Honours programmes have successfully provided academic rigour, special scholarships, and better career prospects over a century. However, recruiting and retaining these exceptional students -- the key to creating a successful honours programme -- becomes more challenging when the national college enrolment declines significantly every year. Hence this study investigated the factors affecting honour student recruitment, retention rate, and their satisfaction level at a private university in Northern Taiwan, expecting the results to help higher education administrators develop effective strategic plans. Quantitative and qualitative data from fourteen undergraduate honours students were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The results showed that important factors affecting students' selection process include deeper learning and supplement opportunities in academics and community, followed by scholarship and connection with faculty. Additionally, academic advising and opportunities serve as predictors of freshman satisfaction scores in the honours programme.