Our Mission
A Place to Settle In and Grow
Choosing a university far from home is never a small decision. TCU understands that — and takes it seriously.
Set in Hualien — a coastal city of quiet beauty on Taiwan’s eastern shore — TCU offers something beyond academics: an environment where you are genuinely cared for. Where settling in feels possible, and growth feels natural.
Where Care Shapes Everything
Rooted in Buddhist values, this commitment to human dignity is not a religious requirement — it is a practice open to all faiths, all cultures, and all backgrounds. Tzu Chi believes that students who experience being truly supported will, in turn, learn to support others. At TCU, that belief is not a slogan. It is lived, every day, across every part of campus life.
What makes TCU different comes down to five things — and each one matters.
An Education Grounded in Compassion
Yi-De Parents Program
Studying abroad means leaving everything familiar behind. The Yi-De Parents Program pairs international students with Tzu Chi volunteers who offer guidance, practical support, and a genuine sense of community — so that settling into campus life feels a little less like starting from scratch.
Volunteering Opportunities
At TCU, serving others is not an extracurricular activity — it is an essential part of education. Students have a variety of opportunities to engage with their communities, from local outreach to international volunteer initiatives through the Tzu Chi network.
A New Standard in Medical Education
Silent Mentor Program
The Silent Mentor Program sets TCU apart — not just as a medical school, but as a place where clinical training and human dignity go hand in hand.
Pioneered by TCU and now recognized internationally, the program invites voluntary body donors to contribute to medical education with the full understanding and blessing of their families. Medical students learn not only from the body, but from the person — their story, their family, and their choice to give.
Today, the Silent Mentor Program is recognized as a global standard for humanistic medical training — a model that originated here, in Hualien, and has since inspired institutions around the world.
A Genuinely Global Experience
Dual Degree / Triple Degree Program
The Dual or Triple Degree Program offers something rare — the chance to graduate with degrees from two or three institutions, one focused journey. Graduates leave with qualifications from both TCU and a partner university abroad — and a perspective that opens doors.
Exchange Program
TCU has formal partnerships with more than 70 universities across five continents, including:
- National University of Singapore
- Osaka University
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
- The University of Hong Kong
- Thompson Rivers University
- Rennes School of Business
- Aston University
These are not just names on a list — they represent real exchange opportunities available to TCU students every year. For many, studying at TCU is where the journey begins — a springboard to wherever their aspirations may take them.
Academic Depth, Real-World Access
Rankings tell part of the story.
In THE Impact Rankings 2025, TCU ranked 64th worldwide among 1,788 universities for its contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Faculty make it personal.
With 78% of faculty holding doctoral degrees and a student–faculty ratio of approximately 11:1, students have genuine access to faculty who are deeply committed to their field. At TCU, that access translates into real relationships — where faculty know your name, understand your goals, and invest in your growth.
Accelerated 5-Year Programs
For students who know where they are headed, TCU’s 5-Year Program offers a head start — beginning graduate-level preparation during the fourth year of undergraduate study, and completing both degrees within a shortened timeframe.
The Tzu Chi network opens real doors.
Behind TCU stands one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks — the Tzu Chi Foundation, operating across 68 countries. For students, this is not just an impressive backdrop. It is a living ecosystem of hospitals, media organizations, educational institutions, and relief operations that actively needs talented people.
At TCU, your studies place you at the edge of that world — with real opportunities to engage, contribute, and grow alongside it.
A Support System Beyond the Classroom
Scholarships Available
Financial concerns shouldn’t stand between you and your education. TCU offers a variety of scholarships and financial assistance programs designed to reduce financial barriers — reflecting our belief that when students feel truly supported, they can give their full attention to learning, growing, and thriving.
Affordable Facilities
Living well is essential to learning well. TCU’s on-campus housing is comfortable, affordable, and thoughtfully managed — providing a safe and secure environment where students can rest and recharge. On-campus dining is available for all three meals of the day, at prices that won’t strain a student budget — making it simple to eat well without leaving campus.
Student Employment Opportunities
For students who wish to gain professional experience while studying, on-campus positions are available in various areas — such as the Office of Global Affairs, the university library, and academic teaching assistance programs. International students may work part-time with a valid work permit tied to their Taiwan ARC — up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods.