National Taiwan University

National Taiwan University: A Comprehensive Overview

Founded in 1928, National Taiwan University (NTU) is Taiwan’s most prestigious public research university, located in Taipei. As a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and the Alliance of Chinese Universities, NTU enrolls over 32,000 students, including 3,000 international students from 70+ countries, across more than 400 degree programs. Renowned for its academic excellence, research innovation, and global impact, NTU ranks among Asia’s top universities, driving advancements in technology, medicine, and humanities.

History

Established as Taihoku Imperial University under Japanese colonial rule, NTU was reorganized in 1945 as Taiwan’s flagship university after the island’s return to Chinese governance. Initially focused on agriculture and medicine, it expanded into a comprehensive university, adding faculties in engineering, law, and humanities. NTU played a key role in Taiwan’s post-war modernization, admitting women in the 1940s and fostering democratization in the 1980s. With affiliations to three Nobel Prize laureates, NTU has shaped Taiwan’s economic and cultural landscape, maintaining a legacy of intellectual leadership.

Academic Structure

NTU comprises 11 colleges: Liberal Arts; Science; Social Sciences; Medicine; Engineering; Bioresources and Agriculture; Management; Public Health; Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Law; and Life Science. These encompass over 60 departments and 100+ research centers, offering 400+ bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Disciplines span humanities, STEM, business, and health sciences, with over 150 English-taught programs for international students. Flexible options like dual degrees and online courses enhance accessibility. Research-led teaching integrates cutting-edge discoveries, preparing graduates for global challenges.

Prominent Faculties and Departments

The College of Medicine is a regional leader, ranked in the global top 50, with its affiliated NTU Hospital pioneering cancer treatment and organ transplants. The College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science excels in AI, semiconductors, and robotics, driving Taiwan’s tech industry. The College of Management, with AACSB accreditation, ranks among Asia’s top business schools. The College of Bioresources and Agriculture leads in food security and sustainable farming, while the College of Social Sciences is renowned for political science and anthropology. These colleges collaborate with industry giants like TSMC and MediaTek.

Research Activities

NTU is a research powerhouse, securing NT$17 billion ($540 million) annually in funding, leading Taiwan in research output. It excels in fields like nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and climate science, with facilities like the NTU Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems Research Center and the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Robotics. NTU’s three Nobel Prize affiliations, including Yuan T. Lee’s work in chemistry, highlight its impact. The university produces over 10,000 publications yearly and holds 2,500+ patents, collaborating globally via the APRU. Its research addresses global issues like renewable energy, health innovation, and digital transformation.

International Rankings

NTU ranks among the world’s elite, placing 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, 77th in Times Higher Education (THE) 2023, and 69th in U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities 2025. It excels in 20+ subjects, with electrical engineering, computer science, and medicine in the global top 50 (QS 2023). Its graduate employability ranks in the top 100 globally (QS 2022). As Taiwan’s top university, NTU maintains a stellar reputation for academic and research excellence.

Campus Life

NTU’s 1,086-hectare campus in Taipei’s Daan District features historic buildings like the Fu Bell Tower and modern facilities like the NTU Library, one of Asia’s largest. Additional campuses in Yunlin and Hsinchu support agriculture and technology programs. With over 400 student organizations, from cultural clubs to the NTU Robotics Team, campus life is vibrant. The university’s sports facilities, including an Olympic-size pool, support 50+ sports clubs. Taipei, a global tech and cultural hub, offers affordable living, night markets, and proximity to Taroko Gorge. International students benefit from orientation, Mandarin courses, and a metro pass.

Notable Alumni

NTU’s alumni include three Nobel laureates, such as Yuan T. Lee (Chemistry, 1986) and Samuel C.C. Ting (Physics, 1976), and prominent figures like former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, TSMC founder Morris Chang, and Acer co-founder Stan Shih. Other alumni include filmmaker Ang Lee and AI pioneer Andrew Ng. The 200,000+ alumni network drives impact across technology, politics, and culture, with contributions to semiconductors, renewable energy, and global health policy.

Future Goals

Under its NTU 2030 Strategic Plan, NTU aims to be Asia’s leading university for innovation and sustainability. It plans to expand research in AI, green technology, and precision medicine, targeting carbon neutrality by 2040. Strengthening global partnerships via APRU and the Alliance of Chinese Universities will enhance its international presence. NTU is investing NT$10 billion ($320 million) in infrastructure, including a new AI Innovation Hub, and prioritizing diversity, student wellbeing, and employability to address global challenges like climate change and technological disruption.

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

With a 20% acceptance rate, admission is competitive. Undergraduate programs require a high school diploma (e.g., 85% in Indian CBSE) or equivalent and a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0. Postgraduate programs need a relevant bachelor’s degree (2:1 or equivalent). English proficiency tests (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 80) are mandatory for English-taught programs, with Mandarin proficiency (TOCFL Level 3) for some. International applicants submit transcripts, a CV, SOP, LORs, and proof of funds (NT$200,000/year, ~$6,400) for a Taiwan student visa ($100). Applications are via the NTU online portal (deadlines: March 1, 2025, for fall; October 1, 2025, for spring). Tuition fees are NT$50,000–120,000/semester ($1,600–$3,800) for undergraduates and NT$60,000–150,000 ($1,900–$4,800) for postgraduates, with a NT$5,000 ($160) student fee. Scholarships like the NTU Elite Scholarship (up to NT$300,000/year) are available. Early application is advised for housing.

Contact Information

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Address

: National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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General Inquiries

: Phone: +886 2 3366 3366, Email: [email protected]
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International Office

: Email: [email protected]
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Admissions Office

: Website: www.ntu.edu.tw (Apply via NTU online portal)
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Housing

: Contact Office of Student Affairs at [email protected]

Conclusion

National Taiwan University blends a near-century legacy with cutting-edge research and a vibrant, inclusive campus. Its global rankings, diverse programs, and leadership in technology and sustainability make it a top choice for students worldwide. With affordable fees, robust support, and Taipei’s dynamic environment, NTU offers an exceptional platform for academic excellence and societal impact.