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TAIWAN · KAOHSIUNG

National Sun Yat-sen University

public · Founded 1980 · Languages: en

In short

National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) is a research-focused public university in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, offering a bilingual learning environment and unique coastal campus. It provides various scholarships and has estimated annual international tuition fees of EUR 2,500-5,000.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1980
Students: 9,029
International students: 1,000
Acceptance rate: 25%
Tuition (intl): €3–5k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan

National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) is a public university located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Established in 1980, NSYSU is recognized for its strong research focus and a commitment to innovation, particularly in engineering, science, and marine-related fields. The university actively contributes to addressing global challenges, from drug discovery and smart city solutions to sustainable economy initiatives. NSYSU provides a dynamic learning environment, increasingly embracing a bilingual campus approach to enhance international student experiences and global mobility. Situated by the sea, the campus offers a unique setting that combines academic rigor with a vibrant student life. The university is a hub for significant research breakthroughs, with faculty members receiving national recognition for their outstanding contributions. NSYSU aims to cultivate creative and critical thinkers, preparing students to make meaningful impacts in their chosen professions and the wider world.

Why study here

Engage in cutting-edge research, from drug discovery to AI silicon photonic chips.
Benefit from a university committed to a bilingual learning environment.
Study in a unique coastal setting in Kaohsiung, a major city in Taiwan.
Contribute to initiatives focused on sustainability, net-zero economy, and smart city development.

Student life

NSYSU offers a campus environment that encourages a global outlook, with initiatives aimed at enhancing the experience for international students. The university actively promotes engagement through various events and research opportunities, fostering a vibrant academic and social community by the sea.

Fees

InternationalApproximately EUR 2,500-5,000 per year for international undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, varying by college and level.

HomeDomestic Taiwanese tuition is set by the Ministry of Education and is lower than international rates.

LivingAround EUR 3,500-5,500 per year for accommodation, food and personal expenses in Kaohsiung, one of Taiwan's more affordable cities; on-campus dormitories are available.

International students can apply for NSYSU and Taiwan government scholarships that may cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend.

Admissions

Undergraduate entryCompleted senior high school education with a recognised diploma and supporting transcripts; some programmes require additional documents or interviews.

Postgraduate entryRelevant bachelor's degree (for master's) or master's degree (for doctoral study), transcripts, recommendation letters and a study or research plan.

Chinese-taught programmesDemonstrated Mandarin proficiency (e.g. TOCFL) at the level required by the programme.

IELTS6.0 (for English-taught programmes)

TOEFL iBT79 (for English-taught programmes)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026Top 100 for Petroleum Engineering (Taiwan's only entry)

QS World University Rankings439

University scholarships

NSYSU International Student ScholarshipTuition waiver and/or monthly stipend

Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) ScholarshipTuition support plus monthly living allowance

Accreditation

NSYSU is a public university accredited by Taiwan's Ministry of Education and is one of the country's Designated National Research Universities.

Programs

a selection

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National Sun Yat-sen University · Taiwan

Doctor of Philosophy in Finance

The National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Finance within its College of Management. This program is designed for students who have already obtained a Master's degree from an institution recognized by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan or internationally. Admission is competitive and based on a comprehensive entrance examination. The program structure includes coursework, qualifying examinations, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation. Students are guided by faculty advisors throughout their studies, from course selection to dissertation research. The curriculum aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and research skills in the field of finance.

Scholarships

for Taiwan

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full funding

Ministry 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.

National 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.

Kaohsiung 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.

Ministry 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.

Chang 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.

National 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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated annual fees for international students at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU)?

International undergraduate and postgraduate programs at NSYSU have estimated annual fees ranging from EUR 2,500 to EUR 5,000, depending on the specific college and academic level. These fees are separate from living expenses.

What are the living costs for international students in Kaohsiung?

Living costs in Kaohsiung are estimated to be around EUR 3,500-5,500 per year, covering accommodation, food, and personal expenses. Kaohsiung is known as one of Taiwan's more affordable major cities, and on-campus dormitories are available.

Does NSYSU offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, NSYSU offers the 'NSYSU International Student Scholarship' which can provide a tuition waiver and/or a monthly stipend. Additionally, international students may be eligible for the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship, offering tuition support and a living allowance.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?

For English-taught programs, international students typically need to provide proof of English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 79.

What academic qualifications are needed for admission to NSYSU?

Undergraduate applicants need a senior high school diploma and transcripts, with potential for additional requirements. Postgraduate applicants must have a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, transcripts, recommendation letters, and a study plan.

Last updated 3 July 2026