The NTD Exchange Context
All figures here are in Taiwan New Dollars (NTD). As a rough anchor: 1 USD ≈ NTD 32, 1 EUR ≈ NTD 34, 1 GBP ≈ NTD 40. Exchange rates fluctuate, so these are illustrative — plan conservatively.
The graduate stipend is NTD 20,000 per month. That is approximately USD 625 or EUR 590. Taiwan is genuinely affordable relative to comparable academic cities in Japan, South Korea, or Europe, but the stipend does not leave wide margin, particularly in Taipei.
Monthly Budget — Taipei (Highest Cost)
Taipei is Taiwan's capital and most expensive city. These figures reflect typical international student spending in the greater Taipei area, including Xindian, Zhonghe, and Banqiao districts, not just central neighborhoods.
Taipei rent can consume your entire margin
If you are renting a private room in Taipei and not in a dormitory, rent alone can run NTD 10,000–14,000 for a decent room in a livable area. Combined with food and transport, the NTD 20,000 stipend leaves little for anything else. This is a real issue that students encounter after arrival.
Monthly Budget — Non-Taipei Cities
Students consistently report that studying outside Taipei — in Taichung, Tainan, Hsinchu, or Kaohsiung — makes the stipend significantly more comfortable to live on.
Non-Taipei universities are academically strong
Choosing a university outside Taipei is not a compromise. NCKU in Tainan, NTHU and NCTU (now NYCU) in Hsinchu, NCHU in Taichung, and NSYSU in Kaohsiung are all well-ranked institutions with strong research programs. Living costs are 30–50% lower than Taipei, and the quality of life for students on a fixed stipend is noticeably better.
One-Time Arrival Costs
Budget separately for arrival costs that the stipend does not begin covering until your first payment (typically the month after enrollment is confirmed):
- Apartment deposit — typically 2 months' rent (refundable, but locks up NTD 8,000–24,000)
- Bedding, kitchen basics, and household setup — NTD 2,000–5,000
- Initial grocery stock and toiletries — NTD 1,000–2,000
- Transportation card (Easy Card) initial load — NTD 500
- SIM card registration and first month — NTD 300–600
- Gap between arrival and first stipend payment — budget at least 1.5 months of living expenses as a buffer
Most students arrive with the equivalent of NTD 30,000–50,000 in savings to cover this initial period comfortably. Students who arrive with less frequently find the first 6–8 weeks stressful.
National Health Insurance (NHI)
All students in Taiwan who have resided for more than 6 months (or who are enrolled in a formal program) must enroll in Taiwan's National Health Insurance system. The NHI is Taiwan's universal healthcare — it covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, and medications at heavily subsidized rates.
The student premium is approximately NTD 400–800 per month depending on enrollment type and whether your university is the group insurer. This is not an optional cost. First-time international students can often enroll through their university's group plan upon arrival.
NHI is worth it
A doctor's clinic visit under NHI costs roughly NTD 150–300. A hospital emergency visit runs NTD 300–500. Dental work is partially covered. The premium is very reasonable for the coverage provided, and students who skip enrollment risk significant medical costs if they fall ill or are injured.
Working While on Scholarship
MOE scholarship holders are technically permitted to work part-time under Taiwan's standard rules for international students (up to 20 hours per week during term time, full-time during vacations). However, working significantly reduces available study time, and scholarship recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress. The scholarship can be revoked for academic underperformance.
Some universities also have research assistant positions and teaching assistant roles that pay stipends of NTD 3,000–8,000 per month — these are more compatible with full-time study than general part-time employment.