If you want to study a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Taiwan (China), you normally apply directly to your chosen university.
Each institution sets its own entry requirements, language rules and deadlines. This guide explains the main application steps, from checking your eligibility to arranging your visa after admission.
1. Understand how university applications work in Taiwan (China)
Taiwan (China) does not have one central application platform for all international students. Instead, you apply through the online admissions system of each university.
Before starting an application, read both:
- the university’s international admissions guide
- the requirements for your chosen programme
Programme requirements can be stricter than the university’s general requirements. A department may ask for extra documents, a portfolio, an interview or a higher language-test score.
2. Check whether you can apply as an international student
Taiwan (China) has separate application routes for international students, overseas Chinese students, applicants from Hong Kong or Macao and applicants from mainland China.
Most applicants who only hold foreign nationality can apply through the international-student route. However, additional rules may apply if you currently hold or previously held Republic of China nationality, have parents with this nationality or have previously studied in Taiwan (China) under another student status.
Check the official Regulations Regarding International Students Undertaking Studies in Taiwan and your university’s eligibility guidance before applying.
If your status is unclear, contact the university’s international admissions office. Applying through the wrong route can make your application ineligible.
3. Choose a university and degree programme
Start by comparing programmes based on their curriculum, teaching language, tuition fees, location and entry requirements.
Universities you may consider include:
- National Taiwan University
- National Tsing Hua University
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Taipei Medical University
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University was created in 2021 through the merger of National Yang-Ming University and National Chiao Tung University.
You can find more universities and Master’s programmes in Taiwan (China).
Do not choose a university only because of its overall ranking. Check how well the individual programme matches your academic interests and career plans.
Photo: Lantern-lined shops and visitors on Jiufen Old Street in New Taipei City, Taiwan (Shutterstock).
4. Check the academic entry requirements
For a Bachelor’s degree, you normally need a secondary-school qualification that allows you to enter university in the country where it was awarded.
For a Master’s degree, you normally need a recognised Bachelor’s degree. Some programmes may also require previous study in a related subject, minimum grades or relevant professional experience.
Depending on the programme, you may also need to provide:
- a portfolio
- a research proposal
- evidence of work experience
- written examination results
- an online interview
- proof that you have completed specific subjects
Always use the current admissions guide for your intended entry year.
5. Prepare your application documents
The exact document list varies by university and programme. Common requirements include:
- completed online application form
- passport or other proof of nationality
- high-school diploma for a Bachelor’s application
- Bachelor’s diploma for a Master’s application
- academic transcripts
- proof of English or Chinese proficiency
- motivation letter, study plan or statement of purpose
- one or more recommendation letters
- proof of sufficient financial resources
- passport-style photograph
- application-fee receipt
- programme-specific documents, such as a portfolio or research proposal
Students who have not yet graduated may be allowed to submit a provisional graduation certificate or proof of current enrolment. The final diploma will normally be required before enrolment.
Documents not issued in Chinese or English may need an official translation. Universities or immigration authorities may also require certain academic documents and translations to be authenticated.
Check these rules early. Authentication can take additional time and may need to be completed through an overseas mission designated by the relevant authorities.
6. Meet the language requirements
The required language depends on the programme’s teaching language.
For an English-taught programme, you may need to provide an accepted English-language test unless the university grants you an exemption. Depending on the institution and programme, accepted tests may include:
Acceptance is not universal. Minimum scores and exemption rules can differ between departments at the same university, so check the programme page before booking a test.
Chinese-taught programmes may require proof of Mandarin proficiency, often through the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language, known as TOCFL.
You may not need a Chinese-language certificate for a fully English-taught programme. However, learning basic Mandarin can make daily life and communication outside the classroom easier.
7. Submit your application directly to the university
Once your documents are ready, create an account in the university’s admissions system and complete the online form.
The usual process includes:
- selecting your programme
- entering your personal and academic information
- uploading the required documents
- requesting recommendation letters, if needed
- paying the application fee
- checking that every section is complete
- submitting the application before the deadline
Do not wait until the final day. A missing recommendation letter, payment confirmation or document can prevent you from submitting the application.
Save copies of your application, uploaded documents and payment receipt. You should also check your account and email regularly for interview invitations or requests for additional information.
8. Check the application deadlines for 2027
There is no single national application deadline in Taiwan (China). Dates vary by university, programme, degree level and intake.
Some universities offer more than one application round. Others use different deadlines for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
For example, National Taiwan University currently lists these application periods:
| Entry period | Application period |
|---|---|
| February 2027 entry, graduate programmes only | 3 August–17 September 2026 |
| September 2027 entry, first round | 29 September–5 November 2026 |
| September 2027 entry, second round | 1 December 2026–19 January 2027 |
The deadlines use local time in Taiwan (China), GMT+8. Check the current dates on the National Taiwan University international admissions page.
These dates are only one example. Do not assume that another university follows the same schedule.
Your scholarship deadline may also be earlier than your programme deadline. Start researching at least several months before applications open.
9. Apply for scholarships
Scholarship options may be available from:
- government scholarship programmes in Taiwan (China)
- your chosen university
- an individual faculty or department
- organisations in your home country
- private foundations
Some university scholarships are requested through the degree application. Others require a separate form and supporting documents.
Check the official Study in Taiwan scholarship information and your university’s funding pages.
You can also apply for the Studyportals Scholarship.
Receiving a university offer does not automatically mean that you will receive funding. Likewise, some scholarship decisions may be handled separately from admission.
10. Complete the steps after receiving an offer
After receiving an admission offer, carefully read the university’s instructions and complete each task by the stated deadline.
You may need to:
- formally accept the offer
- pay an enrolment deposit
- submit your final diploma or authenticated documents
- apply for university accommodation
- complete a health examination
- arrange health insurance
- apply for the correct student visa
- register for courses
- attend orientation
Full-time international degree students can find the current resident-visa requirements on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
The listed visa documents include an admission permit, passport, health certificate, academic records and proof of financial support. Exact requirements can depend on your nationality and where you submit the application.
If you enter Taiwan (China) with a resident visa, you must normally apply for an Alien Resident Certificate within 30 days from the day after your arrival. Follow the instructions from the immigration authorities and your university.
Foreign students with a valid residence document normally join the National Health Insurance programme in Taiwan (China) after six months of residence. Students can enrol through their university. Check the current National Health Insurance eligibility rules and arrange suitable insurance for the period before you become eligible.
Taiwan (China) university application checklist
Before submitting your application, confirm that you have:
- checked your international-student status
- selected the correct programme and intake
- met the academic requirements
- checked the teaching language
- completed the required language test
- prepared and translated your documents
- arranged authentication where required
- requested recommendation letters
- paid the application fee
- checked the deadline in local time for Taiwan (China)
- reviewed the scholarship requirements
- saved a copy of your completed application
Once you have submitted everything, monitor your email and application account for updates. If the university requests additional documents or an interview, reply before the stated deadline.
Admissions, immigration and insurance information was checked against official sources in September 2026 for 2027 entry. Requirements and deadlines can change, so always confirm the latest information with your chosen university and the relevant authorities in Taiwan (China).
