National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) has specific language requirements for its international programs, and these may vary depending on the program (undergraduate, graduate, or PhD). The university offers programs in both Mandarin Chinese and English, and the language requirements are based on the language of instruction for each program.

1. Programs Taught in Mandarin Chinese

For programs where the medium of instruction is Mandarin, international students need to demonstrate proficiency in Chinese. The most common test for Chinese language proficiency is the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL).

• TOCFL Level: Most programs require students to have at least a TOCFL Level 3 (Intermediate) or higher. Some programs may have higher requirements.
• Alternative Chinese Proficiency Test: If students have studied Mandarin Chinese before or have other proof of language proficiency, they may be exempt from the TOCFL requirement based on a case-by-case evaluation by the university.

2. Programs Taught in English

For international programs taught in English, students whose first language is not English need to demonstrate their proficiency in English.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
  • A minimum iBT score of 61–80 is typically required, but some programs may require higher scores.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
  • A minimum IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 is commonly required for most programs, though higher scores may be needed for competitive graduate programs.
• Alternative English Proficiency Tests: Some programs may accept other proficiency tests such as TOEIC or Cambridge English, or may waive the requirement if the applicant’s previous education was in English.

3. Exemptions from Language Requirements

• Native Speakers: Applicants whose first language is English or who come from countries where English is the official language are typically exempt from providing TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Previous Education in English: Students who have completed their previous degree in an English-speaking country or in a program where English was the language of instruction may be exempt from English language tests. Similarly, students who completed education in Mandarin Chinese may be exempt from the TOCFL requirement for Chinese-taught programs.

4. Language Support

• NCHU offers Mandarin language courses to help international students improve their Chinese proficiency during their studies. These courses are optional and can be taken alongside the main academic curriculum.
• English-taught programs are increasingly available, especially at the graduate level, allowing more opportunities for non-Chinese speakers to study at NCHU without needing extensive Chinese language skills.

Application Procedure

National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) is one of Taiwan's leading research universities, known for its academic and research strengths across various disciplines. NCHU specializes in agriculture, life sciences, and environmental science, but it has expanded its scope to include other fields like engineering, business, and law.

Here are some of NCHU's notable course specialties:

1. Agriculture and Life Sciences

• Agronomy: NCHU has a long-standing reputation in agricultural sciences, including agronomy, plant breeding, and crop science.
• Animal Science: Programs focus on animal production, breeding, and veterinary science.
• Entomology: One of the few universities in Taiwan with a dedicated department in entomology, focusing on insect science and pest control.
• Horticulture: Specializes in plant cultivation, landscape architecture, and sustainable farming techniques.
• Soil and Water Conservation: Courses focus on environmental conservation, particularly related to soil and water ecosystems.
• Food Science and Biotechnology: A strong program that connects agriculture with biotechnological applications in food production and safety.

2. Environmental Science and Ecology

• Environmental Engineering: The program is focused on solving environmental challenges like waste management, water quality, and air pollution control.
• Forestry and Nature Conservation: Studies focus on ecosystem management, biodiversity, and conservation of forest environments.
• Landscape Architecture: Merging ecology with urban design and environmental sustainability.

3. Engineering

• Civil Engineering: NCHU has a well-established civil engineering department specializing in structural, geotechnical, and environmental engineering.
• Mechanical Engineering: Offers research opportunities in robotics, manufacturing systems, and energy systems.
• Electrical Engineering: Focuses on electronics, telecommunications, and energy systems.

4. Business and Management

• Finance and Economics: Strong programs in applied economics and financial management, including international finance.
• Business Administration: Focus on entrepreneurship, marketing, and organizational management.
• Management Information Systems: A combination of business and IT, focusing on data analytics and digital transformation.

5. Veterinary Medicine

• NCHU is one of the few universities in Taiwan with a comprehensive veterinary medicine program, including courses in animal health, surgery, and preventive medicine.

6. Law and Political Science

• The College of Law offers courses in both Taiwanese and international law, with an emphasis on legal practice and human rights.
• Political Science: Focuses on public policy, international relations, and governance.

7. Natural Sciences

• Biotechnology: One of the strongest areas in the natural sciences, focusing on molecular biology, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics.
• Physics and Chemistry: Offers both fundamental research and applied sciences in materials science, nanotechnology, and energy research.

8. Sustainable Agriculture

• NCHU is a pioneer in sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on organic farming, rural development, and sustainable resource management.

National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) is a research-intensive university with a strong focus on innovation and interdisciplinary research. It is particularly recognized for its contributions to fields such as agricultural sciences, biotechnology, environmental science, and engineering. The university houses numerous research centers and institutes that collaborate with national and international partners to advance scientific knowledge and address global challenges.

Key Research Areas at NCHU:

1. Agricultural and Life Sciences

• Agricultural Biotechnology: NCHU is a leader in research related to crop science, plant breeding, and plant-pathogen interactions. The university focuses on developing sustainable agricultural practices and increasing crop yields through genetic improvements and biotechnology.
• Food Science and Safety: Research in food science covers areas like food safety, functional foods, and food biotechnology. NCHU is actively involved in enhancing food quality, processing, and the development of health-promoting food products.
• Entomology: NCHU has a strong focus on insect biology, pest management, and biological control. Its entomology research is internationally recognized and plays a crucial role in integrated pest management practices in agriculture.
• Veterinary Medicine: The university conducts research in animal health, infectious diseases, and veterinary clinical sciences. Its veterinary programs contribute significantly to animal disease control and prevention.

2. Environmental Science and Engineering

• Sustainable Agriculture and Ecology: NCHU emphasizes sustainability in agricultural production, focusing on environmentally friendly farming practices, soil and water conservation, and the preservation of biodiversity.
• Environmental Engineering: The university is involved in research related to water and air pollution control, waste management, and sustainable urban development. Its work in soil and water conservation has helped shape Taiwan's policies in land and environmental management.
• Climate Change and Ecosystem Resilience: NCHU researches the impact of climate change on ecosystems and agricultural productivity, and explores strategies for adaptation and mitigation.

3. Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences

• Biotechnology Research Center: NCHU's biotechnology research spans genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. This research is applied to fields such as agriculture, food science, and medicine.
• Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering: The university is also engaged in biomedical research, particularly in the development of biomaterials and regenerative therapies. This work has implications for medical treatments in tissue repair and organ regeneration.
• Cancer and Infectious Diseases: NCHU's medical research focuses on cancer biology, vaccine development, and infectious diseases. The university collaborates with healthcare institutions to develop innovative treatment approaches.

4. Engineering and Technology

• Civil and Structural Engineering: NCHU conducts significant research in earthquake engineering, seismic analysis, and building resilience, reflecting Taiwan’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The university's expertise helps improve infrastructure safety and disaster mitigation.
• Mechanical and Electrical Engineering: The university's engineering programs are heavily involved in robotics, smart manufacturing, and renewable energy technologies. NCHU’s research in nanotechnology and materials science is particularly noteworthy for its applications in energy conversion and environmental technologies.

5. Social Sciences and Business

• Economics and International Business: NCHU researches global market trends, international trade, and business innovation strategies. Its studies on Taiwan's economic development and trade policies provide valuable insights for both academia and the public sector.
• Public Policy and Law: The university's research on governance, human rights, and legal reforms contributes to shaping Taiwan’s legal and political landscape.

6. Research Centers and Institutes

• Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center: Focuses on plant molecular biology, genetic improvement, and sustainable agriculture.
• Center for Environmental Restoration and Disaster Reduction: Dedicated to research on environmental recovery, disaster prevention, and sustainable land use.
• Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics: Focuses on genomics research, bioinformatics tools, and applications in health and agriculture.
• Sustainable Development Research Center: Supports interdisciplinary research on sustainable urban and rural development, renewable energy, and ecological conservation.

7. International Research Collaboration

NCHU maintains numerous collaborations with prestigious institutions globally. Its international partnerships extend across Asia, North America, and Europe, involving joint research projects, student exchange programs, and global initiatives focused on solving environmental and agricultural challenges.

Funding and Recognition:

• NCHU’s research is funded by national bodies such as the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in Taiwan, and it receives grants from international organizations. The university is also recognized by the Higher Education Sprout Project, a program by the Taiwanese government that supports universities with strong research outputs.
• Faculty members regularly publish in top-tier academic journals and present at international conferences, establishing NCHU as a respected institution for scientific research.

Degree Programs

NCHU Scholarships

International student help

Recruitment

National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) boasts several top professors across its various faculties, especially in the fields of agricultural sciences, environmental science, biotechnology, and engineering. Here are some notable professors who have gained recognition for their contributions to research and teaching at NCHU:

1. Professor Shih-Shun Lin (林世順)

• Field: Agricultural Biotechnology
• Notability: Known for his research in plant pathology and virus-host interactions, particularly in developing biotechnological methods to enhance plant resistance to viruses. His work has had a significant impact on crop protection and food security in Taiwan and globally.

2. Professor Tsung-Min Kuo (郭聰閔)

• Field: Environmental Engineering
• Notability: A leading researcher in water resource management and sustainable environmental engineering. He has conducted important research on wastewater treatment and environmental pollution control, making him a key figure in Taiwan's efforts toward environmental sustainability.

3. Professor Meei-Ling Lin (林美玲)

• Field: Food Science and Biotechnology
• Notability: Known for her groundbreaking research in food safety and functional foods. Her work on probiotics and bioactive compounds has been instrumental in improving the quality of food products and advancing health-related food sciences.

4. Professor Hong-Hwa Chen (陳鴻華)

• Field: Horticulture and Biotechnology
• Notability: A distinguished scholar in plant breeding and floriculture biotechnology, Professor Chen’s research focuses on genetic improvements in ornamental plants and the development of new plant varieties. His innovations have made significant contributions to Taiwan’s horticultural industry.

5. Professor Ruey-An Doong (董瑞安)

• Field: Environmental Science and Engineering
• Notability: Specializing in nanotechnology for environmental applications, Professor Doong has led cutting-edge research in nanomaterials used for pollution control and energy conversion. His research is highly regarded internationally, particularly in the area of sustainable environmental technology.

6. Professor Yuan-Chih Lin (林原志)

• Field: Veterinary Medicine
• Notability: An expert in animal health and disease control, Professor Lin is well-known for his research in veterinary pathology and infectious diseases in animals. His contributions to animal disease prevention have had a significant impact on Taiwan’s veterinary practices.

7. Professor Hui-Hsing Ma (馬惠興)

• Field: Entomology
• Notability: An influential entomologist known for his research in pest management and insect physiology. Professor Ma’s work in biological control and sustainable pest management techniques is widely recognized, particularly in agricultural pest control.

8. Professor Wei-Bor Tsai (蔡維柏)

• Field: Biomedical Engineering
• Notability: A leader in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, Professor Tsai has made significant contributions to the development of biomaterials and tissue scaffolds for medical applications. His research is helping to advance medical treatments for tissue repair and regeneration.

9. Professor Shang-Chih Hsu (徐尚志)

• Field: Civil Engineering
• Notability: Known for his research in earthquake engineering and structural dynamics, Professor Hsu has played a vital role in improving Taiwan's building safety standards in earthquake-prone regions. His work in seismic analysis and building resilience is highly respected.

10. Professor I-Chun Tsai (蔡依純)

• Field: Business Administration
• Notability: A prominent scholar in international business management and innovation strategy, Professor Tsai’s research focuses on corporate innovation and global market strategies. Her work is influential in shaping business education and practices in Taiwan.

As of now, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) does not have any Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty or alumni. While NCHU is renowned for its excellence in research, particularly in agricultural sciences, environmental science, and biotechnology, it has not yet produced a Nobel Prize winner.

However, the university remains highly respected in academic circles for its contributions to research and education, particularly in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region. Its faculty members are often involved in cutting-edge research, and the university continues to build its international reputation, especially in science and technology fields.

Many universities without Nobel laureates still make significant contributions to their fields, and NCHU is one of those institutions known for impactful research and development, particularly in agriculture, environmental conservation, and biotechnology.