Why Study in Taiwan: Asia's Best-Kept Study Abroad Secret

Taiwan is the study-abroad destination that far too few students have on their radar. It offers what people love about East Asia, strong universities, rich culture, great food, safety, and modern infrastructure, at a noticeably lower cost than Japan or Korea. Add the best Mandarin-learning environment anywhere and generous government scholarships, and it is easy to see why the students who do choose Taiwan rarely regret it.

Here is what makes Taiwan worth a serious look, and what it actually costs.

Strong universities, taught in English too

Taiwan's universities punch well above the island's size. National Taiwan University sits inside the world's top 100, ranked 54th in the latest QS World University Rankings, while National Tsing Hua University, National Cheng Kung University, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University are leaders in science, engineering, and medicine. National Taiwan Normal University is known worldwide for its Mandarin programs.

You do not need fluent Chinese to study there. Many programs, especially at the graduate level, are taught in English, and Taiwanese universities keep strong partnerships with schools abroad, which makes exchanges and credit transfers straightforward. Our National Taiwan University guide covers the flagship campus in detail.

The best place in the world to learn Mandarin

If Mandarin is part of your plan, Taiwan is hard to beat. It uses traditional characters, teachers and classmates are famously patient with learners, and the everyday environment is welcoming rather than intimidating. Language centres at every major university run intensive courses at every level.

The government even pays you to come and study the language. The MOE Huayu Enrichment Scholarship funds Mandarin study with a monthly stipend of NT$28,000, about $875. If you want to learn on the ground, our Taipei Mandarin Immersion at National Taiwan Normal University runs three months for around $2,800. For the full picture, see our complete guide to learning Mandarin.

What it actually costs

This is where Taiwan really stands out. Tuition at public universities generally runs about $1,600 to $2,200 a semester for international undergraduates, and dedicated language programs cost less. Living costs are among the lowest in the region: most students spend roughly $600 to $1,100 a month, with a room in a shared apartment around $200 to $400 and a filling meal at a night market often just a few dollars. Taipei's excellent MRT keeps a monthly transport budget to around $30 to $50.

Our cost of living in Taipei guide breaks the numbers down category by category, and our scholarships for Taiwan guide covers the funding options.

Food, nature, and an easy pace of life

Taiwan's food is a genuine reason to go. Night markets serve hundreds of dishes, and bubble tea was invented here. Beyond the cities, a small island packs in tropical beaches, high mountains, hot springs, and Taroko Gorge, one of Asia's most dramatic landscapes, all reachable on cheap, reliable public transport.

Day to day, Taiwan is safe, open, and easy to settle into. It has very low crime, strong healthcare, and a reputation as one of the friendliest places in Asia for newcomers, which matters a lot when you are living abroad for the first time.

How to get started

If Taiwan is on your shortlist, the next steps are picking a program and sorting the visa. Most students study on a resident or student visa; our Taiwan student visa guide walks through the process.

When you want a plan built around your goals and budget, book a free consultation and we will help you match a program and scholarship shortlist to your goals.

Sources: MOE Huayu Enrichment Scholarship 2025 · QS World University Rankings 2027, NTU · NTU Office of International Affairs, tuition and fees.