Why Indian Students Should Consider Studying in Taiwan

As students apply to universities around the world, they look to Europe and America to access the best culture and academics. However, there’s a hidden gem in Asia where education is top-notch, living costs are affordable, and opportunities are quietly growing. Many people remain unaware and miss out on this opportunity. Taiwan is a destination that is increasingly being discovered by an increasing number of Indian students. 

Indian students are choosing to study in Taiwan due to its affordable education, high-quality universities, and growing global recognition. The cost of studying in Taiwan is far lower than in Western countries, and several studies in Taiwan make it even more accessible.

Let’s learn why Taiwan is the right study-abroad option for you, with real info on universities, courses, scholarships, and what life is like as an international student there. 

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. 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. They’ve got a wide range of programs taught in English, so you don’t have to worry about language for academics. This university is a top choice for many Indian students seeking to study in Taiwan, thanks to its excellent research facilities and impressive global rankings.
  
• National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Hsinchu: If Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering excites you, this is your spot. Hsinchu is also home to Taiwan’s “Silicon Valley,” making internships and research collaborations with tech companies a real possibility, and thus one of the best options for Taiwan scholarships for Indian students in 2025 in science and technology.

• National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Tainan: Known for Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Architecture. Their research labs are strong, and they’re very student-friendly, especially for international students. 

• National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU): This is the place if you’re into semiconductors, biomedical sciences, or AI. It’s relatively new (a merger of Yang Ming and Chiao Tung universities). Still, it’s already a powerhouse for those looking to study in Taiwan with scholarships related to innovation and tech.

• National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taipei:  Not a science nerd? NCCU is fantastic for International Relations, Media, Political Science, and Communication. It’s a great fit for Indian students planning to study in Taiwan in the social sciences and humanities.

• Asia University, Taichung: Offers English-taught programs in Business, Computer Science, and Health Sciences. A smaller but growing name.
  
• Private Universities: Feng Chia University is also gaining a reputation for excellence in Business and Engineering.

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. And  the universities we work with 

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. 

3. Study in Taiwan: Cost and Living Expenses

Taiwan offers high-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries, making it an attractive choice for Indian students.

Tuition & Academic Fees

Based on the National Taiwan University (NTU) official data:

Undergraduate Programs:

• Liberal Arts / Social Sciences / Law: TWD 50,460 per semester (~USD 1,680)
• Engineering / Computer Science: TWD 58,940 per semester (~USD 1,970)
• Medicine / Dentistry / Public Health: higher fees depending on the program

Graduate Programs (Master’s / PhD):
Fees vary by department, often being slightly higher than those for undergraduate programs.

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, can reduce living costs by 20–30%. Overall, the cost of studying in Taiwan remains among the lowest in Asia, making it an ideal destination for Indian students seeking an affordable yet world-class education.

4. Taiwan Scholarships for Students

Taiwan provides overseas students with some of the most substantial scholarships in Asia. Many are fully supported, receiving stipends, housing, and tuition. These Taiwan scholarships for Indian students make higher education accessible and affordable. Here are the top options Indian students can explore:

• Taiwan Scholarship (Government): Covers full tuition and provides a monthly stipend of NTD 15,000–20,000.
  
• Huayu Enrichment Scholarship: Provides funding for Mandarin language study for up to a year, ideal for students seeking to learn the language before pursuing degree studies.
  
• NTU International Scholarship: Tuition waiver plus a stipend of NTD 20,000–40,000/month, depending on the level of study.
  
• NCKU and Taipei Tech (NTUT) Scholarships: Cover tuition fees and may include dormitory costs.
  
• ICDF Scholarship (International Cooperation and Development Fund): Fully funded with airfare, housing, and insurance coverage. Compare ICDF with other major government scholarships for Indians.

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. 

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.

Ready to shortlist universities and scholarships? Book your free consultation now.

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.