Since 2024, National Sun Yat-sen University has partnered with Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in the United States to launch a 3+2 BS–MS dual degree program. The successful admission of the first cohort marks a significant achievement in NSYSU’s long-term commitment to bilingual education and English-medium instruction, representing another important milestone in the internationalization of higher education in Taiwan.
Since 2021, the Department of Chemistry at National Sun Yat-sen University has implemented a comprehensive English-medium curriculum, offering a complete English track in which courses from foundational subjects to advanced disciplinary training are taught in English. Integrated with research- and laboratory-oriented instruction, the program creates an internationally aligned learning environment. Through this training, students develop both professional English proficiency and cross-cultural communication skills during their studies, enabling them to transition seamlessly into overseas research and academic programs before graduation.
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), ranked 33rd globally in TIME’s The World’s Top Universities of 2026, is one of the leading research universities in the United States. A major breakthrough of this dual degree program is that NSYSU Chemistry students applying to CWRU’s master’s program are eligible for TOEFL and GRE waivers, demonstrating that the quality of NSYSU’s EMI education and students’ English proficiency have received substantive recognition from a top international university. As Taiwan’s Ministry of Education continues to promote bilingual higher education and advocates for TOEFL waiver pathways with U.S. universities, NSYSU has taken the lead in implementing this vision through institutionalized international collaboration, highlighting the tangible outcomes of its bilingual university initiative.
Among the first admitted cohort, third-year English-track student Shi-Han Huang shared that the department provided comprehensive application guidance and strong institutional support. Combined with rigorous EMI coursework and laboratory training, this preparation not only built a solid foundation in chemistry but also helped shape a growing interest in electrochemistry and catalysis. Third-year student Tsu-En Yeh from the Chinese track noted that participating in undergraduate research, together with mentorship and support from faculty, gradually deepened his interest in scientific inquiry. He viewed the dual degree program as an important gateway to international research and a meaningful step toward future advanced study.
The implementation of the dual degree program not only offers students an accelerated pathway to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees within five years, but also establishes an internationally connected training model centered on English-medium instruction. The successful admission of the first cohort signifies that NSYSU’s bilingual education has gained recognition from a leading international university, demonstrating that students in Taiwan can transition smoothly to top global institutions through a well-designed English learning environment and structured academic support. Moving forward, NSYSU will continue to deepen international partnerships and cultivate outstanding talent with global vision and competitiveness.