The first class of Tzu Chi Junior College of Nursing only had 107 new students. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi University

A Historic Merger After 35 Years

Tzu Chi University (TCU) and Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology (TCUST) have officially merged, marking the end of a 35-year journey. Originally founded as Tzu Chi Junior College of Nursing, it evolved into Tzu Chi College of Technology and later Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology. Over the years, the institution has nurtured over 18,765 students, with 65% (12,198 students) in nursing, and provided special programs for indigenous students and those from underprivileged backgrounds.

A Legacy of Balanced Education

Since its inception, the institution has emphasized both professional skills and humanistic values, integrating life education, moral education, and character development into its curriculum. Initially met with skepticism, this approach is now widely respected and emulated.

The founding ceremony of Tzu Chi Junior College of Nursing in 1989 attracted over 20,000 attendees. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi University

Founding History

On September 17, 1989, Tzu Chi Junior College of Nursing was established to address the shortage of medical professionals in eastern Taiwan and to support the education and employment of indigenous communities. With an initial enrollment of 107 students, the opening ceremony drew over 20,000 people who came to witness the founding of the first school established by Tzu Chi’s founder Master Cheng Yen.

Since 1996, the independently administered entrance exam for the indigenous special program has helped students pursue their education without financial worries. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi University

In 1999, it became Tzu Chi College of Technology, expanding its medical and nursing programs, and in 2015, it was renamed Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, adding programs for long-term care, medical management, and information management.

The school integrates regular students, indigenous students, and children of new immigrants into the same classes to foster interaction with different ethnic groups and promote respect for diverse cultures. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi University

Continuing Financial Support

Even after merging with TCU, the original five-year nursing program remains at the Jianguo Campus. The unique program for indigenous students, initiated in 1996, continues to provide free education to 75 students annually, covering all expenses and offering a monthly stipend. Graduates join the Tzu Chi medical system, ensuring future employment. Since 2019, this support has also extended to children of new immigrants.

Local Talent Development

To strengthen local talent and encourage youth to return home for work, TCUST collaborated with Yuli Hospital to create a special nursing program for Hualien and Taitung students, following the same financial support model as the indigenous program. As of 2023, 55 students have benefited from this initiative.

Since 1996, the Tzu Chi Foundation has supported 2,196 students through special programs, investing over TWD 641 million (about USD 19.5 million). Of these, 2,111 were indigenous students (including 387 current students), with an investment exceeding TWD 603 million (about USD 18.3 million). Additionally, 85 were children of new immigrants (including 68 current students), with an investment surpassing TWD 38 million (about USD 1.16 million).

The indigenous special program, established in 1996, provides full subsidies for tuition and accommodation, along with a monthly stipend of TWD 5,000 (about USD 152) during the study period. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi University


Tzu Chi Moms and Dads

From the freshmen's entrance ceremony to their graduation, Tzu Chi Moms and Dads are always present. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi University

In the early years, Master Cheng Yen established the Tzu Chi Moms group to support students studying away from home, promoting a nurturing yet disciplined environment. With the inclusion of male students, the group expanded to include Tzu Chi Dads. Today, over 700 volunteers visit students monthly, fostering close relationships through LINE groups and personal interactions, bridging generational gaps and creating a supportive community.

Contributions of Past Principals

Past Presidents of Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology (from left to right: Sze-Piao Yang, Fu-Mei Chang, Dang-Ming Horng, Wen-Jui Lo). | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi University

The first principal, Sze-Piao Yang, emphasized professional spirit and ethics, shaping the unique educational direction for Tzu Chi College of Nursing. His successors, including Fu-mei Chang and Dang-Ming Horng, continued to uphold and enhance the institution's values and academic standards. Wen-jui Lo, the first principal of Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, fostered international collaboration and enhanced the school's competitiveness.

The merger of TCUST into TCU on August 1 marks not the end, but a new beginning, with expanded resources and a larger community, making the combined university even more competitive and capable of fulfilling its educational mission.

(Report by Tzu Chi University | Hualien, Taiwan |2024/08/01)