Study in Hsinchu

Hsinchu for students

Although not as well-known as many of the cities in the QS Best Student Cities ranking, Hsinchu is a great option for those who want to study in Taiwan but would prefer a smaller, more laid-back student city to the bustling capital, Taipei. The city ranked 89th in this year's ranking, a decrease from last year, but with a great performance in the affordability ranking indicator.

The country's focus on innovation is reflected in the city’s universities, with National Tsing Hua University and National Chiao Tung University both in the top 300 of the QS World University Rankings® 2023. Both universities are also highly international, with 10 percent of their students coming from outside Taiwan.

Best universities in Hsinchu - QS Best Student Cities ranking: 89th

More about Hsinchu

The Taiwanese city of Hsinchu, despite losing places from the last QS Best Cities Ranking, ranks high for the affordability indicator thanks to low tuition fees and costs of living, making it a great study destination for students with or without a tight budget. 

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

Why study in Hsinchu

It’s affordable

The city ranks joint 42^nd worldwide for affordability this year due to its low tuition fees and low cost of living.

The traditional cuisine

The food in Hsinchu is not to be missed. The city is particularly famous for its Kòng-Ôan (aka bouncy meatballs) which contain pork, mushrooms and egg whites and are served hot in a broth.

Top universities

Two of the world’s top universities are located here, including National Tsing Hua University, which ranks in the top 200 worldwide.

Close to Taipei

Hsinchu’s close proximity to Taiwan’s capital means students can easily visit the city during weekends.

Life & culture in Hsinchu

An hour away from Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, Hsinchu has plenty to offer students. While you may think the nickname ‘the Windy City’ belongs to the US’s Chicago, Hsinchu also lays claim to this title, thanks to its similarly windy climate. 

You can explore more than 400 years of Hsinchu’s history in its many museums – but it’s also very much forward-thinking and fast-developing place, with the nearby Hsinchu Science and Industrial Park dubbed the ‘Silicon Valley of the Orient’.

It is worth a visit to 東門市場 (Dongmen market), a large traditional market in Hsinchu which spans over three floors. The market has been in operation for more than 100 years and is much loved by locals. At night, the market transforms into a trendy place where students meet to eat and drink. 

Hsinchu park is another popular destination for locals, containing shrines, monuments and even a zoo! Next to the park is the eighteen peaks mountain: a leafy mountain with many trails which allow you to look over the city. 

Cost of studying in Hsinchu

Hsinchu receives a very high score for affordability in the cities ranking – the cost of living is low and international tuition fees are also on the low side (averaging US$3,300 per year).

Rent prices in Hsinchu are 50 percent lower than in the Taiwan’s capital, according to Numbeo, making it a much more affordable place to live for students.

Career in Hsinchu

Hsinchu is home to the Hsinchu science park, which is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Taiwan. It was in this area that the high-tech and semiconductor industry of Taiwan began.

Today, the park contributes to huge part of Taiwan’s GDP and hires many graduates each year.