Admissions·East & Southeast Asia· 8 min read

National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) Admission Guide for International Students

Applying to National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan — its marine sciences and management strengths, English-taught programs and how to apply.

Last updated 13 July 2026

Key facts

Known for: Marine sciences & oceanography, management; seaside campus (Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan)
Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Sizihwan seaside campus)
Type: Public national research university
Distinctive: College of Marine Sciences; established College of Management
Teaching language: Mandarin plus English-taught and joint programs
Apply via: NSYSU Office of International Affairs — verify deadlines officially
Scholarships: NSYSU, STAR, Semiconductor, MOE Government — amounts vary, verify

NSYSU: marine sciences by the sea in Kaohsiung

National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) is a public research university in Kaohsiung, on Taiwan's south coast, with a seaside campus that shapes its identity. It is a member of the Taiwan Comprehensive University System, an alliance of four national universities formed in 2011 together with National Cheng Kung, National Chung Hsing and National Chung Cheng universities.

NSYSU is especially known for the marine sciences and oceanography — a natural fit for its coastal setting — as well as management and business, science and engineering. This guide is an overview for international applicants; confirm current programmes and requirements on the official NSYSU international pages.

Fields NSYSU is known for, and English-taught options

NSYSU's standout strength is the marine sciences and oceanography, complemented by its College of Management, and colleges of science, engineering, liberal arts and social sciences.

A number of programmes, particularly at graduate level, are taught in English for international students, while others are in Chinese (a level of Mandarin may be required). Check the language of instruction and requirements for your target programme on the official NSYSU pages.

Who can apply and eligibility

Admission as an international student follows the Taiwan Ministry of Education's international-student rules alongside each program's own academic requirements. Eligibility depends on your nationality/residency history and prior qualifications.

These criteria are official and can be updated each cycle. Confirm the current rules on the NSYSU OIA site and the Ministry of Education's Study in Taiwan pages before assuming you qualify.

How to apply

International degree applicants apply through the NSYSU Office of International Affairs online application system. NSYSU publishes admission application guides for fall and spring intakes, and you can usually apply for scholarships within the same application.

Typical documents include transcripts, a diploma or proof of graduation, a language certificate, a study plan and financial documents. Application periods, deadlines and the exact document list are official and change each cycle — verify them in the current admission guide before applying.

Language and entry requirements

English-taught programs generally require an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL; Mandarin-taught programs generally require the TOCFL. Some graduate or management programs (for example an MBA) may ask for the GMAT or GRE, or additional materials.

Minimum scores and any exemptions are set per program and can change. Confirm the current requirement on the official program page and verify before you apply.

Scholarships and fees

NSYSU lists scholarship options for international students, including the NSYSU Scholarship, the STAR Scholarship, a Semiconductor Scholarship and the Ministry of Education Government Scholarship. Eligibility, amounts and quotas are decided by the university and the MOE.

We do not quote fixed amounts here because they change; check the current figures on the NSYSU OIA scholarship pages and verify before budgeting. No application service can guarantee you a scholarship.

Apply directly and avoid agent scams

Apply directly through the official NSYSU Office of International Affairs and use only official portals and email addresses.

No agent or website can guarantee you admission, a scholarship or a visa for a fee — treat any such promise as a scam and confirm each step on the official OIA site.

Frequently asked questions

What is NSYSU known for?

NSYSU is a national research university in Kaohsiung with colleges including Marine Sciences and Management. Its coastal setting suits marine sciences, and it has a long-established business school — check current programs on the official Office of International Affairs site.

Does NSYSU teach programs in English?

Yes. NSYSU offers selected English-taught and international joint programs alongside Mandarin-taught programs. Availability and teaching language are set per program, so confirm the current list on the NSYSU OIA site.

What scholarships can international students apply for?

NSYSU lists options such as the NSYSU, STAR, Semiconductor and Ministry of Education Government scholarships. Eligibility and amounts vary and are decided by the university and MOE — verify current details officially. No one can guarantee you a scholarship.

What are the language requirements at NSYSU?

English-taught programs generally require IELTS or TOEFL; Mandarin-taught programs generally require the TOCFL. Some graduate or management programs may ask for the GMAT or GRE. Minimums are per program — verify officially.

Do I apply to NSYSU through an agent?

No — apply directly through the official Office of International Affairs. No agent can guarantee admission or a scholarship for a fee; treat any such offer as a scam.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: NSYSU Office of International Affairs; NSYSU International Degree Student Admission Application Guide; Taiwan Comprehensive University System (TCUS) — official site; Study in Taiwan (Ministry of Education, Taiwan).

Last verified: 13 July 2026.