NTNU Exchange Program Reaches Record Enrollment
NTNU Exchange Program Reaches Record Enrollment
National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) reached a new record in student participation for its outbound student exchange program, reflecting the University's sustained commitment to international education and cross-border academic cooperation.
In Fall 2026, NTNU received 254 applications for its university-wide outbound exchange program, with 217 students ultimately selected. Outbound enrollment has now fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, underscoring renewed student confidence in international mobility.
Among language-region groups, the Europe and English-speaking cohort led with 115 placements, followed by Japan (56), Korea (26), and Chinese-speaking regions (20). Notably, Japan placements surged 51% compared to the same semester in 2025, driven in large part by the favorable yen exchange rate, which has significantly reduced the cost of living for exchange students.
Academic Prestige Meets Practical Livability
NTNU students are displaying an increasingly sophisticated approach to exchange planning, balancing academic reputation with quality of life and cost of living. Leiden University in the Netherlands (ranked 119th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings and offering up to eight exchange slots per semester) retained its position as the most sought-after destination.
New entrants to the top 20 most popular institutions include Palacký University Olomouc and Charles University in the Czech Republic, the University of Salzburg in Austria, and the Université de Montréal in Canada. These trends indicate that students are actively diversifying their horizons beyond traditionally dominant destinations.
A particularly noteworthy trend is growing interest in Southeast Asia. Institutions such as Universiti Malaya in Malaysia, Chiang Mai University, and Chulalongkorn University in Thailand have attracted increasing numbers of applicants. This development aligns closely with NTNU's strategic push to deepen academic ties across the ASEAN region.
Expanding the Global Partnership Network
In parallel with rising student demand, NTNU has significantly expanded its international partnership portfolio, establishing exchange agreements with a diverse cohort of globally recognized institutions. New European partners include:
University of Salzburg, Austria, renowned for its strengths in law and the humanities, situated in the birthplace of Mozart
University of Graz, Austria, distinguished academic reputation combined with an accessible cost of living
Charles University, Czech Republic, offering a top-tier academic environment at competitive costs
University of Alicante, Spain, located along the Mediterranean coast and offering rich cultural immersion
University of Mons, Belgium, a recognized center of excellence in linguistics and engineering
Georgia Southern University, USA, a comprehensive American institution offering a wide range of professional programs
In Southeast Asia, NTNU welcomed Hanoi National University of Education in Vietnam as a new partner. The institution's extensive network of affiliated schools provides exchange students with exceptional opportunities to integrate academic study with hands-on teaching practice.
Perspectives from Completed Exchanges
Returning exchange students have consistently highlighted the transformative value of their experiences abroad:
A student from the Department of East Asian Studies, who attended Palacký University Olomouc in the Czech Republic, noted the freedom of course selection and the welcoming academic culture: “The experience gave me deep exposure to a different culture and renewed my motivation to keep pushing forward.”
A student from the Department of Geography, who studied at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, praised the institution's rigorous curriculum in art history and archaeology, including a field study opportunity in Istanbul: “I was able to introduce Taiwanese culture to international peers while significantly strengthening my academic writing and foreign language skills.”
A student from the Department of Business Administration, who spent a semester at the University of Bordeaux in France, highlighted the blend of multicultural classroom exchange and travel accessibility: “Marketing courses taught in English were also spaces for rich cross-cultural dialogue, and the French youth rail pass made weekend travel across Europe remarkably affordable.”
A graduate student from the Graduate Institute of Management, who attended the University of Glasgow, described the experience as “an invaluable academic adventure.” The exchange combined rigorous seminar-based learning with opportunities to explore Scotland's rich cultural and historical heritage.
NTNU remains committed to expanding access to international exchange opportunities for all students. For full program details and application information, please visit the Office of International Affairs at: https://bds.oia.ntnu.edu.tw/bds/OE