Taiwan University Admission for International Students

How admission works in Taiwan

For international students, admission to Taiwanese universities generally runs through a dedicated international-student track, and you usually apply directly to each university rather than through one central national system. Each university sets its own requirements, deadlines and application platform.

That means your first job is to identify the universities and programmes that fit your goals, then work through each one's international-admissions instructions. The official Study in Taiwan portal helps you find programmes and links you to the universities.

Because the details are institution-specific, always treat each university's official admissions page as the authority, and confirm every requirement there before applying.

English-taught vs Mandarin-taught programmes

Taiwanese universities offer both English-taught and Mandarin-taught degrees. English-medium programmes let you complete a full qualification without prior Chinese, and they exist at undergraduate and postgraduate level across many fields. Mandarin-taught programmes require you to prove Chinese proficiency.

When you shortlist, check the language of instruction for each specific programme — not just the university — so your qualifications match the entry rules. Some universities also offer preparatory Mandarin study through their language centres if you want to move toward a Mandarin-taught degree later.

The balance of English-taught options varies by university and field, so confirm availability on the official programme listings.

Entry requirements

Requirements depend on the level and the university. Undergraduate entry generally expects completion of senior secondary schooling; postgraduate entry expects a relevant prior degree, and often a minimum grade average. Programmes also assess your academic fit for the field.

Language proof is central: English-taught programmes usually require an accepted English test such as IELTS or TOEFL (or an exemption for English-medium study), while Mandarin-taught programmes require Chinese proficiency, often evidenced by a recognised test.

Minimum grades, accepted tests and score thresholds are set by each university and reviewed each cycle, so verify the exact bar on the official programme page rather than assuming.

Documents you will typically need

While each university publishes its own checklist, international applicants are commonly asked for a core set of documents. Prepare them early, because some need translation or authentication.

• Academic transcripts and your diploma or degree certificate (with certified English translations if needed)
• Proof of English (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL) or Mandarin proficiency, as required by the programme
• A valid passport
• A statement of purpose or study plan
• Recommendation letters
• Financial documents and any programme-specific forms (portfolio, research proposal, etc.)

Intakes, deadlines and how to apply

Most universities admit international students for a Fall intake (around September), and some also run a Spring intake (around February). You apply through each university's online application system, upload your documents and pay the application fee.

Deadlines for international applicants often fall several months before the intake to allow time for review, offers and visa processing. Applying to a few universities improves your chances, and each application is usually separate.

Because intake dates, deadlines and fees are set by each university and change every cycle, confirm them on the official admissions pages and submit well ahead of the cut-off.

After you are admitted

Once you receive an offer, review the acceptance conditions, deadlines for confirming your place, and any tuition deposit. Keep your admission letter safe — you will need it for the next steps.

For programmes longer than six months, your admission letter is the basis for applying for a Resident Visa at the designated representative office before you travel, followed by an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) from the National Immigration Agency after you arrive. Visa and residency processes are official matters and this is general information, not immigration advice.

Use the checklist your university's international office provides, and verify current visa and ARC requirements on the official government sources before you make travel arrangements.