EduAsiaNews, Taipei — Taiwan’s National University System of Taiwan has officially expanded to include 15 national universities, marking a significant strengthening of collaboration in the country’s higher education sector. The expansion was announced at the Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Co-Prosperity Ceremony held on January 27, 2026, which was attended by Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim along with leaders of the member universities.
The system was established in 2021 at the initiative of National Chung Hsing University, with the aim of enhancing inter-university cooperation and integrating academic resources. In 2024, four additional institutions -National Quemoy University, University of Taipei, National Dong Hwa University, and National Ilan University -joined the alliance, bringing total membership to 15 universities. The system now serves nearly 120,000 students and employs around 5,000 faculty members, making it the largest higher education alliance in Taiwan.
In her remarks, Vice President Hsiao said the rapid growth of the system underscores the importance of cross-campus and cross-disciplinary collaboration in responding to global change. By connecting Taiwan’s main island, offshore islands, and eastern regions, the alliance opens new opportunities for a more diverse, inclusive, and internationally oriented higher education landscape.
Since its establishment, the National University System of Taiwan has formed seven working groups covering areas such as teaching, research, international affairs, and university social responsibility. A range of cross-university programs has also been implemented, including joint course enrollment, double-degree programs, student exchanges, as well as collaborative research and public lecture series. To date, hundreds of students have participated in these cross-campus initiatives.
System Chair and President of National Chung Hsing University Fuh-Jyh Jan said the addition of four new member universities would expand the alliance’s geographic reach while strengthening the overall competitiveness of Taiwan’s higher education sector. He described the expansion as an important milestone in deepening cross-disciplinary collaboration and resource sharing among Taiwan’s national universities. (**)
