Application strategy
Domestic students enter mainly through Taiwan's national entrance and application system; international applicants apply via NCKU's Office of International Affairs and the overseas joint-admission route (overseas.edu.tw), which considers foreign secondary-school qualifications including IB, A-Levels and AP. Most undergraduate programs are taught in Mandarin, so a Chinese-proficiency (TOCFL) result strengthens an application, while English-taught programs require IELTS/TOEFL. Lean into NCKU's standout employer reputation and southern-Taiwan semiconductor ecosystem in your statement. Taiwan (MOE/ICDF) and university scholarships meaningfully cut the already-low cost — apply early.
Who fits
- Students targeting engineering, materials science, electrical engineering or semiconductor careers in Taiwan
- International students seeking elite-tier Taiwanese education at very low cost
- Learners who want maximum employability with Taiwanese and regional tech/manufacturing employers
- Mandarin learners or speakers comfortable studying primarily in Chinese
- Applicants drawn to a quieter, affordable, historic southern-Taiwan city over Taipei
Who should think twice
- Students who need a fully English-taught degree across all fields
- Those prioritizing the highest possible global brand recognition (where NTU leads in Taiwan)
- Applicants wanting a large, cosmopolitan international student community
- Students focused on humanities, business or social sciences over engineering and science
- Families unwilling to accept Taiwan's cross-strait geopolitical uncertainty
Visa and application system in Taiwan
- Student visa / post-study work: Resident visa (ARC) for students; up to 1-year post-study job-search extension; Employment Gold Card route for skilled graduates
- Application system: Direct application to each university; many English-taught programs plus TOCFL (Mandarin) tracks; spring/fall intakes