National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) is a public research university in Hsinchu, Taiwan. It was founded in 1911 in Beijing and re-established on its present site in 1956.[1] It is 142nd in the QS World University Rankings 2027, a rise of 34 places.[2]
NTHU’s fee schedule for the 2026–27 academic year (estimated costs) lists tuition and miscellaneous fees of NT$53,200 per semester for international bachelor’s students in science, engineering and related colleges, and NT$46,100 in the humanities and social sciences. Master’s and doctoral rates run from NT$26,300 to NT$36,300 in the main colleges.[3] The university-wide minimum is CEFR B2 English or TOCFL A2 Chinese, depending on the programme’s language.[4]
Key facts
| Official name | National Tsing Hua University (NTHU); Chinese name 國立清華大學[1] |
| Location | Hsinchu, Taiwan (main address No. 101, Sec. 2, Guangfu Rd., Hsinchu 300044)[1] |
| Type | Public (national) research university[5] |
| Founded | 1911 in Beijing (as Tsing Hua Academy); re-established in Hsinchu in 1956[1] |
| Merger | National Hsinchu University of Education merged into NTHU in 2016 and became the Nanda Campus[5] |
| Students | About 9,120 undergraduates and 9,005 postgraduates (Wikipedia, no year stated)[5] |
| Structure | Twelve colleges, 26 departments and 31 research institutes (Wikipedia)[5] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 142nd (up 34 places)[2] |
| Tuition 2026–27, international bachelor’s (estimate, per semester) | NT$53,200 (science, engineering and related) · NT$46,100 (humanities, social sciences and related)[3] |
| Tuition 2026–27, international master’s and PhD (estimate, per semester) | NT$26,300–36,300 in the main colleges, plus NT$2,100 per credit fee[3] |
| Application fee (Spring 2027 guideline) | NT$2,000 for 1–2 programmes, NT$4,000 for 3–4 programmes; free for nationals of least developed countries[4] |
| Language requirement | CEFR B2 English (for example IELTS Academic 5.5) or TOCFL A2 / HSK 4 Chinese, depending on the programme[4] |
| Official website | nthu-en.site.nthu.edu.tw |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 5 November 2026.
About National Tsing Hua University
NTHU describes itself as a comprehensive research university offering degrees in science, technology, engineering, the humanities, social sciences and management. It was founded in 1911 in Beijing as Tsing Hua Academy and re-established in 1956 at its present location in Hsinchu, Taiwan.[1] Wikipedia adds that the school took the name National Tsing Hua University in 1928 and that during the war it joined two other universities in a temporary institution at Changsha.[5]
In 2016 National Hsinchu University of Education merged into NTHU and became its Nanda Campus, in addition to the main campus in Hsinchu.[5] Wikipedia gives about 9,120 undergraduates and 9,005 postgraduates but no year for these figures.[5]
How is National Tsing Hua University ranked?
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18 June 2026, NTHU is 142nd in the world. It made the biggest jump of the four Taiwanese universities in the top 200, rising 34 places.[2] Wikipedia lists 176th for the previous edition.[5]
For the other Taiwanese universities in the ranking, see our Taiwan university guide. Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings.
What can you study at National Tsing Hua University?
NTHU’s 2026–27 fee schedule for international students groups its programmes into these colleges and units:[3]
- Science and engineering: Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Nuclear Science, Semiconductor Research and Sustainability.
- Life and health: Life Science and Medicine.
- Humanities, arts and education: Humanities and Social Sciences, Arts, Education and Tsing Hua College.
- Management and economics: Technology Management and the Taipei School of Economics and Political Science.
- Cross-college programmes: international intercollegiate master’s and PhD programmes.
Each programme is classified by teaching language: fully taught in English, enough English courses to meet graduation requirements, some English courses that do not meet graduation requirements, or taught in Chinese only.[4] Check the classification of your programme in the current application guideline before you apply.
How much does National Tsing Hua University cost?
The schedule below is NTHU’s estimate for the 2026–27 academic year for full-time international students, in New Taiwan dollars per semester. NTHU says tuition may vary from year to year and is subject to change.[3]
- Science, Life Science and Medicine, Arts; Education (special education, mathematics and science education, kinesiology)
- Bachelor’s
- 53,200
- Master’s
- 33,000
- PhD
- 33,000
- Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Nuclear Science, Semiconductor Research
- Bachelor’s
- 53,200
- Master’s
- 36,300
- PhD
- 36,300
- Humanities and Social Sciences, Tsing Hua College; other Education departments
- Bachelor’s
- 46,100
- Master’s
- 26,300
- PhD
- 26,300
- Technology Management
- Bachelor’s
- 46,100
- Master’s
- 31,560
- PhD
- 31,560
The figures are tuition and miscellaneous fees. Master’s and PhD students also pay a credit fee, NT$2,100 per credit in most colleges (NT$2,520 in Technology Management).[6] Some programmes are far more expensive: the Taipei School of Economics and Political Science is listed at NT$135,000 per semester (with a lower rate from a later semester).[3] The miscellaneous part depends on the credits you take; for instance 5 credits cost 50 % of the full amount.[6]
Older figures on NTHU’s website
An older English page on NTHU’s main site (copyright 2007–2019, exchange rate “as of March, 2014”) lists lower bachelor’s tuition of NT$48,470 and NT$41,890. Treat it as outdated.[7]
Scholarships
The NTHU International Student Scholarship has two types for bachelor’s and master’s students: Type A covers tuition, miscellaneous and credit fees and adds a monthly living allowance of NT$5,000, and Type B is a tuition waiver. Bachelor’s awards run for one academic year and must be renewed annually.[4] For living costs, see our Taiwan guide.
How do you apply to National Tsing Hua University?
International degree applicants use the NTHU International Student Online Application System, run by the Office of Global Affairs.[4]
- Eligibility: a high-school diploma for bachelor’s programmes, a bachelor’s degree for a master’s and a master’s degree for a doctorate.[4]
- Steps: register an account with your email address, fill in five sections (applicant, family, education, language and other information), name your recommenders and pay the application fee.[4]
- Fee: in the Spring 2027 guideline NT$2,000 for one or two programmes and NT$4,000 for three or four; applicants from least developed countries pay nothing. The fee is not refunded.[4]
- Admission routes: NTHU’s admissions site has separate pages for non-resident international applicants, Taiwan-resident international applicants, overseas compatriots and mainland Chinese students.[8]
We give no deadlines because they change every year and differ between the Fall and Spring intakes; check the official application page.
Which language level do you need?
NTHU sets a minimum language level that depends on the teaching language of the programme, and a programme may raise it.[4]
- English proficiency: CEFR B2 or above, for example TOEFL iBT (legacy minimum 71; the Home Edition and ITP are not accepted), TOEIC (Public Testing Programme) 750 or IELTS Academic 5.5.
- Mandarin proficiency: TOCFL A2 or HSK Level 4 or above, or an equivalent official credential.
You are exempt from the English proof if you are from an English-speaking country on NTHU’s list (the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand are included; India is not) or if your previous degree was fully taught in English. Applicants from Chinese-speaking countries or with a degree taught in Chinese are exempt from the Mandarin proof.[4] A department such as Chinese Literature, which teaches in Chinese, asks only for the Mandarin proof.[4]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does National Tsing Hua University cost for international students?
For 2026–27, NTHU estimates NT$53,200 per semester for international bachelor’s students in science, engineering and related colleges and NT$46,100 in the humanities and social sciences. Master’s and PhD tuition runs from NT$26,300 to NT$36,300 in the main colleges, plus a credit fee.[3]
What is National Tsing Hua University’s QS ranking?
NTHU is 142nd in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up 34 places.[2]
Is National Tsing Hua University the same as Tsinghua University?
No. NTHU in Hsinchu, Taiwan, was founded in 1911 in Beijing and re-established in Hsinchu in 1956.[1] It is a separate institution from Tsinghua University in Beijing, with its own admissions.
Which English test do I need for National Tsing Hua University?
CEFR B2, for example IELTS Academic 5.5, TOEIC 750 or a TOEFL iBT score meeting the legacy minimum of 71. Programmes may require more.[4]
Are there scholarships for international students at National Tsing Hua University?
Yes. The NTHU International Student Scholarship Type A covers tuition, miscellaneous and credit fees and adds a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 for bachelor’s and master’s students; Type B is a tuition waiver.[4]
More about studying in Taiwan
- Taiwan: best universities
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Taiwan
- National Cheng Kung University
- National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
- National Taiwan University
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Sources
[1] National Tsing Hua University: About NTHU (page without a date; site copyright 2007–2019)
[2] Taiwan News: Taiwan sets record in QS World University Rankings 2027 (published 18 Jun 2026; QS edition released 18 Jun 2026 (topuniversities.com blocks automated access))
[3] NTHU Academic Affairs: Tuition fee, miscellaneous fee and credit fee (international students) (estimated costs for 2026–27 as of 10 Jun 2026; PDF)
[4] NTHU Office of Global Affairs: Application Guidelines for International Students, Spring 2027 (Spring 2027 guideline, undated; its fee table is labelled “for reference only”)
[5] Wikipedia: National Tsing Hua University (history, merger and structure; secondary source; enrolment figures without a year)
[6] NTHU International Admission: Tuition Fees (Graduate) (page without a date; footer © 2024; USD 1 ≒ TWD 33)
[7] NTHU: International Degree Students Tuition & Cost (older page) (page without a date; copyright 2007–2019; exchange rate “as of March, 2014”)
[8] NTHU International Admission: Future Students (page without a date; footer © 2024)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.