TAIWAN · TAINAN
National Cheng Kung University
public · Founded 1931 · Languages: en, zh
In short
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is a top-ranked public research university in Tainan, Taiwan, offering a wide range of programs, many in English. It is known for strong engineering and science faculties, affordable tuition, and excellent industry connections.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1931
- Students
- 22,000
- International students
- 3,000
- Acceptance rate
- 40%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–5k/yr
- Languages
- EN, ZH
- Location
- Tainan, Taiwan
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is one of Taiwan's premier public research universities, founded in 1931 and located in the historic city of Tainan. Ranked #203 globally by QS, NCKU excels in engineering, computer science, biosciences, and management, and has led Taiwan in domestic patent filings for four consecutive years. With 22,000 students across nine colleges, NCKU offers a full range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programmes, many available in English. Its deep industry ties — including partnerships with TSMC, MediaTek, and Chimei — translate into outstanding internship and employment outcomes for graduates.
Why study here
- QS #203 globally — Taiwan's top-2 university with world-class engineering and science faculties
- Strong English-taught graduate programmes and international double-degree partnerships (300+ partner universities)
- Affordable annual tuition (approx. EUR 2,800–4,500) and low cost of living in Tainan
- Industry connections with leading semiconductor and tech firms (TSMC, MediaTek) for internships and research
- Taiwan government scholarships and NCKU-specific grants available for international students
Student life
NCKU's campus blends historic Japanese-era buildings with modern research facilities in the heart of Tainan. Students enjoy easy access to night markets, temples, cycling paths, and beaches. The campus has active student clubs, a state-of-the-art sports complex, and an international student centre that organises cultural orientation and housing support. Tainan's living costs are among Taiwan's lowest — accommodation, food, and transport are highly affordable.
Fees
InternationalInternational students (non-Taiwan nationals) pay approx. TWD 87,000–145,000/year (EUR 2,500–4,200) depending on college and level. Engineering and medical programmes are at the higher end.
HomeTaiwanese nationals pay approx. TWD 55,000–105,000/year (EUR 1,600–3,000).
LivingEstimated EUR 500–700/month in Tainan, covering accommodation (university dorms available), food, transport, and personal expenses.
Dorm accommodation is widely available on campus. Many international scholarships cover partial or full tuition.
Admissions
Undergraduate entryHigh school diploma or equivalent; some programmes require SAT/ACT or national entrance exam equivalent
Graduate entryBachelor's degree; department-specific GPA requirements (typically 3.0/4.0 or equivalent)
Application portalOnline via NCKU international admissions system; deadlines typically February–March for autumn intake
DocumentsTranscripts, diploma, personal statement, two recommendation letters, research proposal (PhD)
IELTS6.0+ (varies by department)
TOEFL iBT79+
TOEIC750+ (some departments accept)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings203
University scholarships
Taiwan Scholarship (Ministry of Education)TWD 25,000/month living allowance + full tuition waiver; for degree-seeking international students
NCKU Presidential ScholarshipPartial to full tuition waiver; merit-based for outstanding international applicants
Huayu Enrichment ScholarshipFor Mandarin language study; TWD 25,000/month
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan (HEEACT); member of APRU and AUN.
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for Taiwanfull fundingMinistry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Taiwan
Taiwan MOFA Scholarship (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarship)
For international students — mainly from countries with ties to Taiwan — to pursue a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at universities in Taiwan. It combines a tuition subsidy with a monthly living stipend; applications are made through a Taiwan embassy or representative office.
full
Funding
€15k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU)
NYCU Taiwan International Scholarship (Spring Intake)
Currently enrolled international students at NYCU (not Taiwanese citizens) holding a minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.5 (graduate), who are not recipients of other government scholarships and do not hold a working ARC or visa.
full
Funding
€15k
Max
Sep 15, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingKaohsiung Medical University (KMU)
Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) Scholarship
Open to international students (non-R.O.C. nationality), overseas Chinese students (including Hong Kong and Macao), and Mainland Chinese students via designated procedures, applying for the Spring 2026 intake. Applicants must hold academic qualifications recognised by Taiwan's Ministry of Education (MOE) appropriate to the degree level sought, in the medical and health sciences.
partial
Funding
€12k
Max
Oct 9, 2026
Deadline
full fundingMinistry of Education (MOE), Republic of China (Taiwan)
Taiwan MOE Scholarship (Taiwan Scholarship Programme)
For international students (excluding overseas Chinese and nationals of the Republic of China) with a strong academic record applying for bachelor's, master's, or doctoral study at Taiwanese universities. Applicants apply through the Taiwan embassy or representative office in their home country during the annual window.
full
Funding
€12k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingChang Gung University (CGU)
Chang Gung University Taiwan Scholarships
Open to international applicants of all nationalities holding the required prior qualification (high-school diploma for undergraduate study, a bachelor's degree for graduate study) and meeting the English- or Chinese-language requirement for the chosen programme, with proof of sufficient financial resources.
partial
Funding
€12k
Max
Oct 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingNational Tsing Hua University (NTHU)
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) Scholarships in Taiwan
Open to international students who are non-Taiwanese nationals, in good physical and mental health, and applying to only one programme per cycle. Bachelor's applicants need a high-school diploma, Master's applicants a Bachelor's degree, and PhD applicants a Master's degree. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) is normally required.
full
Funding
€1k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)?
+
International students can expect to pay approximately TWD 87,000–145,000 per year, which is about EUR 2,500–4,200. Engineering and medical programs are at the higher end of this range.
What is the cost of living for students in Tainan?
+
The estimated cost of living in Tainan is EUR 500–700 per month. This covers accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, and Tainan is known for having a low cost of living in Taiwan.
Does NCKU offer programs taught in English?
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Yes, National Cheng Kung University offers a full range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, with many available in English, particularly at the graduate level.
What are the English language requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.0+, TOEFL iBT of 79+, or an TOEIC score of 750+, though specific requirements can vary by department.
Are there scholarships available for international students at NCKU?
+
Yes, NCKU offers various scholarships such as the Taiwan Scholarship, which covers tuition and provides a living allowance, and the NCKU Presidential Scholarship, offering partial to full tuition waivers.
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