Inbound Exchange and Visiting Students

Thinking of studying at Tzu Chi for an exchange semester? We welcome incoming exchange students from around the world in both our Spring and Fall semesters!

Exchange Students

Visiting Students

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

Check out TCU’s Academic Calendar EN TC for more key dates.

How to apply

what do you need to know

More Information

Video Tour

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:

What New Students Need to Know EN here TC here

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
View Video Tour At Tzu Chi University, only vegetarian meals are served as a commitment to protect the environment. Students also use their own containers and utensils for the sake of hygiene. For more information about dining facilities and hours: meals on campus Your student ID card will be your stored value card for on-campus dining. 使用學校餐卡の指南- 中文版 here Guide using meal card_Eng version here

What is Visitor Visa

  1. The Visitor Visa is recommended for students who stay for 1 semester or less to apply for.
  2. Please consult with a Taiwan diplomatic mission or visit Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website for information. here
  3. 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

  1. The Resident Visa is recommended for students who stay for 1 academic year to apply for.
  2. Please consult with a Taiwan diplomatic mission or visit Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website for more information. here
  3. 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
  1. Application Form. (here)
  2. Passport. (Original and one photocopy.)
  3. Visa. (Currently in use, either issued abroad or within Taiwan. Original and one photocopy.)
  4. 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: website 

Visa 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 Website
Getting an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) Please visit website for more information about how does a foreigner apply for an ARC. Students Online Application System website The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) serves as your temporary ID card and can prove your resident status in Taiwan. Whether you have entered Taiwan with a Resident Visa or obtained a Resident Visa through a visa change in Taiwan, please remember to apply for the Alien Resident Certificate and Re-entry Permit at the National Immigration Agency in your resident city within 30 days of your arrival beginning with the day after arrival. The ARC is valid for the duration of your studies. In addition, if you change your residence, you have to register the new address with related documents at a local immigration service station within 15 days.

Hualien 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. Website

Using 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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
You can find more information about opening a bank account in Taiwan here. -How to open an account in Post office -How to open an account in Bankost office Chunghwa Post  Chunghwa Post is the official postal service of Taiwan, which provides both postal and banking services. Hualien Guo-an Post Office Location: No. 408, Zhongshan Rd., Hualien 970013, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Tel: For Postal Service: +886 (0)3 833 1141#278 For Banking Service: +886 (0)3 833 1141#220 Website Bank of Taiwan / Hualien Branch Location: Address 3, Gongyuan Road, Hualien City,Hualien County Tel: +886 (0)3 832 2151 Website CTBC Bank /Hualien Branch Location: 1F., No.376, Jhongshan Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County 970, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Tel: +886 (0)3 834 0566 Website
Step 1: Getting train ticket Step 2: Taoyuan Airport to Taipei by MRT Step 3: Taipei to Hualien Guidelines TC here  EN here.

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) website

Bicycles

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

朵利車自行車行 Doris Bike Shop Website

生活鐵馬Life Bike Website

樂單車自行車行 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
In the event of an emergency, students are advised to seek help through the following methods: Call the 24 hr University Assistance below:
  1. On-campus Emergency (Campus Security 24HR) 校安中心24小時緊急電話+886 (0)3 856 0505.
  2. Dial directly from any local landline or mobile phone for ambulances and fire engines if necessary.
Police- 110. Criminal offence, traffic accidents and other incidents requesting police assistance. Fire Department/ Ambulance- 119. Fire, assisting accident casualties and other emergencies requesting urgent assistance.