Growing International Engagement: NCHU’s Partnerships with Top Global Universities

NCHU’s Strategic International Partnerships Strengthen Global Academic Networks

National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) has recently been recognized as one of the top internationalized universities in Taiwan, securing the fifth position in the latest ranking by Cheers magazine for its outstanding efforts in promoting international collaboration and academic exchange. The university excelled in key areas of internationalization, including the number of dual-degree programs, the extent of its partner institutions, and the volume of academic exchange activities. Notably, NCHU has 430 global partner institutions, with 120 offering student exchange opportunities. In addition, it has established dual-degree programs with 37 prestigious universities worldwide, providing students with diverse global learning experiences.

In recent years, NCHU has been actively expanding its international academic collaborations. Over the past two years, the university signed new agreements with several globally ranked institutions, including the University of New South Wales in Australia (ranked 19th in the QS World University Rankings), Leiden University College The Hague in the Netherlands (ranked 141st), Keio University in Japan (ranked 188th), Dresden University of Technology in Germany (ranked 234th), and the University of Tasmania in Australia (ranked 293rd).

Furthermore, NCHU offers 37 dual-degree programs that allow students to earn degrees from both NCHU and its partner institutions abroad. These programs provide opportunities for NCHU students to study overseas while also allowing international students to pursue part of their education in Taiwan. An example of these programs is the veterinary medicine dual-degree program, launched in 2017 in collaboration with Kansas State University and Iowa State University in the U.S., which has successfully enabled students to earn U.S. veterinary licenses.

Moreover, NCHU has been strengthening its global academic engagement through impactful partnerships. A notable collaboration with the Toyota Technological Institute in Japan has enabled 82 students from NCHU's College of Engineering and College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science to conduct research there since 2007. Between 2017 and 2023, the proportion of students participating in dual-degree programs increased by nearly 64%, indicating significant growth in international academic involvement. Additionally, an increasing number of outstanding students from partner institutions in Europe and the U.S. choose to study at NCHU, further enriching cross-border academic exchange and collaboration.

Another key initiative, the "3+X" degree program, allows students to complete three years of undergraduate studies at NCHU and then continue their education at a partner university abroad to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree. Current partners in this program include UC Davis and Utah State University, with the UC Davis collaboration covering disciplines such as Applied Economics, Agribusiness, Life Sciences, Engineering, and Computer Science, offering students extensive international academic opportunities.

Dr. Chi-Chung Chou, the Vice President for International Affairs at NCHU, emphasized the university's commitment to advancing its internationalization through various strategic initiatives. Looking ahead, NCHU plans to further diversify its dual-degree offerings, establish international research teams, expand academic collaborations, and launch global projects such as Mandarin language programs and summer schools. These efforts are aimed at cultivating professionals with a global perspective and strong international competitiveness. NCHU’s continued focus on internationalization strengthens its position as a leader in global academic collaboration, benefiting both local and international students while fostering cross-cultural exchanges and innovation.

Editor's Note:

National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) has emerged as a leader in international academic collaboration, as reflected in its recent ranking as one of the top internationalized universities in Taiwan. With 430 global partner institutions and 37 dual-degree programs, NCHU has created a wealth of opportunities for students to gain a truly global education. NCHU’s commitment to providing diverse academic pathways, such as its "3+X" degree program, is shaping the future of students who will be equipped to thrive in an interconnected, globalized world. As Taiwan’s higher education landscape continues to evolve, NCHU’s focus on global collaboration stands as a powerful model for universities seeking to enhance their international presence. These efforts, along with its ongoing projects like Mandarin language programs and summer schools, ensure that NCHU students and international scholars alike will benefit from enriched educational experiences. 

According to Skoobuzz, in a rapidly changing global environment, NCHU’s proactive approach is paving the way for future leaders with a strong global perspective and heightened international competitiveness.