NTU HIGHLIGHTS

     Since 2021, NTU has implemented the University Interdisciplinary Bachelor's Program (UIBP), an innovative dual-major initiative that enables students to go beyond the boundaries of their home departments. This groundbreaking program differs from conventional "university-in, department-out" admission structures by adopting an "Open Major" approach through its unique "department-in, university-out" model. Any NTU undergraduate student who completes at least two exploratory credits outside their primary discipline—through either Specialization Program or Credit Program—may propose a structured, cross-college curriculum tailored to their interests and career goals. This framework consists of four Specialization Programs (or Credit Programs) along with an elective discipline, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies upon completion (Ref.: Curriculum Planning for UIBP).

     Now in its fourth year, the UIBP has demonstrated impressive growth. In its first year, 13 students applied, of whom 6 were admitted. By the second year, growing recognition of the program led to a surge in both applications and admitted students. Over the past three cohorts, a total of 177 students have applied, with 92 successful admissions. This upward trend is expected to continue, further expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary learning (Ref.: Bar chart). To date, two graduates have earned dual majors through the program in the academic years 2023 and 2024 and have pursued advanced studies with outstanding success.

     UIBP participants represent nearly all NTU colleges, with a wide range of disciplines and equally diverse interdisciplinary focuses. Some build upon their primary majors, while others venture into completely new fields, creating emerging disciplines. This flexibility highlights NTU students' critical thinking in structuring personalized learning modules and their proactive engagement in self-directed education, establishing a solid foundation for the university's forward-looking objectives.

     The UIBP’s success in fostering interdisciplinary learning has delivered outstanding outcomes. Building on this success, Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) launched the Cross-Disciplinary Degree Initiative in 2024, expanding UIBP’s framework to eight universities to cultivate talent with diverse and cross-domain expertise. Additionally, NTU’s INT (Illuminating, Navigating, Transforming)  System — integrating academic advising, modular curricula, and student-designed degrees — has also garnered international recognition. In its first attempt at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025, NTU’s student-support initiatives stood out among more than 500 institutions, winning the Outstanding Support for Students award. With growing momentum, NTU remains committed to refining its academic structure and pioneering educational innovations that are transforming the future of higher education (UIBP website: https://ntuibpu.ntu.edu.tw/en/Default.html).