HOME
About Us
Why TCU?
Apply Now!
New Students
Current Students
Sister Schools
Exchange & Dual Degree
Subsidy and Grant for Exchange
Explore TCU
Future CareerVisiting Students
The Visiting Students Program at TCU welcomes students enrolled in colleges and universities around the world to spend a semester or full year studying at TCU.
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
Admission to the visiting program is offered twice per year. Students can apply to start in the fall or the spring semester. Students applying for fall admission can enroll for either one semester or the full academic year.
Check out TCU’s Academic Calendar for more key dates.
Visiting Student status
Visiting Student status is typically intended for undergraduate students taking a year or one semester abroad. Please note that there are no taught graduate courses available to graduate visiting students. If you are a graduate student, there are two possible options available to you as a registered Visiting Student: you can either follow the curriculum of an undergraduate course, or undertake a period of research under a supervisor as a Recognised Student (here). Visiting Students should be enrolled in a home institution.
As a registered Visiting Student you become a member of TCU, and it is the TCU that will arrange for your tuition or supervision. TCU does not award a degree or any other qualification for one year of study as a Visiting Student, but colleges are willing to provide a transcript, for example for credit purposes at the home institution.
As a Visiting Student you do not matriculate at the University of TCU but your name is entered on the University’s Register as a Visiting Student and you will be affiliated with a college or society.
How to Apply
All applications are done online. Please send an email to the program contact of visiting students program to obtain the link to online application.
The online application consists of information about the student, transcripts, and supporting documents from your current university, listed below. You will send out the forms requesting the various supporting documents through the online system once you have started the student portion of the application.
You will need to submit the following seven forms.
– 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 You Need To Know
Course Information
Credit
Visiting undergraduate students are required to enroll in 9 credits per semester for graduate visiting students are required to enroll in 4 credits per semester, but you may choose to enroll in more.
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
University tuition fees are payable to cover the cost of access to the University facilities. As you are affiliated to a college you will also pay college fees and have access to accommodation. You must secure your own funding.
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.
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.
Visa
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.
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.
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.
Program Contact
If you have any questions about the Visiting Students admissions, please contact us at tcuoia@gms.tcu.edu.tw or chieni@gms.tcu.edu.tw We’re here to help.
Chien-Yi, Chen (Ms.)
Office of International Affairs,Tzu Chi University
Email: chieni@gms.tcu.edu.tw
Tel: +886-3-8565-301 ext. 1014
Q&A:
On campus accommodation address
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
Meals on campus
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
Visa information- Pre-arrival
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.
Visa information- Post-arrival
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 Website
How to getting an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
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.
National Immigration Agency, R.O.C. (Hualien, Taiwan) 內政部移民署花蓮縣服務站
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
Finance
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.- 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.
Life in TCU
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
Emergency 緊急電話
In the event of an emergency, students are advised to seek help through the following methods:
Call the 24 hr University Assistance below:
- 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.