Office of International Affairs

Taichung’s Geography and Climate

Taichung City is located in the heart of Taiwan and serves as an important hub of transportation for people traveling between the northern and southern parts of the island. The weather here is mostly sunny throughout the year. With an average temperature of 23.3 °C (73.9 °F), it has been named Taiwan’s most livable city. July–August are the warmest months and January–February are the coolest. During daytime, the temperature is always warm (and sometimes hot), even in the winter. However, at night in winter, temperatures can drop significantly.

Safety (Smoking/Drinking Laws and Scams)

The minimum legal age for drinking is 18 and smoking is 20 in Taiwan, and driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited by law. Furthermore, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are prohibited throughout NCHU.Many international students have fallen victim to scam calls, which are prevalent in Taiwan. As a reminder, do not provide any personal information such as your bank account number, online banking login credentials, date of birth, and even the romanized spelling of your name, as such information can be used to gain control of your bank account. When you receive a call from an unknown caller who claims to be a government, telecom, or bank employee, do not answer any questions or listen to their orders. Your best course of action is to hang up immediately, or ask for their number and report it to the 165 Antifraud Hotline (reachable by cellphones) to see if it is indeed a scam call.

Directions (How to Get to NCHU)

At any of Taiwan’s four major international airports, follow the signs in the arrival hall to find bus services or free shuttles that will transport you to the nearest high-speed rail station. Make sure the destination of the ticket you purchase is Taichung City. Once you arrive in Taichung, a convenient network of public and private transportation options, including passenger rails, buses, shared bikes, and taxis, is available. For real-time bus tracking, visit the Taichung City Transportation Bureau’s bilingual website or download the app.

International Collaboration Resources: Overseas Travel

Pursuant to Office of Accounting rules, to request reimbursement for overseas travel expenditures, applicants must provide a tentative budget and request a leave of absence in advance. They must retain all boarding passes and receipts for reimbursement, and must complete an overseas travel report when they return to Taiwan.

Dining Options Near NCHU

In addition to on-campus dining options, there is a wide variety of great dining establishments near NCHU for students on a tight budget. Some of your fellow students created this “food map,” and it’s a great way to get started with your hunt for cheap but delicious dining experiences.

Student Buddy Program for International Students

The Student Buddy Program is organized by the University’s International Pioneer Club, which matches international students with locals who can help them learn about Taiwanese culture and adapt to life in Taiwan. The program plays an important role in promoting cultural and language exchange and provides a unique opportunity for international and local students to make new friends and expand their horizons.

Information for Muslims

The University provides dedicated prayer rooms for Muslim students and faculty members. There is also a Muslim Student Association on campus where members will gladly help you navigate life in Taiwan as a Muslim.

International Admissions

NCHU offers a variety of fully English-taught programs and 100+ degree programs (including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs) for international students who wish to study in Taiwan. Application procedures, tuition standards, and available programs vary depending on student status. If you are interested in any of NCHU’s international degree programs, please visit the Office of International Affairs website for more details, including application deadlines, eligibility, tuition and fees, accommodations, and information on how to apply.

Scholarships for International Students

The Taiwanese Government offers a variety of scholarships for international students. Please direct your inquiries to the Taiwan consular office in your home country. The University offers the NCHU International Scholarship available to both new and current students. Semesterly teaching assistant stipends are also available to graduate students who serve concurrently as teaching assistants.

Student Visas

International students must obtain an alien resident visa at the Taiwan consular office in your home country before entering Taiwan. You must then apply for an alien resident certificate (ARC) on the National Immigration Agency website within 30 days of your arrival. Regular international students should be able to obtain an ARC that is valid for anywhere from 1 to 3 years, which may be renewed upon expiry.