Taiwan Scholarship Guide for International Students in 2026

Updated August 2026. Taiwan offers several scholarship routes for international students, but they are not interchangeable. Government scholarships, Mandarin-study awards and university funding have different eligibility rules, deadlines and benefits.

This guide explains the main options and how to build a stronger application without confusing a university admission application with a scholarship application.

Main Taiwan scholarships for international students

MOE Taiwan Scholarship

The Ministry of Education scholarship is the best-known option for international degree students. Published government information lists tuition support of up to NT$40,000 per semester. Recipients are responsible for costs above the cap and for expenses such as accommodation, insurance, internet and some administrative charges.

Published monthly support is NT$15,000 for undergraduate students and NT$20,000 for master's and doctoral students. Maximum award duration depends on degree level and continued eligibility.

MOFA Taiwan Scholarship

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs program is generally connected to eligible countries and Taiwan's diplomatic or strategic relationships. Official program information has listed monthly support of NT$33,000 for degree programs and NT$28,000 during eligible language-enrichment study. Availability is not universal, so applicants should check the Taiwan mission responsible for their country.

Huayu Enrichment Scholarship

The Huayu Enrichment Scholarship supports Mandarin study at approved language centers rather than a standard bachelor's, master's or PhD degree. It can be a strong option for students who want intensive language study before or instead of a full degree.

University scholarships

Taiwanese universities offer their own tuition waivers, monthly stipends and graduate funding. Awards may be automatic with admission, require a separate form, or become available only after enrollment.

For example, university awards can range from partial tuition reductions to full tuition plus a stipend. Renewal is frequently tied to academic performance, conduct or research progress.

Who is normally eligible?

Exact rules vary, but common requirements include:

• Foreign nationality under the scholarship's definition
• An appropriate secondary-school diploma or prior degree
• Strong academic performance
• Good conduct
• Admission or an application to an eligible Taiwanese institution
• Not already receiving a conflicting Taiwan government award

Applicants from Mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau may fall under separate admission and funding systems. Do not assume that a scholarship labeled “international” uses the same definition as a university's international-admissions category.

Documents commonly required

• Completed scholarship form
• Passport copy
• Authenticated diploma and transcripts
• University application or admission evidence
• Study plan or statement of purpose
• Recommendation letters
• Language-test results when required
• Additional country-specific documents

Authentication and translation can take weeks. Begin those steps before the scholarship window opens rather than waiting for the deadline.

How the application process works

1. Identify which scholarships accept applicants from your country.
2. Choose eligible degree programs and universities.
3. Read the current rules issued by the responsible Taiwan mission.
4. Apply to the university and scholarship through their separate systems when required.
5. Keep proof of submission and monitor email requests.
6. After selection, follow the award-acceptance and university-enrollment instructions.

The official Study in Taiwan scholarship search includes government and university opportunities. Applicants should also check the website of their local Taipei Economic and Cultural Office or Taiwan embassy.

How to strengthen a Taiwan scholarship application

Connect your plan to Taiwan

Explain why the program, faculty, research environment or regional context makes Taiwan the logical place for your study. Generic praise about food and travel is not enough.

Show a realistic academic objective

A focused study plan should explain what you will study, why it matters, how you are prepared and what you intend to do with the degree.

Choose recommenders strategically

Strong letters provide specific evidence about academic ability, research potential, reliability or professional performance. A famous title is less valuable than a detailed recommendation from someone who knows your work.

Apply beyond one scholarship

Government awards are competitive. Compare university scholarships, department assistantships and research funding as part of the same financial plan.

Costs the scholarship may not cover

Even a strong scholarship may leave the student responsible for:

• Tuition above the scholarship cap
• Dormitory or rent
• Deposits and initial relocation costs
• Insurance
• Flights and local transportation
• Visa, ARC, authentication and translation fees
• Books, equipment and research expenses

Build a first-semester cash reserve because reimbursements or stipends may not arrive before early expenses are due.

Important deadline warning

Scholarship dates vary by country and institution. Some government windows open early in the calendar year, while university deadlines follow their own admissions cycles. A deadline found for another nationality or another year is not reliable for your application.

For the broader planning process, read Study in Taiwan in 2026: Costs, Visas, Scholarships and Universities.