A new partnership between Rice University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and the College of Computer Science at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) in Taiwan is creating new opportunities for students to pursue undergraduate and graduate study across both institutions.
The 3+2 cooperative education program, which officially began in fall 2025, allows participating NYCU computer science students to complete three years of undergraduate study in Taiwan before spending their senior year at Rice Electrical and Computer Engineering. Coursework completed during their first year at Rice can be applied toward their bachelor’s degree from NYCU.
After completing their undergraduate degree, students may apply through Rice’s standard admissions process to continue in the Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering (MECE) program. While the standard MECE program is typically completed in 1.5 years, participating NYCU students can generally complete the remaining requirements in one additional year because of coursework taken during their senior year at Rice. This allows students to earn both their NYCU bachelor’s degree and Rice MECE degree in approximately five years. Students who demonstrate exceptional progress in the MECE program may also apply to Rice’s PhD program.
The program has already reached an important milestone. Chen-En Lin, the first NYCU student to participate, completed his senior-year coursework at Rice in May 2026 and will continue at Rice as an MECE student beginning in fall 2026.
“The Rice-NYCU program has given me the opportunity to experience the excellent academic environments at both universities and broaden my academic and personal experiences,” explained Chen-En Lin. “The program also provides a smooth transition from undergraduate study at NYCU to graduate study at Rice, allowing me to continue pursuing my academic interests while making the most of the opportunities offered by both institutions.”
The partnership builds on a broader international memorandum of understanding established between Rice and NYCU in December 2024 and grew from shared research strengths in wireless communications and networking.
At Rice, the collaboration was initiated by Ashutosh Sabharwal, former ECE department chair, and Joseph Cavallaro, professor of electrical and computer engineering and director of the ECE undergraduate program. The initiative continues with the support of ECE Department Chair Ashok Veeraraghavan and Joseph Young, director of the MECE program.
“International partnerships are crucial to advancing the missions of Rice and NYCU, educating the next generation of engineering leaders and creating new opportunities for collaboration,” Sabharwal said. “Toward that end, the 3+2 program represents a novel approach to developing new education and research pathways.”
For Young, the program offers students the opportunity to benefit from the strengths of both institutions while gaining valuable experience that can prepare them for their careers.
“Chen-En is one of many wonderful students we hope to see engage in this program,” Young said. “NYCU and Rice are top programs, and students can benefit greatly from studying at both. The Rice MECE will provide students in the program with a uniquely strong capstone experience that gives them a competitive advantage in the job marketplace.”
Faculty engagement has played an important role in strengthening the relationship between the two universities. Cavallaro visited NYCU in December 2024 to introduce students to Rice and ECE, delivering several presentations on research and educational opportunities, including a talk on undergraduate and graduate education in electrical and computer engineering at Rice. Cavallaro and Young continue to connect with prospective NYCU students through virtual presentations as part of the program’s annual recruitment efforts.
The partnership also connects two universities located within major technology and innovation hubs. NYCU’s main campus is in Hsinchu, Taiwan, a center for the global semiconductor industry and home to the headquarters of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).
At NYCU, former College of Computer Science Dean Jyh-Cheng Chen played a leading role in developing the collaboration with Rice as part of the university’s efforts to expand international partnerships. Li-Hsing Yen, professor in the College of Computer Science, served as the first faculty coordinator for the program at NYCU.
“The 3+2 Program provides an institutional pathway for students in NYCU’s Department of Computer Science to earn a bachelor’s degree at NYCU and the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering at Rice University,” Yen said.
“NYCU highly values its partnership with Rice University,” Chen said. “The Rice-NYCU program provides students with an exceptional international learning pathway, combining NYCU’s strengths in technology and engineering with Rice’s outstanding academic environment. We look forward to continuing to deepen this collaboration and creating more opportunities for our students and faculty.”
Yen-Yu Lin, associate dean of NYCU’s College of Computer Science, serves as the current faculty coordinator.
“The 3+2 Program bridges NYCU’s Department of Computer Science and Rice University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, offering students an immersive international education, a broader global perspective and transformative cross-cultural experiences,” Lin said.
As the first cohort progresses through the program, Rice ECE looks forward to welcoming additional NYCU students to Houston each year while exploring opportunities to expand this model to other international partners.
“We are really excited about this 3+2 program with NYCU,” Veeraraghavan said. “Our department has always had a close relationship with NYCU, and this program will further strengthen those ties and connections.”
Veeraraghavan said Rice ECE is also working with other institutions and seeking additional partners to establish similar 3+2 or 4+1 programs, which would allow undergraduate students from partner institutions to begin their Rice studies early and complete an MECE degree within a year of earning their undergraduate degree.
Through this collaboration, Rice and NYCU are providing students with an international educational experience while strengthening academic and research connections between two institutions with shared strengths in computing, electrical engineering and emerging technologies.
Learn more about our program here: https://eceweb.rice.edu/academics/international-opportunities