Taiwan offers competitive scholarship opportunities for international students that can cover tuition fees and living expenses, with many programs not requiring IELTS if you can provide alternate English proficiency proof (e.g., Medium of Instruction). These scholarships are ideal for undergraduate, graduate, and PHD studies in Taiwan’s vibrant academic environment.
🎓 Top Taiwan Scholarships Covering Tuition & Living Costs
1. Taiwan Government Scholarship (MOE & MOFA)
A fully funded program supported by the Taiwanese government (Ministry of Education & Ministry of Foreign Affairs) for international students.
🔗 Official Portal: https://taiwanscholarship.org/
Coverage Includes:
- Tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living stipend (e.g., TWD 15,000–20,000 for Bachelor’s & Master’s; and more for PHD)
- Additional support depending on the specific scholarship type
✅ Offers substantial support for both tuition and living costs.
2. National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) International Scholarships
A university-level scholarship providing generous financial support to international students.
🔗 Apply: https://www.nctu.edu.tw/
Benefits:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend (e.g., ~NT$21,000+ depending on program)
✨ Ideal for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students with strong academic records.
3. Mingben Universal Scholarship — Tzu Chi University
Supports international undergraduate and graduate students with strong academic performance.
🔗 Details: https://oga.tcu.edu.tw/scholarships/
Coverage:
- Tuition and miscellaneous fees
- On-campus accommodation support
- Monthly allowance up to NT$5,000 during semesters
📌 Especially beneficial for those beginning their studies in Taiwan.
4. University-Level & National Scholarships at National Taiwan University (NTU)
NTU provides a range of Scholarships for international degree students.
🔗 Apply Info: https://isss.ntu.edu.tw/zh-hant/finances/scholarships/
Examples of coverage:
- Government scholarship through NTU covers tuition fees and monthly living stipend (e.g., ~TWD15,000–20,000/month)
- Some NTU internal awards offer monthly stipends (e.g., NTD 8,000–15,000) and partial tuition support.
5. Rotary Foundation-Affiliated Scholarships (University-Sponsored)
Certain universities (e.g., via National Taiwan Normal University—NTNU) recommend students for external sponsorship by foundations like Rotary.
Coverage:
- Tuition
- Accommodation & living expenses
- Monthly stipend paid over academic year
📌 Note: These are selective and may require university endorsement.
💰 Typical Scholarship Benefits (Tuition + Living)
| Scholarship | Tuition | Monthly Stipend | Accommodation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan Government Scholarships | ✔ Fully Waived | ✔ Yes (TWD15,000–20,000+) | Partial/Varies | Best overall support |
| NCTU International Scholarships | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes (~NT$21,000+) | — | University funding |
| Tzu Chi University (Mingben) | ✔ Yes | ✔ Up to NT$5,000 | ✔ Possible | Focus on merit |
| NTU International Awards | ▶ Partial/Full | ✔ Yes | — | Mixed university funding |
| Rotary / External Awards | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | Depends | Requires nomination |
📜 Eligibility & Language
- Academic Standing: Strong grades and relevant qualifications (high school for Bachelor’s; Bachelor’s for Master’s; Master’s for PhD).
- Nationality: Most scholarships are open to international students worldwide.
- Language: IELTS is not required if you can present a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter or equivalent proof of English proficiency.
📄 Common Required Documents
Prepare these for scholarship applications:
- Academic transcripts & diplomas
- Passport copy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation
- CV / Resume
- English language proof (MOI or equivalent)
- Research proposal (for postgraduate programs)
🗓️ Suggested Deadlines
Many Taiwan scholarships follow an annual application cycle with deadlines typically falling between August and November 2025 for the 2026–2027 intake. Always verify exact dates on the official scholarship portals.
🌏 Why Choose Taiwan
- 🎓 Internationally respected universities and strong research programs
- 💼 Affordable cost of living compared to many Western destinations
- 🏙️ Safe, modern cities with vibrant student life
- 🌎 Strategic location in Asia with global networking opportunities
❓ FAQs
Do Taiwan scholarships cover both tuition and living expenses?
✔ Many — especially Taiwan Government Scholarships and top university awards cover both.
Can I apply without IELTS?
✔ Yes, most programs accept MOI or other English proofs instead of IELTS.
Are scholarships available for all levels (Bachelor/Master/PhD)?
✔ Yes — from undergraduate to doctoral levels.
Is accommodation included?
✔ Some scholarships include accommodation support, while others focus on tuition and stipend.
