Taiwan has built a strong reputation for higher education, attracting students from across the globe. But if you’re considering studying here, you might be wondering—do universities in Taiwan use English? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on the program, institution, and level of study.
English is widely used in graduate programs, international courses, and academic research, but for undergraduate degrees, Mandarin still dominates most classrooms. While you can find programs that allow you to complete a degree in English, daily campus life and outside of it will often require some level of Mandarin proficiency.
If you’re planning to study in Taiwan and want to improve your academic English, joining an 英語補習班 can help you gain confidence in writing essays, giving presentations, and communicating with professors.
How Much English Is Used?
English has a significant presence in higher education, especially in STEM fields, business programs, and international collaborations. Many universities have dedicated English-taught programs designed to attract foreign students and boost Taiwan’s reputation as a global education hub. Schools like National Taiwan University (NTU), National Chengchi University (NCCU), and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) offer degree programs entirely in English, particularly at the master’s and PhD levels.
That said, most undergraduate courses are still taught in Mandarin. Even in universities that offer English courses, students often find that some lectures, discussions, and administrative processes revert to Mandarin simply because the majority of students and faculty are more comfortable with it.
What About Daily Life on Campus?
Studying in an English-speaking program doesn’t mean you can completely avoid Mandarin. While universities are accommodating to international students, the reality is that much of campus life—from ordering food in the cafeteria to dealing with paperwork at the administration office—happens in Mandarin.
Professors and staff in top-tier universities tend to be fluent in English, but don’t expect the same level of English support in local student groups, dormitory offices, or campus events. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it’s just part of the immersion experience. Many students take advantage of language courses to pick up enough Mandarin to navigate daily life more smoothly.
Is Mandarin a Requirement for Admission?
If you’re applying to an English-taught program, universities typically require proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores). You won’t need to pass any Mandarin language test, but having basic Mandarin skills can make a huge difference in your experience.
On the other hand, if you’re applying for a Mandarin-taught program, you will need to meet Chinese language requirements, usually through TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) scores or prior coursework in Mandarin.
Do You Need to Learn Mandarin If You Study in English?
Technically, no. But practically? Yes, it helps—a lot.
While you can complete your degree without ever becoming fluent in Mandarin, you’ll still need basic communication skills for daily life, networking, and job opportunities after graduation. Many students in Taiwan eventually take Mandarin classes on the side, even if they start with an English-based curriculum.
The more languages you know, the more opportunities you’ll have—especially in Asia’s competitive job market.
Final Thoughts
Absolutely. Universities in Taiwan are making huge strides in internationalizing their programs, and you’ll find many opportunities to study entirely in English. However, don’t expect English to dominate every aspect of university life. For socializing, navigating daily tasks, and maximizing your experience, learning at least some Mandarin will be incredibly useful.
If you’re serious about studying in Taiwan and want to prepare, consider brushing up on your academic English with an English tutor, and if you’re also interested in Japanese, a 日語補習班 could be a great addition to your skill set.
Ultimately, Taiwan offers a rich educational experience, but like any foreign study destination, it helps to be linguistically prepared to make the most of it.