Ever dreamt of studying or traveling abroad but held back by tight finances?
Guess what—Taiwan’s government wants you on campus, and they’ll foot the bill.
From airfare to accommodation, medical insurance to tuition, it’s all covered.
Keep reading to discover how you can land a fully funded scholarship to Taiwan’s top universities—especially National Sun Yat‑sen University (NSYSU)—and make your study‑abroad dreams a reality.
What Are Fully Funded Scholarships in Taiwan?
In Taiwan, two flagship scholarship programs open doors to international students:
- Taiwan Scholarship (MOE‑administered)
- Offered by the Ministry of Education (MOE), this program supports undergrad, master’s, and PhD studies.
- Coverage: Up to NT$40,000 per semester in tuition/miscellaneous fees + monthly stipend of NT$15,000–20,000 citeturn1search0.
- Duration: 4 years (UG), 2 years (Master’s), 4 years (PhD).
- Apply: Submit to Taiwan’s overseas missions and separately to your chosen university via the [official MOE site] (https://taiwanscholarship.moe.gov.tw/web/index.aspx?Lang=en) citeturn1search2.
- TaiwanICDF Scholarship (International Cooperation & Development Fund)
- Geared toward socio‑economic development partners, this fully funded award covers undergrad to doctoral programs.
- Coverage:
- Round‑trip economy airfare
- On‑campus housing or dormitories
- Full tuition & credit fees
- Mandatory health & accident insurance
- Textbook allowance
- Monthly living stipend (NT$18,000 for Master’s; NT$20,000 for PhD) citeturn5search6turn5search10.
- Apply: Online between Dec 1, 2024–Mar 15, 2025 via the [ICDF portal] (https://www.icdf.org.tw/wSite/ct?ctNode=31566&mp=2&xItem=69338) citeturn5search0.
Feature | MOE Taiwan Scholarship | TaiwanICDF Scholarship |
---|---|---|
Administered by | Ministry of Education (MOE) | International Cooperation & Development Fund (ICDF) |
Airfare | ✘ | ✔ (round‑trip economy) |
Tuition/Miscellaneous Fees | Up to NT$40,000/semester | 100 % |
Monthly Living Stipend | NT$15,000–20,000 | NT$18,000 (Master’s); NT$20,000 (PhD) |
Housing | ✘ (stipend only) | ✔ (student dormitories) |
Medical Insurance | ✘ | ✔ (full duration) |
Textbooks | ✘ | ✔ |
Program Duration | 4 yrs (UG); 2 yrs (Master’s); 4 yrs (PhD) | 4 yrs (UG); 2 yrs (Master’s); 4 yrs (PhD) |
Application Dates | Varies by mission/university | Dec 1, 2024 – Mar 15, 2025 |
Apply | Via overseas missions + university portals | [Online application system] (ICDF) |
Why Choose Taiwan for Your Studies?
Taiwan has rapidly emerged as a global education hub, offering:
- Top‑Ranked Universities
- NSYSU sits at #485 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, and among the top 5 nationwide with 20 subjects ranked by QS citeturn3view0turn4view0.
- Cutting‑Edge Research & Facilities
- From marine science on Kaohsiung’s coast to advanced engineering labs, Taiwan prides itself on world‑class infrastructure.
- English‑Taught Programs
- Over 100 degree programs taught entirely in English.
- Vibrant Culture & Safety
- Experience Taiwan’s night markets, scenic beaches, and one of the world’s safest campuses.
“Studying in Taiwan offered me world‑class research opportunities without the financial burden.” – Former ICDF Scholar
Top Taiwanese Universities Offering Free Scholarships
University | QS Rank 2025 | Location |
---|---|---|
National Taiwan University (NTU) | #68 | Taipei |
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) | #210 | Hsinchu |
National Sun Yat‑sen University (NSYSU) | #485 | Kaohsiung |
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) | #239 | Tainan |
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) | #360 | Hsinchu |
Table: QS World University Rankings by Subject citeturn3view0turn4view0
Key Benefits of Taiwan Government Scholarships
When awarded, you’ll receive:
- Full Tuition Coverage
- Monthly Living Stipend to cover food, transport, and daily expenses
- Round‑Trip Airfare so you can arrive and return home free of cost (TaiwanICDF)
- On‑Campus Housing or dorms (TaiwanICDF)
- Medical & Accident Insurance for your entire stay (TaiwanICDF)
- Textbook Allowance to purchase required materials (TaiwanICDF)
- Miscellaneous Expense Support up to NT$40,000/semester (MOE)
Who Is Eligible?
You can apply if you:
- Are a foreign national (including Mainland Chinese students for ICDF; MOE excludes China/HK/Macau for certain tracks)
- Hold a secondary school diploma (UG), Bachelor’s (Master’s track), or Master’s (PhD track)
- Maintain an excellent academic record and good moral character
- Are in good health (medical certificate may be required)
- Have no overlapping scholarships from other Taiwan government agencies
Required Documents You Must Prepare
Before you hit “submit,” gather:
- Official Transcripts
- Bachelor’s for Master’s applicants; Master’s for PhD applicants
- Authenticated by your Ministry of Education or Taiwan’s representative office
- Diploma/Degree Certificate (scanned copy)
- International Passport (bio page)
- Resume/CV detailing academic & extracurricular achievements
- Personal Statement/Motivational Letter
- Recommendation Letters (2–3 academic referees)
- English Proficiency Proof (TOEFL/IELTS) – waived if prior education in English
- Health Certificate (some missions require)
- Bank Statement (sometimes requested)
- Application Form (MOE or ICDF version, signed)
How to Apply Online: Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Visit the official scholarship portal:
- MOE Scholarship: [taiwanscholarship.moe.gov.tw] (https://taiwanscholarship.moe.gov.tw/web/index.aspx?Lang=en) citeturn1search2
- ICDF Scholarship: [icdf.org.tw/apply] (https://www.icdf.org.tw/wSite/ct?ctNode=31566&mp=2&xItem=69338) citeturn5search0
- Register for an account and verify your email.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal & academic details.
- Upload all required documents in JPEG/PDF format, named clearly.
- Pay (or waive) the application fee if applicable.
- Submit your application before the deadline (see next section).
- Track your application status via your dashboard.
Important Deadlines to Remember
- TaiwanICDF Scholarship: Dec 1, 2024 – Mar 15, 2025 (strict cut‑off) citeturn5search0
- MOE Scholarship: Varies by embassy and university (commonly Jan 31–Apr 30, 2025)
- NSYSU: Check NSYSU’s [admissions page] (https://www.nsysu.edu.tw/) citeturn3view0 for specific department deadlines.
🔔 Tip: Set multiple calendar reminders—application + document authentication + embassy submission.
Insider Tips: Boost Your Chance of Selection
- Apply Early: Avoid last‑minute technical glitches.
- Craft a Stellar Motivational Letter:
- Be specific about why Taiwan and NSYSU.
- Highlight your career goals and how the scholarship changes your life.
- Secure Strong Recommendations:
- Choose professors or supervisors who know you well.
- Demonstrate Leadership & Impact:
- Include community service, projects, or research outcomes.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Typos can cost you—get feedback from peers.
- Engage with Alumni: Connect via LinkedIn or university networks for firsthand insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the application link for TaiwanICDF Scholarship?
Apply at the TaiwanICDF portal: [icdf.org.tw/apply] (https://www.icdf.org.tw/wSite/ct?ctNode=31566&mp=2&xItem=69338) citeturn5search0.
2. Can I get free travel to Taiwan with these scholarships?
Yes—TaiwanICDF covers round‑trip economy airfare; MOE covers a living stipend you can use toward travel citeturn5search10.
3. Are living expenses included in Taiwan Government Scholarships?
- MOE Scholarship: Monthly stipend (NT$15,000–20,000) citeturn1search0.
- ICDF Scholarship: Monthly allowance (NT$18,000–20,000) + housing citeturn5search6.
4. Do I need TOEFL/IELTS if my previous degree was in English?
No—if your degree program was taught entirely in English, proficiency proof is typically waived citeturn1search2.
5. How many subjects is NSYSU ranked in by QS?
NSYSU has 20 subjects ranked, making it a top 5 institution in Taiwan citeturn4view0.
6. Can mainland China students apply?
- MOE Scholarship: Generally excludes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau.
- ICDF Scholarship: Open to all international students, including China citeturn5search1.
Ready to Apply?
Seize this once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to study in Taiwan at zero personal cost.
Visit the scholarship portals, polish your essays, and submit before the deadline.
Your journey to Taiwan’s beautiful campuses—and a world‑class education—starts now.
Unlock your future—apply today and see you at NSYSU’s seaside sunsets!
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Good luck—and here’s to your success in Taiwan!