APSIA is pleased to welcome the College of International Affairs (CIA) of National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taipei, Taiwan, to its growing family of member schools, starting in June 2025. NCCU is joining two other member schools in Asia: Ritsumeikan University in Japan and the National University of Singapore. 

The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) is a community of top graduate schools worldwide who are dedicated to the improvement of graduate education in international affairs. Founded in 1989, APSIA has risen to be the leading graduate school association for international affairs schools. Collectively, APSIA seeks to inspire global impact through education to advance understanding, peace, and prosperity through empowering students, institutions, and partners to become transformative agents of positive change. 

The APSIA network is made up of 70 member and affiliate schools across 17 countries. APSIA connects prospective students and employers to member and affiliate schools, so that they can capitalize on the skills an APSIA education provides. The schools collaborate with each other and the international affairs community in order to address common challenges and opportunities through annual meetings and ongoing discussions and programming. Through these efforts, APSIA fosters collaboration and innovation for a better world.

About the College of International Affairs, NCCU:

Located in Taipei, Taiwan, a pivotal point in the Indo-Pacific, the CIA at NCCU leverages its strategic location and international outlook to cultivate globally competitive professionals. Notably, Taipei ranks as the 66th most livable city worldwide according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2024 Global Liveability Index, and Taiwan stands as the 12th most democratic nation globally, the highest in Asia. As the sole academic institution across the Taiwan Strait to join APSIA, the CIA is uniquely positioned to nurture future leaders in international affairs. The programs primarily consist of the following:

• the Department of Diplomacy (with undergraduates, MA, and PhD programs; with a focus on IR), 
• the Graduate Institute of East Asian Studies (MA and PhD programs, with a focus on China Studies), 
• the Graduate Institute of Russian Studies (MA program) 
• the Master's and Doctoral Programs in Japan Studies (Japanese/Chinese taught program)
• the International Master's Program in International Studies (fully English-taught program)
• the Master Program in Middle East and Central Asian Studies
• the Master's Program in Strategic and International Affairs (in-career)
• the Master's Program in National Security and Mainland China Studies (in-career) 

The CIA’s  extensive alumni network, prominent in government, academia, and international organizations, positions it as a crucial think tank and talent incubator bridging Taiwan and the world.

Beginning in 2007, the CIA has actively participated in APSIA events and engaged directly with the organization regarding Affiliate Membership and related matters.

Since achieving Affiliate Member status in 2010, the CIA has actively participated in APSIA’s activities and fostered increased exchanges with fellow member institutions. Demonstrating its commitment, Dean Hong-yi Lien and Vice Dean Yeh-chung Lu attended the APSIA 2024 Deans’ Meeting in Singapore to discuss the application for full membership with the association.

In 2025, Dean Hong-yi Lien and Chair of the Department of Diplomacy Chong-han Wu attended the APSIA 2025 Deans’ Meeting in San Diego, California, U.S.A., and recently received notification of acceptance as a Full Member.

Gaining Full Membership in APSIA serves as both a testament to the College of International Affairs meeting the association's high criteria and an affirmation of its dedicated work in international affairs in recent years. This significant milestone will provide the College with greater avenues for academic collaboration with top-tier international universities in the future.

Moving forward, the College of International Affairs at NCCU remains dedicated to advancing international research, actively participating in APSIA's initiatives, and pursuing collaborative opportunities.