Do you dream of studying abroad in Asia—in a city that’s both a vibrant metropolis and a cultural hub? Then Soochow University in Taipei is the perfect place for you. One of Taiwan’s most prestigious private universities, it combines more than 120 years of academic tradition with a modern, internationally oriented academic environment. Here, you’ll study right in the heart of one of Asia’s most exciting and safest cities—with first-class infrastructure, a vibrant street food culture, and an openness that welcomes international students from the very start. Soochow University stands for academic excellence, hands-on learning, and a global network that opens up real career opportunities for you after graduation. Who knows—maybe you’ll soon be sitting on one of the two campuses in Taipei, writing your very own chapter in one of the world’s most fascinating cities?
The history of Soochow University is as extraordinary as the university itself. Originally founded in 1900 in Suzhou, China, by American Methodists as the country’s first Western-style university, it experienced a rebirth after the Chinese Civil War: In 1951, it was reestablished in Taipei, Taiwan, and has since developed into one of the island’s most prestigious private universities. This eventful history has shaped the university’s DNA. It thinks and acts internationally, combines Western and Eastern educational traditions, and is open to change. Today, Soochow University is a fully accredited research university with approximately 15,000 students and six colleges: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Foreign Languages and Cultures, Science, Law, Business, and the innovative College of Big Data Management. The range of programs includes 24 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and six doctoral programs—from traditional humanities to business and law to modern fields such as FinTech and data science.
The School of Business (SoB), founded in 1968 and growing steadily ever since, is particularly distinguished. With the Global Business Program—a fully English-language degree program launched in 2008—the university responded early to the internationalization of the economy. The School of Business is AACSB-accredited, which is recognized worldwide as the highest mark of quality for business education. Approximately 6,000 students and 60,000 alumni—the vast majority of whom work in the business and finance sectors—attest to the program’s appeal.
The focus on practical training, close ties to industry, and interdisciplinary approaches—for example, in the fields of FinTech, big data, and technology management—makes Soochow University a truly forward-looking institution of higher education. Students here benefit not only from a strong academic foundation but also from a dense network of connections to the Taiwanese and international business communities.
Soochow University operates two campuses in Taipei, each with its own unique character, which together offer the best the city has to offer.
The Waishuangshi Campus in the Shilin District is the larger and original main campus. Nestled in the green hills north of Taipei, not far from the world-famous National Palace Museum, it combines a natural atmosphere with modern infrastructure. The expansive grounds feature classrooms, libraries, science laboratories, and sports facilities—including basketball and tennis courts, a running track, soccer and softball fields, and a climbing wall—as well as numerous communal areas. With its 183 student clubs and societies, campus life is vibrant and diverse.
The Downtown Campus is located in the commercial heart of Taipei, right in the city’s business and legal district. This location is deliberately designed to be urban and practice-oriented: here, law and business students in particular study side by side with Taipei’s professional community. Close contact with companies, law firms, and institutions in the immediate vicinity is a real plus for career development.
A free shuttle bus runs between the two campuses, making commuting comfortable and hassle-free.
Taipei is a city that surprises—and delights. As the capital of Taiwan, it uniquely blends East Asian tradition, modern technology, and a relaxed, cosmopolitan lifestyle. Around 2.6 million people live in the metropolitan area, and yet Taipei never feels overwhelming: the city is easy to navigate, safe, and well-connected. What makes Taipei particularly attractive to students is its mix of urban energy and quality of daily life. The street food is among the best in the world—night markets like the Shilin Night Market or the Raohe Night Market are not only culinary experiences but also social gathering places. Public transportation runs smoothly and is affordable, the city center is safe and pedestrian-friendly, and the people are known for their hospitality toward foreigners.
Culturally, Taipei offers spectacular attractions: The National Palace Museum is one of the world’s most important art museums, Taipei 101 is an iconic landmark, and the many temples, galleries, parks, and music clubs provide a diverse range of leisure activities. Nature lovers will find hiking trails, hot springs in Beitou, and stunning coastal landscapes right nearby.
The cost of living in Taipei is moderate compared to other major Asian cities. Students have several options: Soochow University has student dormitories on the Waishuangshi Campus, which offer a convenient and affordable housing option. Alternatively, shared apartments in popular neighborhoods such as Shilin, Zhongshan, or Da’an are a good option, where rooms in shared apartments can be found for approximately 8,000–15,000 NTD (230–430 €) per month. The general cost of living is significantly lower than in many major European cities—another reason to choose Taipei as a study abroad destination.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the opportunity to combine your bachelor’s degree program in Munich with a semester abroad at Soochow University in Taipei—all within a single program. You’ll complete your semester abroad in Taiwan as part of the Bachelor of Arts in International Business at MBS. Learn more about our academic offerings now and discover what your path to Taipei could look like!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Has the Bachelor’s in International Business at Munich Business School piqued your interest? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal to start your studies in February or September. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. It’s best to apply early to give yourself the best chance of being accepted to both Munich Business School and Soochow University!
Once your application has been accepted, and you have successfully enrolled, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first semesters at MBS, you’ll learn important business fundamentals, choose your areas of concentration and electives, and work with your fellow students on exciting projects.
Your first semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your semester abroad at Soochow University. When you’ll study abroad in Taipei depends on when you started your degree program: If you began your bachelor’s program in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. If you started in February, you’ll go abroad during your sixth semester. The MBS International Center is here to help you with all aspects of planning and will answer any questions you have about course selection, housing, and student life.
Now that you’ve successfully completed your first semesters and finalized your plans, it’s finally time to get started. Yay, your semester abroad in Taipei is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new (university) culture, make new friends, soak up everything around you, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in Taiwan will stay with you forever—and your perspective on the world, on business, and on yourself will be different afterward. After your semester abroad, you’ll return to Munich Business School and complete your bachelor’s degree after one to three more semesters.
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also at Soochow University—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of available spots is limited.
Ein Auslandssemester an der Soochow University in Taipei ist für viele Studierende ein unvergessliches Erlebnis – und das aus gutem Grund! Gleichzeitig wirft ein Studium in Asien viele Fragen auf: Wie gut ist die Hochschule? Wie teuer ist das Leben in Taipei? Wird auf Englisch unterrichtet? Damit du bestmöglich vorbereitet bist, haben wir die häufigsten Fragen rund um ein Studium an der Soochow University zusammengestellt.
For students looking for a prestigious private university with a long tradition, a strong business school, and an international atmosphere, Soochow University is an excellent choice. In the QS Asia University Rankings, it consistently ranks among the top private universities in Taiwan. It is particularly well-regarded in the fields of business and economics (Times Higher Education: #801 worldwide). The School of Business’s AACSB accreditation—a seal of quality held by fewer than five percent of all business schools worldwide—underscores the academic quality of its business programs and ensures that its degrees are internationally recognized.
Yes, Soochow University offers a selection of English-language courses for international exchange students. The School of Business’s Global Business Program was specifically designed as a fully English-language initiative and is aimed at international students as well as Taiwanese students with a global perspective. Knowledge of Mandarin is not required to study in the exchange program, but it makes daily life and settling into the city considerably easier. Many students deliberately use their time there to take their first steps in learning Chinese—a skill that is increasingly in demand on the international job market.
Compared to other Asian metropolises such as Tokyo, Seoul, or Singapore, the cost of living in Taipei is moderate. Daily life—especially food, transportation, and leisure—is significantly cheaper than in most major European cities. An inexpensive meal at one of the numerous night markets costs just a few euros, and public transportation is modern, extensive, and affordable. For housing, food, and leisure activities, students should expect monthly expenses of between €700 and €1,100—depending on their living situation and personal lifestyle. The student dormitories at Soochow University’s Waishuangshi Campus are the most affordable and hassle-free housing option.
Elsenheimerstraße 61
80687 München Germany