Study in Taiwan for Indian Students: Complete Scope in 2026

Study in Taiwan for Indian students is an increasingly popular choice due to its affordable tuition fees, globally ranked universities, English-taught programs, and generous scholarships. Compared to Europe and the United States, Taiwan offers high-quality education at a much lower cost, along with excellent career and research opportunities.

While many Indian students traditionally look to Western countries for academic and cultural exposure, Taiwan remains a hidden gem in Asia. The country combines advanced education, safe living conditions, and a strong technology-driven economy—yet many students still overlook this opportunity.

Indian students are now choosing to study in Taiwan because of its strong global recognition, low cost of living, and growing demand for international talent. With real information on universities, courses, scholarships, and student life, this guide explains why Taiwan could be the ideal study-abroad destination for you.

1. Top Universities in Taiwan for Indian Students

If you’re planning to study in Taiwan, these are names you’ll hear again and again: universities that offer excellent academics, vibrant campuses, and strong global recognition.

• National Taiwan University (NTU), Taipei: Taiwan’s number one, ranked 63 in QS 2026. Think of it as their version of IIT Delhi and the University of Delhi rolled into one. NTU shines in Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Business, and Agriculture with over 1,800 English-taught courses, making it a top choice for Indian students due to scholarships like NTU International and IELTS 5.5 acceptance.
  
• National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Hsinchu: If Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering excites you, this is your spot (QS 176). Hsinchu is home to Taiwan’s “Silicon Valley,” offering internships with tech firms and scholarships NT$8,000-33,000/month—one of the best for Indian students in science and tech.

• National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Tainan: Known for Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Architecture (QS 192). Strong research labs and student-friendly policies with tuition waivers and stipends make it ideal for internationals.

• National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Hsinchu/New Taipei: The place for semiconductors, biomedical sciences, or AI (QS 199). This merger powerhouse supports innovation-focused studies with scholarships open to Indians.

• National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), Taipei: Excels in Education, Linguistics, and Arts (QS 435). Perfect for language enthusiasts with ties to Huayu scholarships and English programs.

• National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT), Taipei: Renowned for Engineering, Mechatronics, and Industrial Design. Offers tuition waivers + stipends NT$6,000-15,000/month, grouped well with NCKU for Indian applicants.
  
• National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), Kaohsiung: Strong in Marine Sciences, Optics, and Management (QS 439). Coastal location aids research, with scholarships for internationals including Indians.

• National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), Taipei: Focuses on Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Design. Fully funded scholarships make it accessible for tech-savvy Indians.

Even private universities like Feng Chia University (Taichung) are gaining traction in engineering and Business studies, providing Indian students studying in Taiwan with more options beyond the top public institutions.

2. English-Taught Programs to Study in Taiwan

Yes, and this is important. Many Taiwanese universities have dedicated English-taught programs. At NTU, you can take full courses in Engineering, Management, or Life Sciences without needing Mandarin. NCKU and Asia University also run full English tracks. 

That said, outside the classroom, you’ll hear Mandarin everywhere in shops, buses, and dorm life. Picking up some basic Chinese will make life smoother (and give you an edge if you later want to work in Asia).

Pro tip: Taiwan offers a Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, allowing international students to learn Mandarin. Worth Checking out. Continue reading to know more.

3. Study in Taiwan: Cost and Living Expenses

Tuition & Academic Fees
Based on National Taiwan University (NTU) official data for 2025-2026:​

Undergraduate Programs:

• Liberal Arts / Social Sciences / Law: TWD 51,280 per semester (~USD 1,710).
• Engineering / Computer Science: TWD 60,720 per semester (~USD 2,024).
• Medicine / Dentistry / Public Health: TWD 62,100–79,120 per semester (~USD 2,070–2,638), higher for clinical programs like Medicine.

Graduate Programs (Master’s / PhD):
Fees vary by department, typically TWD 50,000–65,000 per semester (~USD 1,665–2,165), often slightly higher than undergraduate due to credit fees (e.g., NT$1,020–3,340/credit); many include lab or research surcharges.​

Living Costs:
Taipei: Estimated TWD 84,000–113,000 per semester (~USD 2,800–3,767) covering housing, meals, transportation, books, and personal expenses.

Housing:

• On-campus double room: TWD 24,500/semester (~USD 817).
• On-campus single room: TWD 37,000/semester (~USD 1,234).
• Off-campus housing: TWD 35,000–50,000/month (~USD 1,167–1,667).

Other Expenses: Books, insurance, transport, and utilities (~TWD 4,956/semester for National Health Insurance).

Approximate Costs in INR (for Indian Students). Costs vary by city, housing type, and lifestyle. Smaller towns, such as Tainan, Taichung, and Hsinchu, reduce living costs by 20–30%. Overall, studying in Taiwan remains among the most affordable options in Asia, making it an ideal choice for Indian students seeking a world-class education.

4. Taiwan Scholarships for Students

One of the biggest reasons Indian students choose Taiwan is the generous scholarship support. Many of these scholarships cover not just tuition, but also monthly living expenses, making studying in Taiwan far more affordable than most Western countries.Here are the main scholarship options available:

• Taiwan Scholarship (Government): Covers tuition up to NT$40,000 per semester and provides a monthly stipend of NT$25,000 (undergraduate) or NT$30,000 (postgraduate).​

• Huayu Enrichment Scholarship: Provides a monthly stipend of NT$25,000 for Mandarin language study for up to 12 months, ideal for students seeking to learn the language before pursuing degree studies.​

• NTU International Scholarship: Tuition waiver plus stipends starting at NT$8,000/month (undergraduate) or higher lump sums (e.g., NT$50,000-200,000/year for graduate), depending on the level of study and performance.​

• NCKU and Taipei Tech (NTUT) Scholarships: Cover tuition fees (partial/full waivers) and may include dormitory costs or stipends like NT$6,000-40,000/month.​

• ICDF Scholarship (International Cooperation and Development Fund): Fully funded with tuition, airfare, housing, insurance, textbooks, and monthly stipend (NT$15,000 master’s, NT$17,000 PhD). Compare ICDF with other major government scholarships for Indians.

• NCKU and Taipei Tech (NTUT) Scholarships: Cover tuition fees (partial/full waivers) and may include dormitory costs or stipends like NT$6,000-40,000/month

Merit-based scholarships are offered by the majority of colleges throughout the admissions process, and maintaining a strong GPA can also help secure funding for later years. For those planning ahead, Taiwan scholarships for Indian students in 2025 are expected to expand further, offering more opportunities for Indian students to study in Taiwan at an affordable rate.

5. Courses You Can Study in Taiwan

Studying in Taiwan for Indian students isn’t just about engineering; the country offers a wide range of globally recognized programs. Here’s a quick map of fields Indian students often choose:

• STEM & Tech: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Materials Science, Semiconductor Engineering (NYCU and NTHU are gold here).
   
• Biotech & Health: Medicine, Public Health, Biomedical Engineering, etc.
  
• Business & Management: Undergrad in Business and Management, Master’s degrees in Finance, International MBA programmes, and even a Ph.D. in the domain.
     
• Humanities & Social Sciences: Asia-Pacific Studies, International Communication, and Political Science at NCCU. 
  
• Design & Architecture: NCKU boasts a strong design and architecture department, which is particularly popular among creative students. 

So whether you’re an engineer, a future diplomat, or a budding entrepreneur, there’s a program that fits. 

6. Life in Taiwan for Indian Students 

Alright, so what’s it like once you land there? If you’re planning to study in Taiwan for Indian students, here’s what everyday life feels like:

• Safety: Taiwan is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Asia. For parents back in India, that’s a huge piece of mind. 
  
• Living costs: Taipei is the priciest city, but even then, you can live decently on INR 40,000–50,000 a month. Dormitories are cheaper, and smaller towns like Tainan or Taichung are far more affordable. 
  
• Food: Okay, this might be tricky. Taiwan is heaven for foodies, but if you’re a strict vegetarian, you’ll need to look harder (though Indian restaurants do exist in Taipei and Hsinchu). Otherwise, rice, noodles, and soy-based dishes are common. 
  
• Community: A growing Indian student community is present in Taiwan. You can find groups in university communities and societies, and engage with them on WhatsApp and Facebook communities to connect with more Indian students. 

7. Career Opportunities After Studying in Taiwan

While the world rapidly catches on to every research opportunity, Taiwan offers excellent post-study work and research options for Indian students:

• Biotech & AI: Universities such as NTU and NYCU are investing heavily in biotech and AI research. If you’re doing a master’s or PhD, research funding is generous.
   
• Semiconductors & Tech: The world’s largest semiconductor company, TSMC, is located in Taiwan. Graduates from all fields can enjoy the offers from giants like this, but Engineering grads, in particular, find it easy to acquire internship opportunities in or around Hsinchu Science Park. 
  
• Global Mobility: Even if you don’t stay in Taiwan after graduation, a degree from NTU or NTHU carries significant weight across Asia and is increasingly recognized in Europe/the US. Add Mandarin skills, and you suddenly become a hot profile for multinational companies. 

8. Few Points to Know Before You Study in Taiwan

It’s not all roses, so let’s be honest:

• Language barrier: Although academics may be taught in English, Mandarin may be required for administrative paperwork, notifications, or part-time positions. Be prepared to learn at least enough Chinese to get by. 
  
• Food adjustment: Vegetarian students will have to make a slight adjustment. Carry masala from India, trust us, it helps. 
  
• Recognition: Always double-check if your program is recognized by Indian boards (especially for medicine). Most top programs are fine, but do your homework. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the benefits of Indian students studying for a PhD in Taiwan?

Taiwan is emerging as one of Asia’s most research-driven destinations, offering world-class PhD programs in Science, technology, and innovation. Indian students pursuing a PhD in Taiwan benefit from strong research Funding, collaboration with industry leaders such as TSMC and MediaTek, as well as access to state-of-the-art laboratories.

Doctoral studies are now both affordable and internationally recognized, thanks to the comprehensive funding of Taiwan scholarships offered by numerous universities to Indian students.

2. Which academic subjects are most popular with foreign students in Taiwan?

For those planning to study in Taiwan for higher education, top choices include Engineering, Computer Science, Semiconductor Technology, Biomedical Sciences, Business, and International Relations.

Taiwanese universities, such as NTU, NTHU, and NYCU, are globally ranked in these areas, attracting international students, especially from India, every year.

3. Are degrees from Taiwanese universities recognized in India?

Yes, degrees from accredited Taiwanese universities are widely recognized in India and across Asia. Students studying IT, management, or engineering programs can easily verify their credentials from home.

Nonetheless, before applying to study in Taiwan, students in specialist disciplines, such as medicine, should verify recognition with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or other relevant professional authorities.

4. What is the accommodation situation for students in Taiwan?

Taiwan offers convenient and reasonably priced housing for Indian students. While there are private housing alternatives nearby, the majority of colleges provide on-campus dorms with modern amenities.

Depending on the city and type of accommodation, housing rates range from NTD 5,000 to 10,000 per month. Living in student dorms not only helps save money but also allows international students to connect with peers from around the world.

5. Is it necessary to know Mandarin to study in Taiwan?

Not always. English-taught bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs are available at many prestigious universities. Nonetheless, mastering the fundamentals of Mandarin can enhance your everyday life and increase your employability upon graduation.

To support foreign students in learning Mandarin before commencing their degree program, Taiwan offers the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship.

6. What visa requirements exist for foreign students wishing to study in Taiwan?

International students must apply for a Resident Visa, also known as a Student Visa, to study in Taiwan. Usually, the following documents are needed:

• An admission letter from a recognized Taiwanese university
• Proof of financial stability (bank statements or scholarship proof)
• Health and medical certificate
• Passport valid for at least six months
• Completed the visa application form and photographs

Once approved, students can convert their visa into an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) upon arrival, allowing them to stay and study legally throughout their program.

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Final Thoughts 

For Indian students, Taiwan is not the “obvious” study-abroad choice—but that’s exactly why it’s worth considering. You get world-class universities, affordable tuition, and scholarships that actually cover your Expenses, and the chance to live in one of Asia’s safest, most vibrant societies. 

If you’re interested in engineering, semiconductors, biotechnology, or international relations, Taiwan is a serious option. And even if you want to explore a different path than the crowd heading to Canada or Australia, studying in Taiwan could be the smartest decision you make.

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