Why TCU
We are here to evolve and innovate.
At Tzu Chi University, education is guided by compassion, global engagement, and academic excellence. Located in the scenic coastal city of Hualien, Taiwan, TCU offers a distinctive learning environment where professional expertise is cultivated alongside a strong commitment to humanitarian values.
Rooted in the spirit of the Tzu Chi Foundation, the university prepares students not only to succeed academically, but also to contribute meaningfully to society. Students benefit from an educational experience shaped by five defining strengths:
Five Defining Strengths:
Humanity Centered Education
Yi-De Parents
The Yi-De Parents Program provides mentorship and emotional support to international students studying far from home. Tzu Chi volunteers serve as caring mentors who help students adapt to campus life while fostering a sense of belonging within the university community.
Humanity-Centered Research
Research conducted at TCU revolves around making a substantial impact for the good of all humanity, with an emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable of society through direct relief. This boundless commitment of great love for all humanity has led to concrete innovations in eye stroke treatment research, traumatic memory research; and collaborative research with Taiwan’s premier and hallowed research institute of sciences Academia Sinica, to develop a COVID-19 IgM/IgG detection kit when the world was at its greatest in need, through the pandemic.
Silent Mentor Program
Tzu Chi University pioneered the internationally recognized Silent Mentor Program, an innovative model of medical education that honors voluntary body donors. Through this program, medical students study human anatomy while developing a deep respect for the generosity and dignity of donors who contribute to medical education.
The experience strengthens both clinical competence and the humanistic values essential to compassionate healthcare. This unique approach has gained international recognition as a model for humanistic medical education.
Volunteering Opportunities
TCU encourages students to become responsible global citizens by engaging in community service and volunteer initiatives that create meaningful social impact. Through service-learning projects and outreach activities, students gain practical experience while contributing to society in meaningful ways.
Global Opportunities
Dual Degree Program
The Dual Degree Program allows students to pursue academic study at both Tzu Chi University and partner universities abroad. Students who complete the program may earn degrees from both institutions, gaining valuable international academic experience and cross-cultural perspectives.
Exchange Program
Tzu Chi University maintains partnerships with more than 70 universities across five continents, providing students with opportunities for international exchange and academic collaboration.
Partner institutions include:
• University of Oxford
• University of California system
• Columbia University
• National University of Singapore
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Peking University
These partnerships enable students to broaden their academic perspectives while experiencing diverse cultures and learning environments.
Personalized Academic Support
Notable Ranking
Tzu Chi University has received international recognition for its contributions to education and social impact. In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2019, TCU ranked 67th globally, 10th in Asia, and 1st in Taiwan among 462 universities evaluated.
In THE Impact Rankings 2022, the university ranked 12th worldwide among 1,406 universities for its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Faculty Excellence
TCU is supported by a highly qualified faculty committed to excellence in teaching and research. Approximately 86.59% of faculty members hold doctoral degrees, exceeding the national average. With a student–faculty ratio of approximately 10:1, students benefit from close mentorship and interactive learning guided by experts in their respective fields.
Broader Access to Professional Resources
Students at TCU benefit from strong connections within the broader Tzu Chi global network. Medical students gain experience through Tzu Chi’s healthcare system, which operates multiple hospitals in Taiwan and supports humanitarian missions worldwide. Students in communication studies collaborate with the Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation, contributing to media productions distributed internationally.
These partnerships provide valuable professional opportunities and career pathways.
5-Year Programs Available
Students may choose to enroll in TCU’s 5-Year Program, which allows them to begin graduate-level preparation during their fourth year of undergraduate study. This pathway enables students to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees within a shortened academic timeframe.
Global Tzu Chi Network
The Tzu Chi Foundation operates in 63 countries across five continents, forming one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks. Through this global network, students have opportunities to participate in international volunteer initiatives and humanitarian projects.
Scholarships & Student Support
Scholarships Available
The Tzu Chi Foundation operates in 63 countries across five continents, forming one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks. Through this global network, students have opportunities to participate in international volunteer initiatives and humanitarian projects.
Affordable Facilities
TCU provides comfortable and affordable on-campus housing equipped with air conditioning, hot water, shared kitchens, and communal living spaces. Campus dining facilities offer three meals daily at reasonable prices. For additional details, please visit the Tuition and Fees page.
Student Employment Opportunities
TCU offers various on-campus student employment opportunities that allow students to gain professional experience while supporting their studies.
Positions may be available in areas such as the Office of Global Affairs, the university library, and teaching assistance programs.
International students may work part-time after obtaining a valid work permit associated with their Taiwan ARC (Alien Resident Certificate). Students may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, with additional flexibility during vacation periods.