Established in 1989, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology is a private higher-education institution located in the small city of Hualien (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Hualien County. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Taiwan, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology (TCUST) is a coeducational Taiwanese higher education institution. Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology (TCUST) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. TCUST also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including as well as administrative services.