National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), established in 1980 in Kaohsiung, is a leading public university in southern Taiwan. Named in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China, NSYSU celebrates its anniversary on Dr. Sun’s birthday, November 12. Its founding addressed the imbalance in higher education resources, as most well-established universities were concentrated in the north.

The University’s first president, Dr. Huan Li, laid the groundwork for NSYSU’s growth, building the foundation for academic excellence. Successive presidents—including Dr. Chin-Chi Chao, Dr. Chi-Yuan Lin, Dr. Victor Wei-Chi Liu, Dr. Chung-Cheng Chang, Dr. Hung-Duen Yang, and Dr. Ying-Yao Cheng—each guided the University through stages of development. Today, under the leadership of President Dr. Chih-Peng Li, NSYSU aspires to strike a balance between the humanities, sciences, and technologies, advancing as a comprehensive and globally engaged university.

NSYSU currently comprises ten colleges: Liberal Arts, Science, Engineering, Management, Marine Sciences, Social Sciences, Si Wan College, Banking and Finance, Semiconductor and Advanced Technology Research, and Medicine. This wide spectrum of disciplines allows NSYSU to integrate tradition with innovation, preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

The University has been recognized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) as a top-tier institution. Since 2006, NSYSU has been funded under the “Aim for the Top University Plan” and the “Higher Education Sprout Project,” both designed to strengthen research and teaching. In 2019, NSYSU launched its ten-year “Global Top Research University” development plan, highlighting bilingual education as a key priority. These efforts led to NSYSU being designated by the MOE as the “Southern Regional Resource Center for Bilingual Education” and “Taiwan–U.S. Education Initiative Bilingual Education Training Base” in 2020 and later as a Key Cultivation School in the “BEST” Program (Bilingual Education for Students in College).

NSYSU’s research excellence is reflected in the Essential Science Indicators (ESI) database, where the University has gained international recognition. Research strengths span pharmacology, plant and animal sciences, computer science, social sciences, chemistry, engineering, materials science, clinical medicine, and mathematics. The University also emphasizes interdisciplinary fields such as sustainable environment, bionic science, semiconductors, telecommunications, cybersecurity, data analysis, and sinology.

Beyond academics, NSYSU fulfills its mission of social responsibility. Through the Social Engagement Center, it promotes community-oriented projects that connect the University with society. These efforts have earned national recognition, including the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards and the prestigious National Sustainable Development Award in 2023—the highest honor for sustainability in Taiwan. NSYSU continues to place social responsibility and sustainable development at the heart of its governance.

The University’s unique campus, located at Sizihwan Bay, is surrounded by mountains and the sea, offering a natural environment ideal for marine sciences. This setting supports Kaohsiung’s vision of becoming Taiwan’s “Ocean Capital,” with NSYSU at the forefront of marine research and education.

With partnerships spanning more than 300 universities in 45 countries, NSYSU is active in global collaboration through student exchanges, dual degrees, joint research, and symposiums. The University is committed to building an internationalized learning environment that welcomes both local and international students and faculty.

Motto: Erudite, Inquisitive, Deliberative, Discerning, Persistent

Vision: To serve as a driving force for academic and cultural advancement, talent cultivation, and industrial development of Greater Kaohsiung.

Goals:

• Cultivate visionary leaders and foster social mobility;
• Pursue academic excellence and global competitiveness; and 
• Lead regional progress to promote social and economic welfare.