Introduction

Nanhua University (NHU) was founded in 1996 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Funded through the support of millions of Fo Guang Shan followers, NHU is the first comprehensive and multidisciplinary university established by Fo Guang Shan. NHU is a member of the Fo Guang Shan International University Consortium, the country’s first cross-nation university system.

Our educational philosophy is based on the principles of diligence, honesty, and humility. These principles are the defining qualities and driving force at NHU to cultivate students to realize their goals, make a leading contribution to society, and serve the disadvantaged and underprivileged. The curricula and programs offered at NHU center around Life Education, Environmental Sustainability, Intellectual Innovation, and the Three Acts of Goodness initiative.

NHU has approximately 5,500 students: 78% undergraduates and 22% postgraduates. There are five colleges: College of Management, College of Humanities, College of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Design, and College of Science and Technology, with a total of 20 undergraduate programs, 24 graduate programs, and 1 doctoral program.

 

NHU – Natural Beauty and Beyond

Situated on a 63-hectare mountain slope, surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation, the natural beauty of the NHU campus is mesmerizing and captivating. Blessed with abundant biodiversity, and with numerous rare birds and other wildlife having made the campus their home, it is the perfect place to nurture and foster one’s body, mind, and soul. Living and learning amidst the serenity and tranquility of the campus brings out the best in every student, and provides an academic experience like no other.

With three dormitories surrounded by nature that can accommodate over 2,000 students on campus, it is a peaceful and relaxing environment for students to dedicate their time to academic and leisure activities. Together with convenient transportation and friendly locals, NHU is the ideal institution for students seeking higher education.

 

NHU and the World

Academic and cultural exchanges are key drivers for students to advance their studies beyond the classroom. NHU’s guiding endeavor is to cultivate students to seek knowledge and enjoy learning by experiencing, interacting, and engaging with different cultures and people. NHU has numerous partner universities worldwide, and we continue to initiate collaborative programs across all disciplines with the aim of providing more opportunities for students to expand their outlook on the world.

By harnessing NHU’s rich intellectual and collaborative resources, students have a unique opportunity, through the 2+2 Program, to obtain two graduation certificates from NHU and a partner university. After completing the first two years of their studies at NHU, the 2+2 Program allows students to complete their final two years at an NHU partner university. There are also shorter-term exchange programs during the summer and winter breaks with, among others, Cambridge, UC Berkeley, University of the West, and Nan Tien Institute. Every year, approximately 10% of all students at NHU take part in exchange programs abroad. Currently, there are approximately 400 international students studying at NHU.

 

The Defining Characteristics of NHU

Throughout his life, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, renowned for his humanistic philosophy and practice, has strived to bring about positive social change. The Three Acts of Goodness initiative – Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, Think Good Thoughts, is one of his most important initiatives on campus. Steeped in humanistic culture and values, NHU has always had a great reputation of caring and serving others, particularly in neighboring and disadvantaged communities.

 

The establishment of the National Life Education Center in NHU, a government-commissioned project, marked the culmination of years of tirelessly promoting programs in life education and character education together with the Three Acts of Goodness initiative on campus. At NHU, in addition to its role in education, life education and humanistic values form an integral part of all activities and events. The adoption of life education on campus has had a profound effect in enriching the lives of faculty, students, and administrative personnel.