Exchange Students

If your University has a current partnership/exchange agreement with the Tzu Chi University you are welcome to apply as an exchange student.
Visiting Students

The Visiting Students Program at Tzu Chi University welcomes students enrolled in colleges and universities around the world to spend a semester or full year studying at TCU.

You may study as an exchange or visiting student for either one or two semesters. Your study will not lead to a degree. You will receive an academic transcript (record) that lists the subjects you’ve completed and the grade you’ve earned. An official transcript will be sent to you/your University upon completion of your study at Tzu Chi University.
To confirm whether your University has an exchange agreements please check with us or your International Office.

Important Dates:
Nomination/Application Deadline:
Fall Semester:April 6th – May 20th
Spring Semester: October 1st – November 11th
Academic Year/Semester Dates:
Fall Semester: mid-September to mid-January
Spring Semester: mid-February to the end of June
How to apply

Step 1
Reach out to your exchange coordinator at your home institution. You will need to check that there is a partnership between TCU and your Home institution first. Only students from a TCU partner institution can be nominated for an exchange semester.

Step 2
Your exchange coordinator will assess your eligibility for exchange. If successful, your exchange coordinator will nominate you to TCU.

Step 3
Once nominated by your home institution, you will need to submit the following seven forms. Submission instructions will be sent to you by TCU after you have been nominated.
– Online Application Form
– Transcript
– A Photocopy of the Passport
– An Autobiography
– Study plan & statement of purpose
– A Photo
– Chinese Proficiency Evaluation (Only for students who had studied Chinese before)
TCU will process your application materials and contact you with further details within 2 – 3 weeks of your application, including an official Admission Letter and pre-arrival information.


what do you need to know

Course Information
Credit
At TCU, each course is normally worth 2-3 credits and meets 2-3 hours per week over 18 weeks (one semester).
1 credit = 1 hour per week over 18 weeks, 1 credit = 18 hours
Approximately 1 TCU credit = 2 ECTS credits
1 TCU credit = 1 credit hour (North American credit system)

How to search for TCU course information?
-The course information for the First (Fall) semester: available in August; Second (Spring) semester: available in January.
-Courses taught in English list here.
-Before course information is announced, you may still refer to the TCU Course Information to search for courses offered in the past few years for your reference.
-Exchange students are allowed to enroll in most courses available at TCU with the exception of the restricted courses. We recommend you to check the list of Colleges and Departments at TCU before looking for the courses.

Tuition and Living Expenses
Base on the agreement between your university and TCU, your tuition fees might be waived.
For reference only here.

Health Insurance
To ensure that all exchange students at TCU have access to basic health care while studying at TCU, health care insurance is mandatory for all exchange students. Students are responsible for paying for the International Student Insurance provided through TCU.
-Accident and Health Insurance:
TCU will assist you in acquiring health insurance coverage in Taiwan, which costs NT$3,000 for a period of six months before you can join the National Health Insurance.
-Student Group Insurance:
The policy covers medical treatment, surgery and hospitalization caused by accidents only. Additional NT$332 per semester.
More information here.

Visas
Before you come to Taiwan, you should apply for a Resident or Visitor Visa at the Taiwan Diplomatic Center in your residence country with the official admission letter issued by TCU.
Please note that if you fail to obtain a correct visa issued by a Taiwan Diplomatic Mission, your exchange program will be canceled. You will get more information upon receipt of a TCU offer letter.
Note: There is no “Student Visa” in Taiwan. Instead, Taiwan offers 2 types of Visas for foreign students:
1.Visitor Visa, 2. Resident Visa. If you are going to stay less than 6 months, you should apply for the visitor visa. If your program is longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for the resident visa.
Entry Visa and Alien Residence Certificate (ARC): click here.
Students are responsible for applying for the correct visa type before entering Taiwan. For visa information please contact the closest Taiwan diplomatic center. click here.

ARC
If you hold an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and have met the six-month minimum residency requirement, you can choose to join the National Health Insurance (NHI) with limited coverage. Valid NHI card (National Health Insurance card) can be considered an equivalent insurance.

Scholarships
The scholarships are exclusively for degree students (undergraduate and graduate). For scholarships for non-degree programs (exchange and visiting), please contact your home university about the possibilities.

Accommodation
USD 275/NT 8,200 (Per semester/student)
All international students will be provided with on-campus dormitory-style housing which costs about $USD 275/ NT 8,200 per semester per student. Each room accommodates four students. However, based on the agreement between your university and TCU, your on-campus housing expense might be waived. Please consult with your exchange advisor.
Please note, your residence will correspond with the location of your program, either at our Main Campus or Jieren Campus.
-Winter break: NT$100 per day
-Summer break: NT$125 per day (including the air-conditioning fee), NT$110 per day for stays more than 30 days.
-Lunar New Year holidays: NT$ 300 per day (excluding the air-conditioning fee).
Video Tour

Contact
If you have any questions about the Exchange and Visiting Students admissions, please contact us at stacey@gms.tcu.edu.tw. We’re here to help.
Office of Global Affairs, Tzu Chi University
Contact Person: Ms Wen
E-mail: stacey@gms.tcu.edu.tw
Tel: +886-3-8565301#11018


Insightful Experience

Alexia Eva Hallmann 韓星瑤
University of Applied Sciences Zwickau, German
In conclusion, my exchange program at Tzu-Chi University in Taiwan has been an incredible journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and academic growth. The warmth and kindness of the Taiwanese people, combined with the university’s commitment to education and service, have left an indelible mark on my heart.
I do not regret coming here to study, it was definitely one of my best few months in my life and if I could turn back time, I would always do the same by coming here. As an exchange student I felt welcomed at Tzu-Chi University. I had a great campus life here and got to learn about the Tzu-Chi foundation.
The experience has not only broadened my horizons academically but has also shaped my values and perspectives on life. I am grateful for the lifelong friendships I have formed and the lessons I have learned during my time in Taiwan. As I return home, I carry with me a newfound appreciation for compassion, cultural diversity, and the power of education to shape a better world.
Taiwan and Tzu-Chi University have become an integral part of my identity, and I am determined to share the lessons and experiences gained from this transformative journey with others. The memories and lessons learned will continue to guide me as I embark on future endeavors, and I am confident that this exchange experience has equipped me to be an advocate for cross-cultural understanding and a positive change in the world.
I am thankful for the opportunity that Tzu-Chi gave me and I will never forget the time I spend here.

Sarah Obermann 高颯然
University of Applied Sciences Zwickau, German
In addition, a semester in Hualien, can offer students the opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty. Hualien is famous for its stunning natural scenery, including the Taroko Gorge, Qingshui Cliff, and Marble Mountains. Students can explore the area’s eco-tourism offerings, from hiking and camping to river rafting and cycling. I often got to enjoy the beautiful view from the TCU Jieren Campus of the mountains. Touring Taroko was also one of my highlights. It is also possible to participate in environmental conservation programs and learn about Taiwan’s efforts to preserve its natural resources. By exploring Taiwan’s natural wonders, students can gain a better appreciation for the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.
Q&A:
Main Campus Address:
No. 701, Sec. 3, Zhongyang Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970347 970花蓮縣花蓮市中央路三段701號Male Dormitory
188, Lane 3, Zhongshan Road, Sec. 1, Hualien, Taiwan 97004 花蓮市中山路一段3巷188號Female Dormitory
190, Lane 3, Zhongshan Road, Sec. 1, Hualien, Taiwan 97004 花蓮市中山路一段3巷190號Jieren Campus Address:
No. 67, Jieren St., Hualien City, Hualien, Taiwan 970048 花蓮市介仁街67號What is Visitor Visa
- The Visitor Visa is recommended for students who stay for 1 semester or less to apply for.
- Please consult with a Taiwan diplomatic mission or visit Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website for information. here
- You may need to apply for a Visitor Visa Extension if the duration of stay listed on your visa does not cover the full length of your exchange/visiting period. Overstaying your visa may result in fines. Please consult with the National Immigration Agency.
What is Resident Visa
- The Resident Visa is recommended for students who stay for 1 academic year to apply for.
- Please consult with a Taiwan diplomatic mission or visit Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website for more information. here
- You must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) at the National Immigration Agency within 30 days of entry into Taiwan with a Resident Visa.
Getting a Visitor Visa Extension
Please visit website for more information about the Visitor Visa extension. Getting a Visitor Visa Extension. The maximum duration of stay the Visitor Visa permits is 60 or 90 days; therefore, all Visitor Visa holders who are staying for at least 1 semester must apply for an extension at least once. Visitor Visa extensions must be applied for within 30 days of your current Visa expiration date: overstaying will result in penalties and fines. (If you go to apply before 30 days, the Immigration Office will NOT accept your application.) Required Documents- Application Form. (here)
- Passport. (Original and one photocopy.)
- Visa. (Currently in use, either issued abroad or within Taiwan. Original and one photocopy.)
- Supporting Documents for Specific Purposes of Stay. (Please bring your exchange student admission letter- Please print a hard copy) and student ID card)
Changing from a Visitor Visa to a Resident Visa
If you have applied for a Visitor Visa in your home country but plan on studying in TCU for 1 academic year, you may need to change your Visitor Visa to a Resident Visa. Please remember to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) at National Immigration Agency within 30 days of receiving your visa. ※For those who need to change from a Visitor to Resident Visa, note that the ROC Mission requires a different health exam be taken, and because the exam for Resident Visa must be taken in a Ministry-designated hospital (in which Tzu Chi Hospital is included), you must go to a Ministry-designated hospital to have them fill out the results on both forms. To download the list “Items Required for Health Certificate for Residence in Taiwan” go to: websiteVisa Standard Fee
If you are coming to Taiwan with a Visitor Visa and wish to change it to a Resident Visa and apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) after arrival, you will need to pay: 3,000 for a “Change Visitor Visa to Resident Visa” fee +1,000 Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) +2,100 medical examination (medical examination is required for change Visitor Visa to Resident Visa. If you get a Resident Visa, you can apply for an Alien Resident Certificate(ARC) directly without paying for the medical examination in Taiwan) =NT 6,100 total If you are coming to Taiwan with a Resident Visa and wish to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) after arrival, you will need to pay: 1,000 for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) =NT 1,000 total Standard Fees for The Republic of China (Taiwan) Visas in Foreign Passports WebsiteHualien County Service Center
Location: 5F., No.371, Zhongshan Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Tel: +886 (0)3 832 9700 Service hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00, no lunch break. WebsiteUsing Credit Cards/Bank Cards:
Before leaving for Taiwan, consult your bank in your home country as to whether you can use your credit cards/bank cards to withdraw money in Taiwan, and what the transaction charges may be.Opening a Bank Account:
Bring your passport and ARC to a local bank and fill out all necessary forms (you can ask the bank teller for help.) Opening a bank account requires a minimum deposit of TWD 1,000. We strongly advise that you apply for a bank card in order to keep your money accessible and available for withdrawal from an ATM at any time.- If you do not have an ARC, you must have an UI No. to open a bank account. To apply for an UI No., please refer to National Immigration Agency’s website.
- If you are under 20, you are not considered a legal adult under the law in Taiwan. You will need a letter of consent by your guardian in Taiwan, or by an embassy-approved overseas legal guardian, in order to open an account. It is often easier to solicit parental or legal consent before you arrive.
Transportation
School Shuttle Bus
If you are commuting between the Main Campus and the Jieren Campus, there is a convenient school shuttle bus free of charge. The school shuttle bus runs from Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm (with no operation on national holidays, school holidays, or winter and summer vacations). You can download the campus shuttle bus schedule from the Office of General Affairs(總務處庶務組) websiteBicycles
There are many bike shop near to the downtown, where you can buy a new bicycle or have your bicycle repaired. One of the best deals for exchange students is the second-hand bike.慈濟大學惜福小站 Tzu Chi University Second-hand Facebook Group Website
Hospitals Near Campus
Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital 花蓮慈濟醫院 Location: No. 707, Section 3, Zhongyang Road, Hualien City 970473 Tel: +886 (0)3 856 1825, ext. 9 Website Student Clubs and Activities 學生社團 Please review: Website Sports Center 運動中心(大喜館) Please review: Website- On-campus Emergency (Campus Security 24HR) 校安中心24小時緊急電話+886 (0)3 856 0505.
- Dial directly from any local landline or mobile phone for ambulances and fire engines if necessary.