This study examined the how sports participation affected the physical fitness of Tamkang University students. By using cluster sampling, 1,098 students were selected from 22 physical education classes. A questionnaire and physical fitness test were used to determine the student levels of cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and body composition. The results indicated that the sports participation rates were low among both female and male students, primarily because of a lack of time. On average, the students exercised once per week. The male students preferred jogging whereas the female students preferred speed walking or climbing stairs. Compared with the 1999 national norms, the students demonstrated no considerable difference in body composition or the number of sit-ups performed. In other aspects of the physical fitness test, however, the student performance was worse compared with the 1999 national norms. Furthermore, the students performed similarly regardless of grade level. Finally, the students who exercised more than 210 minutes per week exhibited superior performances in the physical fitness test compared with those who did not. Therefore, because most students do not exercise because they do not have time, physical education classes are necessary for maintaining their exercise habits.