Learning Chinese in Taiwan for Foreigners: Top Mandarin Centers, Tuition Comparison, and Scholarship Info

Chinese, also known as Mandarin, is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 1 billion speakers. It is the official language of China, Taiwan, and Singapore, and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Mandarin is known for its tonal nature and the use of characters rather than an alphabet, making it both fascinating and challenging to learn. However, mastering Mandarin opens doors to rich cultural experiences and countless professional opportunities in the global market.

Learning Chinese has become increasingly popular as the language continues to gain global significance. Whether for business, travel, or cultural exchange, mastering Chinese opens up countless opportunities. Taiwan, with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, offers the ideal environment for foreigners to learn Chinese. In this article, we’ll explore why learning Chinese is beneficial and why studying it in Taiwan provides an unparalleled experience.

▶Learn more：Best Way to Learn Mandarin: Top Strategies, Tips & Resources That Actually Work

Taiwan has long been a popular destination for foreigners to learn Chinese, not only because of its safe living environment and rich cultural diversity, but also thanks to its passionate teaching atmosphere and a wide range of school options. Whether you are a beginner just starting out or an advanced learner aiming to enhance your language skills, Taiwan is an ideal base for Chinese language learning.

This article explores language school resources, living costs, and immersion experiences to help you find the best city for your Chinese learning journey.

Why Learn Chinese?

1. Career Advancement

Chinese learning is one of the most impactful investments you can make in your career. Chinese is one of the most influential languages in the world, and having Chinese learning skills can significantly boost your career prospects.  As China’s economic power grows, companies increasingly seek employees who are proficient in Chinese. Whether you work in international trade, technology, tourism, or education, knowing Chinese gives you a competitive edge in the global job market.

2. Cultural Understanding and Communication

Learning Chinese isn’t just about mastering a language; it’s about understanding an ancient and rich culture. By engaging in Chinese learning, you’ll gain insight into the history, philosophy, and art of China and Taiwan, which are key to understanding modern Asian societies. You’ll also be able to engage more deeply with Chinese-speaking communities, enhancing your cross-cultural communication skills.

3. Broaden Your Global Perspective

Through Chinese learning, you’ll open doors to interactions with Chinese speakers around the world. From travel to business partnerships, having Chinese language skills helps you navigate different regions more easily and broadens your international horizons.

▶Learn more：Best Places to Learn Chinese – Top 6 Websites to Learn Chinese Online

Why Study Mandarin in Taiwan?

Taiwan attracts more and more foreigners to learn Chinese due to its friendly living environment and abundant cultural activities. Choosing Taiwan means exposure to traditional Chinese characters and a deep dive into the details of Chinese culture—such as night market delicacies, traditional festivals, and historical architecture—all of which are irreplaceable learning resources. For foreigners learning Chinese in Taiwan, these cultural settings are the best real-life practice materials.

1. High-Quality Chinese Education

Taiwan is known for its high-quality Chinese learning system. Schools and language centers in Taiwan offer well-structured courses that emphasize both traditional Chinese characters and proper grammar. Learning Chinese in Taiwan means you’ll be exposed to a well-rounded and authentic form of the language, taught by experienced teachers who specialize in Chinese learning.

2. Safe and Welcoming Environment

Taiwan is one of the safest and friendliest countries in Asia, making it a comfortable place for international students pursuing Chinese learning. The people of Taiwan are known for their hospitality, and the environment is conducive to learning. In such a setting, students can focus on their Chinese learning journey without distractions, allowing for rapid language improvement.

3. Cultural Immersion

Taiwan offers a rich cultural experience that combines modern life with traditional values. As you immerse yourself in Chinese learning, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in cultural festivals, explore Taiwan’s history, and enjoy its diverse cuisine. This immersive experience not only helps you improve your language skills through Chinese learning but also gives you a deeper understanding of Taiwanese life and culture.

4. Accessible Learning Resources and International Community

Taiwan provides ample resources for those dedicated to Chinese learning. Whether through language exchange programs, conversation groups, or Chinese language clubs, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice. Additionally, Taiwan’s international community allows you to meet students from all over the world, fostering a global learning environment perfect for Chinese learning.

Comparison Category	Learning Chinese in Taiwan	Learning Chinese in China
Writing System	Traditional Chinese characters, preserving more historical forms	Simplified Chinese characters, widely used in Mainland China
Language Environment	Standard “Mandarin” (Taiwanese Mandarin), clear and regulated pronunciation	“Putonghua” (Standard Mandarin), with regional accents varying by location (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai)
Cultural Experience	Taiwan blends traditional Chinese culture with modern Western influences, offering a diverse and inclusive culture	China offers a wealth of traditional cultural resources with regional variations across the country
Living Environment	Convenient, safe, friendly locals, and a strong expat community	Diverse living environments, rapid urban development, higher living costs in some cities
Teaching Style	Emphasis on personalized learning, smaller class sizes with more interaction between students and teachers	Abundant teaching resources, but larger class sizes and a focus on exam-based education in some cases
Learning Resources	Language schools offer rich resources, including language corners and cultural activities	Universities and language centers provide a wide range of course options, but resources vary depending on city size
Everyday Communication	Taiwanese people are generally friendly and eager to practice Mandarin with foreigners, providing more opportunities for language exchange	A pure Mandarin environment, though regional dialects can affect communication in some areas
Visa and Residency	Taiwan offers relatively friendly visa policies for foreign students, with easier access to student visas during study	Visa regulations can be stricter, with applications depending on school and term arrangements

Comparison Table: Learning Chinese in Three Major Cities

As Chinese gain increasing global influence, more foreigners are choosing Taiwan to study the language. Three major cities in Taiwan—Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung—which one provides the best learning environment for you? you wil find the most suitable city for your Chinese learning journey.

School Name	Location	Features	Tuition (Per Term)	Scholarship Available
National Taiwan Normal University – Mandarin Training Center	Taipei	Taiwan’s most renowned Mandarin teaching institute with strong faculty and professional materials	NT$25,000–30,000	✅
National Chengchi University Mandarin Studies Program	Taipei	Focus on practical conversation and cultural courses, modern facilities	Around NT$30,000	✅
Tamkang University Mandarin Center	New Taipei	Offers short-term intensive courses, can be taken with academic studies	Around NT$25,000	✅
Tunghai University Chinese Language Center	Taichung	Beautiful campus, relatively low living costs	NT$20,000–25,000	✅
National Kaohsiung Normal University Mandarin Center	Kaohsiung	Ideal for students wanting to experience southern Taiwan	Around NT$20,000	✅

Learning Chinese in Taiwan: Costs and Living Expenses

The main expenses for foreigners learning Chinese in Taiwan include tuition and living costs:

• Tuition: Each term (around 3 months) ranges from NT$20,000–30,000, depending on the school and course intensity.
• Accommodation: Renting off-campus housing costs around NT$8,000–15,000 per month; school dorms are significantly cheaper.
• Living Expenses: Meals cost about NT$200–300 per day, totaling NT$6,000–9,000 per month.
  

Overall, the cost of learning Chinese in Taiwan remains reasonable compared to other Asian regions, especially cities like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Scholarships for Foreigners Learning Chinese in Taiwan

Many schools and government institutions in Taiwan offer scholarships to help reduce the financial burden for foreign students:

• MOE Huayu Enrichment Scholarship: Offers NT$25,000 per month, available for up to one year.
• MOFA Scholarships: Some countries have designated scholarship quotas through their diplomatic ties.
• University Scholarships: Many institutions like NTNU and NCCU offer internal scholarships—students can apply directly through the schools.

It is recommended to contact language centers or local Taiwan overseas offices based on your nationality and application timeline. These resources are practical aids for foreign learners hoping to study or settle in Taiwan.

Why Do Many Foreigners Choose Oh Young Language Center to Learn Chinese in Taiwan?

Although Oh Young Language Center’s courses are relatively more expensive, the key is understanding “what learning outcomes you want to achieve.”

Item	Oh Young Language Center	University Mandarin Centers
Course Type	One-on-one, fully customized	Fixed class groups, standardized materials
Flexibility	Flexible scheduling and course content	Fixed timetable, non-adjustable
Teaching Focus	Emphasis on speaking output, practical use	Emphasis on grammar and test preparation
Learning Outcome	Fast results, highly targeted	Long-term progress over time
Suitable For	Students with urgent goals or short-term needs	Long-term learners or certificate seekers

Oh Young’s course design provides intensive training within a short period—ideal for students preparing for interviews, job hunting, immigration, or university applications. If you find group classes too slow or lacking in speaking practice, Oh Young offers a tailor-made solution for your needs. For foreigners learning Chinese in Taiwan, it’s a practical and value-added choice.

Highlights of Oh Young’s Mandarin Courses

• 1-on-1 Custom Course Design, Flexible Scheduling
• Courses on Daily Mandarin, Business Mandarin, and Cultural Experiences
• Located in Taichung – Comfortable Environment and Low Living Costs
• University Application Support – Expert Guidance for Applying to Taiwanese Universities

Oh Young is committed to creating a student-centered Mandarin learning environment. In addition to language teaching, we provide expert consultation for university applications, helping international students understand university features, prepare documents, and plan their language learning path.

If you plan to further your studies in Taiwan, Oh Young will be your most trusted bridge between language learning and academic success.

FAQ – Foreigners Learning Chinese in Taiwan

Learning Chinese in TaiwanQ1: What budget should I prepare for studying Chinese in Taiwan?

A: Generally, tuition per term is around NT$20,000–30,000. Including rent and living expenses, a monthly budget of NT$30,000–40,000 is reasonable.

Learning Chinese in TaiwanQ2: Can I apply for a course without any Chinese background?

A: Yes. Most language centers offer beginner-friendly courses. Oh Young provides one-on-one customized classes that are especially suitable for beginners.

Learning Chinese in TaiwanQ3: Does Oh Young Language Center help with visa applications?

A: Currently, we do not offer visa application services. However, if you’re planning to apply to a university in Taiwan, we provide paid services for academic application assistance—including school selection, document preparation, and one-on-one guidance.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Way for Foreigners to Learn Chinese in Taiwan

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner seeking to refine your Chinese, Taiwan offers a wide range of options. From university-affiliated language centers to specialized institutions like Oh Young, each choice has its strengths.

If you prioritize high efficiency, customized learning, and practical language application, Oh Young Language Center will be your best partner in learning Chinese in Taiwan.