Taiwan | A prime choice for overseas education

Considering overseas education? Taiwan is a top choice for students wanting to study abroad. The country proffers an array of scholarship schemes alongside reasonable tuition rates. The Taiwan Scholarship Programme, established in 2004, resulted from a cooperative venture among several ministries – Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and the National Science Council (NSC). By 2011, to cater to an expanded group of students, it branched into the MOFA Taiwan Scholarship and the MOE Taiwan Scholarship.

The core objective of the MOFA Taiwan Scholarship is to motivate outstanding scholars to engage in overseas education and academic pursuits in Taiwan. By doing so, they can deepen their understanding of Taiwan’s scholarly climate and enrich cultural relations and bonds between Taiwan and the scholars’ native countries. While the scholarship typically targets students hailing from countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, individuals from other nations might also receive special consideration.

Under the scholarship umbrella

The Mandarin Language Enrichment Program (LEP): This opportunity in overseas education allows scholars to delve into Mandarin studies for up to a year at MOE-accredited educational hubs providing Mandarin courses.

Degree pursuits: Scholars have the liberty to seek entry into bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. courses, barring in-service modules.

Duration for the scholarship varies

• LEP: A single year
• Bachelor’s: Up to four years
• Master’s: A maximum of two years
• Doctorate: Up to four years

Financial aids

Scholars pursuing overseas education in Taiwan receive a monthly allowance: NT$25,000 (around ₹ 64,457) for LEP and NT$30,000 (roughly ₹ 77,383) for degree courses. Although all living costs in Taiwan fall on the scholar’s shoulders, MOFA sponsors a one-time, economy-class flight ticket for both ways.

Eligibility prerequisites include

• Holding a school-leaving certificate or above, showcasing laudable academic achievements and ethical integrity.
• Not holding citizenship of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
• Not identified as an overseas compatriot scholar.
• Not having previously joined a Taiwan-based educational entity at the intended degree or LEP level.
• Not enjoying an exchange student status via any tie-up between an international and a Taiwanese academic entity while availing the scholarship.
• Not having had any scholarship annulled by any ROC governmental body or associated organization earlier.

MOFA Taiwan Fellowship overview

Initially, this fellowship, as part of Taiwan’s commitment to promoting overseas education, aims to provide international scholars a platform. Furthermore, they can undertake in-depth research relevant to Taiwan, cross-strait dynamics, the Asia-Pacific region, mainland China, and additionally, engage in broader Chinese studies at Taiwanese academic venues. Furthermore, coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Scholarship Initiative, each year, the fellowship sets aside 12 slots specifically for scholars from emerging APEC economies. Subsequently, proposals are accepted annually from May 1 to June 30, and then the award tenure runs from the following January to December.

Monetary assistance

• Monthly allocations are handed out at each month’s inception.
• Distinguished faculty members and researchers receive NT$60,000 (around ₹ 1,54,767).
• Early-career educators, researchers, doctoral aspirants, and candidates endorsed by ROC missions abroad get NT$50,000 (approximately ₹ 1,29,396).
• A single, economy-class return ticket to Taiwan, chosen via the shortest route (exceptions apply). The subsidy quantum is ascertained by MOFA, aligning with applicable norms.
• An insurance provision of NT$1 million (around ₹ 25,78,000) covering accidental mishaps, inclusive of accidental injury healthcare.

Eligibility outline

To begin with, prospective fellows encompass global academics and researchers at various career stages. Specifically, they specialize in the social sciences or humanities connected with Taiwan, regional dynamics, and additionally, broader Chinese perspectives. Those endorsed by ROC’s overseas missions, particularly with a focus on overseas education and having prowess in Taiwan’s external or cross-strait affairs, also qualify.