Study in Taipei

Taipei for students

Taiwan’s universities have been steadily climbing to greater global prominence in recent years, establishing the city as one of Asia’s leading higher education hubs. 

Ranked joint 31st in the world, Taipei is home to eight universities ranked among the world’s best in the QS World University Rankings® 2023, led by the flagship public institute, National Taiwan University (NTU) which is the 77th best university in the world.

Taipei has made big gains this year in its rank for employer activity, moving up to 24th in the world, and students who responded to our student survey are clearly enjoying their experience of the city and are often keen to stay after graduation.

When asked to name the best things about studying in Taipei, one respondent to our student survey said: “Inclusion. Diversity. Friendliness.” Another commented, “The local people are friendly and helpful to foreigners.”

Best universities in Taipei - QS Best Student Cities ranking: =31^st

More about Taipei

With low tuition fees and competitive scores across each of the QS Best Student Cities indicators, it’s easy to understand why Taipei is such a hit with students. The strong range of academic institutions in the city are arguably its strongest asset.

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology. 

Why study in Taipei

High standard of living

With excellent transportation, medical, public health and law enforcement systems, Taipei’s citizens enjoy an extremely high standard of living.

It’s picturesque

With ancient temples, the skyscrapers and the stunning beaches, Taipei definitely makes for a scenic study abroad experience.

World-class education

With no fewer than eight universities featuring in the World University Rankings this year, students can study in some of the world’s best universities in Taipei.

Cost of studying in Taipei

While its rank for affordability has gone down since the previous Best Student Cities ranking, Taipei continues to offer competitively priced education options that make it well worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.

Living costs in Taipei are extremely affordable compared to most other student cities.

Numbeo estimates that a single person living in Taipei would need around US$855 per month for living expenses, plus an extra US$718 for a single bedroom apartment in the city centre.

Tuition fees for universities in the city cost around US$4,700 per year for international students.

Life and culture in Taipei

Taipei has also become increasingly popular with travellers. Its attraction is something akin to that of cities like Hong Kong, in combining all the attractions of fast-paced modern city life with the appeal of more traditional cultural elements.

Taipei has been careful to look after its historical sites. If you visit, take a visit to Longshan Temple. Built in 1738, it served as a place of worship for Chinese settlers and has been rebuilt and renovated countless times after it was destroyed in earthquakes and fires over the years.  

Also worth a visit is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a beautiful monument located in a quiet central park.  

If you’re looking for impressive architecture, it doesn’t come much better than Taipei 101. Once the tallest building in the world, this incredible skyscraper offers breath-taking views of Taipei. Its elevator takes only 37 seconds to go from the ground to 439 meters up in the air.

Careers in Taipei

A global leader in electronics and industrial manufacturing, Taipei is at the centre of the Taiwanese economy. It scores highly in the employer activity indicator this year, ranking 24th in the world.  

There are many job opportunities available for graduates looking to stay in the city after graduation. Industries such as IT, technology, finance, journalism and international trade are constantly on the lookout for highly skilled graduates.