National Cheng Kung University

Master in Department of Life Sciences

Tainan City, Taiwan Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Tainan City is a well-regarded public research university established in 1931. It combines strong engineering, science, and medical-related research with interdisciplinary programs and productive industry partnerships. NCKU emphasizes practical problem solving, innovation, and international engagement, hosting students from over 80 countries and offering free Chinese language courses for degree-seeking international students.

Academic strengths include bioscience, energy technology, medical device innovation, and information technology, supported by dedicated research centers and a track record of applied projects such as satellite collaboration. The university promotes talent development through language training, global perspectives, and information skills to prepare graduates for international careers and industry collaboration.

Student life at NCKU includes a range of dormitory options equipped with modern amenities and internet access, making for a comfortable campus experience. Tainan’s cultural heritage and affordable living complement campus life, providing hands-on learning and community engagement. NCKU is a strong choice if you seek a research-active, industry-connected university in a culturally rich Taiwanese city.

About the Program

Life sciences examines the biology of organisms across scales, from genes and cells to organ systems and populations, and a master's-level program in this field is meant for students who already hold an undergraduate degree in biology or a related discipline and want to deepen their expertise. Typical areas of focus include molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, and ecology, often paired with more specialized coursework and a research project or thesis component. Students at this level are expected to move beyond foundational knowledge toward designing and executing their own experiments, analyzing data critically, and communicating scientific findings in both written and oral formats. Laboratory training remains central, with graduate students frequently working alongside faculty on ongoing research questions in areas such as gene expression, disease mechanisms, or environmental biology. A master's degree in life sciences prepares graduates for a variety of paths, including continuing on to doctoral study, taking up research or technical positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, working in public health or environmental organizations, or entering roles in quality control, regulatory affairs, or science-based industries. The analytical and laboratory skills developed during graduate study in this field are broadly transferable across research-intensive sectors. This Department of Life Sciences program is offered at National Cheng Kung University, in Southern Taiwan, with instruction conducted in English, making it accessible to international students seeking advanced biological training within a Taiwanese research university while preparing for further academic or industry careers.

Tuition in Context

This program's tuition is about the same as the typical master's in Taiwan.

Median tuition for that cohort is 3,482 USD, across 386 programs in our catalog.

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Scholarships You Could Apply For at National Cheng Kung University

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Taiwan · University

NCKU Distinguished International Student Scholarship

National Cheng Kung University

Full tuition waiver (grad) + college-set stipend ~NTD 8,000–16,000/mo; Elite PhD up to 25,000

Bachelor's Master's PhD
Open · Next: No separate form; awarded with your admission letter
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