Taiwan is a popular destination for international students. It promotes a liberal democracy committed to human rights, gender equality and freedom of the press.
Taiwan’s bustling cities, along with its breathtaking tropical forests, green and marble mountains, hidden gorges and enormous sea cliffs can also make it seem like a paradise for students.
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The best universities in Taiwan are successful across a range of academic fields, including engineering, management and medicine.
Many of the region's universities rank in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020, and even more feature in subject rankings for strength in engineering, technology, social sciences, management, natural sciences, life sciences, medicine, and the arts and humanities.
The capital city of Taipei has a lot to offer culturally, too. Its temples are used not only for prayer but also to host cultural festivals and art-house events.
Highlights of Taiwanese cuisine include steamed dumplings, shrimp rolls and a shaved ice dessert, all accompanied by fresh juices and local teas and beers. International students can get the full culinary experience at the regular night markets.
Some of Taiwan’s best educational institutions are the National Taiwan University, the National Tsing Hua University and Taipei Medical University. Read about some of the best universities below.
Top 3 universities in Taiwan
1. National Taiwan University
Set up in 1928, the National Taiwan University is one of the most prestigious institutions on the island. The main campus is situated in Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei.
The university’s wide-ranging programmes cover liberal arts, science, social sciences, medicine, engineering, agriculture, management, public health, law, computer science and education. Many of these courses are available to study in English, although Chinese languages are widely spoken on campus.
Outstanding alumni include the Nobel laureate in chemistry Yuan T. Lee, computer scientist Andrew Yao and several major regional political figures, including Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen.
=2. National Tsing Hua University
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) is situated in Hsinchu, which is known as a high-tech city for science and industrial innovation.
The liberal arts programme allows international students to take courses in medical science, mathematics, science, engineering, computer science, Chinese, foreign languages and literature.
The university’s primary and often groundbreaking research is in science and applied science, with a focus on collaborations with industry. The most distinguished alumni include three Noble prizewinners, one Wolf Prize laureate and 16 members of the prestigious national research academy.
The university engages in joint research with big companies such as Delta Electronics, Mediatek and Novatek Microelectronics, as well as with medical institutions such as the Chang Gung Medical Memorial Hospital, China Medical University and Mackay Memorial Hospital.
The 100-hectare campus abounds with stretches of green land, lakes and trees.
=2. Taipei Medical University
Taipei Medical University has been providing healthcare education for more than half a century.
The university has three affiliated hospitals – Taipei Medical University Hospital, Wan Fang Medical Center, and Shuang Ho Hospital.
Many of its courses are taught in English. The university is well known for its medical elective programmes, which attract students from all over the world, including Japan, Europe and the United States. Visiting students are able to work with researchers and clinical professionals to reinforce their learning in different contexts.
The university is located in the heart of Taipei, not far from the city’s many shops and restaurants. Public transport in the city is well organised, and close to Taipei are many famous hiking trails.
Student experience in Taiwan
Taking part in an exchange programme to the University of Taiwan
National Yang-Ming University has one of the best staff:student ratios in the world
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech) is one of the best young universities in the world
Top universities in Taiwan 2020
Click each institution to view its full World University Rankings 2020 results
Read more: Best universities in the world
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