by Luna Erica
While it may not be the first destination that springs to mind for English-taught degrees, Taiwan offers an exceptional academic environment for international students.
Located in the heart of East Asia, Taiwan is a vibrant hub where distinct traditions meet modern innovation. If you are planning to pursue your education here, you likely need a clear breakdown of the expenses involved in living and studying in Taiwan.
1. Tuition fees in Taiwan
Tuition fees in Taiwan vary significantly depending on the institution. With costs ranging from approximately 675 EUR to 12,700 EUR per year, it is vital to research the specific tuition rates for your chosen university and academic program. Below are the typical average costs at public universities:
- 1,100–7,500 EUR/year for
- 600–15,500 EUR/year for
- 700–7,000 EUR/year for
Generally, tuition fees at public universities in Taiwan are more affordable than those at private institutions, a crucial factor to consider if you are managing a strict student budget.
Finding an affordable degree
With Online Result, you can easily filter degrees based on tuition costs to identify the most budget-friendly options. For a more personalized experience, use our BestFit tool, which matches your academic profile and personal goals with the perfect study program.
When browsing for study programs, keep in mind that tuition fees are subject to change. Always consult the official university website for the most recent financial information.
Universities we recommend in Taiwan
Discover the top universities in Taiwan according to global rankings.
2. Student living costs in Taiwan
Living in Taiwan as a student is relatively affordable, costing between 680–880 EUR per month, excluding tuition fees. Several factors will influence your total monthly expenditure:
- Your accommodation type (shared room; single room; off-campus vs on-campus)
- Your personal spending on food, books, and other items
- The area where you’ll live
- How much you’ll need to commute or travel
- Student housing costs
Taiwan offers a variety of housing options to suit different preferences and budgets, including:
- Student halls of residence (80–200 EUR/month) – living in halls will often mean you’re very close to your academic buildings and to your friends
- Rented flats (300–600 EUR/month) – living off-campus can be as expensive as you want it to be, but you can definitely decrease your monthly spend by sharing a room with one or several roommates
- Host family (7–25 EUR/night) – living with one or different host families will allow you to experience the local culture easily and in-depth
3. Food costs in Taiwan
On average, daily food costs in Taiwan hover around 13 EUR, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Grocery prices at local supermarkets remain consistently affordable:
- 2.70 EUR for a litre of milk
- 1.70 EUR for a loaf of bread
- 3.80 EUR for a kilo of apples
- 2.00 EUR for twelve eggs
For more precise figures, you can view a detailed breakdown of average living costs online.
4. Transportation costs
Taiwan features an extensive transportation network, including trains, buses, metro systems, taxis, and bike-sharing services. While owning a car is an option, it is rarely necessary.
Transportation expenses vary based on your preferred mode of transit. A one-day pass for buses and the metro costs roughly 5 EUR, though you can save significantly by opting for multi-day or monthly transit subscriptions.
Students traveling between Taiwanese cities can expect to spend between 2–17 EUR daily on transit, depending on the distance and the speed of travel.
5. Extra costs in Taiwan
Lifestyle expenses are largely dictated by your personal habits. While skipping cinema outings or opting for budget-friendly fitness options can help you save, consider these potential monthly extracurricular costs:
- 9 EUR for a new SIM card, with about 3 EUR worth of call time and 1.2GB of data (where one call costs 1 to 30 cents per minute)
- 9 EUR for a cinema ticket
- 37 EUR/month for a fitness membership
- 67 EUR for a pair of Levi’s 501 jeans or similar
Healthcare costs vary depending on your provider and selected insurance package. It is essential to research your options thoroughly and select a plan that fits your personal coverage needs.
Find more general information about Taiwan for travelers and students.
6. Scholarships and grants
While living in Taiwan is more affordable than in many Western European countries, applying for a scholarship can significantly help offset your tuition fees. Funding opportunities are often provided by universities, large organizations, or private sponsors.
Be sure to plan ahead for scholarship applications. Deadlines often close several months before the start of the academic year; missing a deadline typically means waiting until the following year to apply again.
You can begin your funding journey today by applying for the Online Result Scholarship. Submit your application now for a chance to finance your international education!