National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) – The Cradle of Knowledge in Taiwan

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) – One of the top universities in Taiwan, is the cradle that nurtures outstanding talents and plays an important role in Taiwan’s development. Join EI Group to explore more details about this prestigious institution in the following article.

General Information

Chinese Name: 國立成功大學
Pinyin: Guólì Chénggōng Dàxué
English Name: National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)
Type: Public University
Founded: 1931
Student Enrollment:

• Undergraduate Students: 11,481
• Graduate Students: 9,771

Address: No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan

About National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is a leading public university in Tainan, Taiwan, renowned for its industry-academia research collaboration. It is regarded as one of the top universities in Asia, with strong programs in engineering, computer science, medicine, urban planning, and design.

As one of Taiwan’s seven national research universities, NCKU has played a pivotal role in the country’s economic development, especially during the transition from an agricultural economy to industrialization in the 1960s and 1970s. The university has many distinguished alumni, currently working at major companies like TSMC, MediaTek, and UMC. NCKU has maintained a top ranking for graduate employability in Taiwan for five consecutive years.

In 2005, the Ministry of Education of Taiwan selected NCKU for the Excellence University Project, similar to university improvement programs in Japan and Germany. Since 2006, NCKU has received an annual funding of 1.7 billion New Taiwan dollars for five years, ranking second among participating universities.

Additionally, NCKU is a founding member of the Taiwan Comprehensive University System – an alliance of leading research universities in Southern Taiwan, and the only member from Taiwan in the Global University Network.

History of the University

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) was established in 1931 in Tainan City, Taiwan, initially as a technical college under Japanese rule to meet the demand for training engineers and technicians for industrial and construction projects. Originally, the institution was named “Tainan Technical College.”

After Taiwan was returned to the Republic of China in 1945, the college expanded and was renamed Cheng Kung University, inspired by the historical figure Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), a military hero credited with liberating Taiwan from Dutch rule in the 17th century. With this change, the university gradually expanded its academic programs to include natural sciences, humanities, and medicine, aiming to become a comprehensive university.

During the 1960s and 1970s, NCKU played a significant role in training a workforce for Taiwan’s industrialization efforts. During this period, the university continued to develop fields like engineering, computer science, and medicine while building strong ties with the industrial sector. NCKU helped shape Taiwan’s industrial economy, contributing to the remarkable growth later known as the “Taiwan Miracle.”

Facilities of the University

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is located in Tainan, Taiwan, conveniently situated directly across from Tainan Station, making it easily accessible. The university spans 11 campuses with a total area of 187 hectares, including Cheng-Kung, Sheng-Li, Kuang-Fu, Cheng-Hsing, Tzu-Chiang, Ching-Yeh, Li-Hsing, Tung-Ning, Kuei-Jen, An-Nan, and Dou-Liu, some of which are designated for student housing.

On January 12, 2011, NCKU inaugurated the Y. S. Sun Green Building Research Center, the world’s first green educational center and Taiwan’s first carbon-neutral building. Covering 4,800 square meters, the building was constructed at a cost of 30 million New Taiwan dollars, much lower than the initial estimate of 180 million. To achieve carbon neutrality, the building employs natural ventilation, energy-saving lighting, and efficient energy use.