Not Medicine, EE, or Dentistry! 2026's Top 10 Most Popular University Departments in Taiwan — The Champion Is Revealed: High Salary and Social Status Drive High School Students to Apply Year After Year

The 115th academic year university placement results (based on the subject-based examination) have been announced, sparking a wave of discussions across Taiwan's online communities and social media platforms. Students, parents, and alumni are actively sharing tips on志愿填报 and exchanging opinions on the reputations of various departments. With fierce competition in Taiwan's higher education landscape, fluctuations in departmental popularity often reflect societal expectations and anxieties regarding talent development.

According to the 'Most Popular University Departments Ranking' by DailyView Network Temperature, which analyzed online buzz over the past month (July 27, 2026 – August 25, 2026), National Taiwan University's Department of Law claimed the top spot with 4,698 mentions. The Department of Medicine and the Department of Electrical Engineering ranked second and third, respectively, making them the most discussed departments in this ranking. Which departments are drawing the most attention? Let’s unveil the top 10 list.

2026 Most Popular University Departments Ranking – Top 10

Rank 1: Department of Law, National Taiwan University – 4,698 mentions Rank 2: Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University – 4,521 mentions Rank 3: Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University – 3,283 mentions Rank 4: Department of History, National Taiwan University – 2,659 mentions Rank 5: Department of Chinese Literature, National Cheng Kung University – 1,828 mentions Rank 6: Department of Electrical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University – 1,737 mentions Rank 7: Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Taiwan University – 1,567 mentions Rank 8: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University – 1,416 mentions Rank 9: Department of Electrical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University – 1,344 mentions Rank 10: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University – 1,206 mentions

Top 3 Most Popular Department: Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University

The Department of Electrical Engineering at National Taiwan University has long been one of Taiwan’s most representative engineering departments, often referred to as the 'ceiling of EE.' It attracts numerous top-tier students who list it as their first choice every year. During the analysis period, it generated 3,283 mentions, with the keyword 'subject-based' being most prominent, reflecting intense interest in admission scores and placement outcomes around the announcement period.

NTU EE boasts outstanding faculty and strong industry-academia resources, and its graduates are highly regarded in industries such as semiconductors, AI, and technology. However, 33% of the sentiment toward NTU EE was negative, with discussions criticizing the heavy academic workload and intense competition. Some netizens mentioned the fast-paced learning environment, which can be overwhelming for students with weaker adaptability—this remains a key concern for applicants considering this department.

Top 2 Most Popular Department: Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University

The Department of Medicine at National Taiwan University is Taiwan’s most prestigious medical education hub, training countless renowned physicians and medical researchers through its seven-year program. It consistently sets the highest admission threshold nationwide and remains the ultimate aspiration for many students. This time, it garnered 4,521 mentions, with the keyword 'subject-based' dominating discussions, highlighting the intense public interest in admission scores and placement predictions during the results period.

NTU Medicine’s key differentiator lies in the comprehensive clinical training resources provided by NTU Hospital and its rigorous curriculum spanning both basic and clinical medicine. Its brand reputation holds an irreplaceable position within Taiwan’s healthcare system. Notably, public concerns about physician burnout and deteriorating medical environments often spill over into debates about whether pursuing medicine is still worthwhile, causing some prospective students to hesitate.

Top 1 Most Popular Department: Department of Law, National Taiwan University

The Department of Law at National Taiwan University is the pinnacle of legal education in Taiwan and one of the country’s oldest law schools. It has long cultivated a large number of judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and political figures, holding a pivotal position in Taiwan’s legal community. During the analysis period, it achieved a staggering 4,698 mentions, leading the top 10 departments. The keyword 'placement' was most prominent, reflecting high levels of attention and discussion around NTU Law’s admission outcomes during the announcement period.

The high buzz around NTU Law stems not only from annual college admissions discussions but also from its high visibility in Taiwanese society. Legal issues inherently intersect with public policy, judicial reform, and political events, allowing related discussions to rapidly spread across different circles, thereby boosting the department’s visibility. Conversations among students and parents about applying to NTU Law often extend to judicial exam preparation and legal career planning, ensuring sustained discussion热度 on platforms like PTT and Dcard.

However, some netizens argue that Taiwan’s legal market is saturated, and the NTU Law ‘halo effect’ does not always translate into employment advantages. Additionally, the rigorous academic demands and heavy memorization load in law school lead many students to report stress levels far exceeding expectations. Overall, NTU Law’s high buzz reflects high attention, not uniformly positive sentiment. Applicants should carefully assess their personal interests and career goals before applying.

Source: Network Temperature 'Most Popular University Departments Ranking' – Online Buzz Ranking