL certificate for Mandarin-taught or bilingual programmes

    • Recommendation letters

    • Proof of financial support

    • Scholarship documents, where applicable

    • Programme-specific portfolio, interview, test or additional form

Taipei Tech, for example, lists a passport, graduation certificate, official transcripts, financial proof and a study plan among its application materials. NCKU requires at least two recommendation letters and may request additional departmental documents or interviews.

Documents not issued in Chinese or English may require an official translation. Original academic records may also need authentication for enrolment or visa purposes. Students must follow the instructions of the university, TETO Jakarta and Taiwan’s visa authorities.

Use official sources whenever possible:

• Study in Taiwan: official university, programme and scholarship search portal. https://www.studyintaiwan.org/

• Taiwan Ministry of Education: official Taiwan Scholarship information and international student guidance. https://english.moe.gov.tw/mp-1.html

• Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta: annual scholarship and consular announcements for Indonesian applicants. https://www.roc-taiwan.org/id_en/cat/17.html

• Bureau of Consular Affairs: official student visa requirements. https://www.boca.gov.tw/mp-1.html

• National Immigration Agency: ARC and residence procedures. https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/141465/141469/367180/cp_news

• EZ Work Taiwan: official information on student work permits and graduate employment. https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/en/cp.aspx