How to get Taiwan government scholarships as an international student?

I'm really interested in studying in Taiwan, and I've heard they offer government scholarships for international students. Can someone share what the requirements are and how the application process works? Is it super competitive?

Absolutely, Taiwan provides several scholarships for international students. Among them, the Taiwan Scholarship Program and the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship Program are two popular ones.

1. Taiwan Scholarship Program: This program offers scholarships for pursuing degree programs (undergraduate or graduate) in Taiwan. The scholarship covers tuition and miscellaneous expenses up to New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) 40,000 each semester. It also offers a monthly living stipend: NTD 15,000 for undergraduate and NTD 20,000 for graduate students.

To apply, you typically need to have a high school diploma or above, a solid academic record, and, if you're applying for a program taught in Chinese, proficiency in the language. You'll apply between February and March through a Taipei Representative Office in the country of your current domicile.

2. Huayu Enrichment Scholarship Program: This is designed for international students interested in learning Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan. It offers a monthly stipend of NTD 25,000 for two months to a year.

The application period is usually from February 1 to March 31. Applicants must have a high school degree or above, and be in good health. Note that if you have already received a scholarship from the Taiwan government, you aren't eligible for this one.

Generally, these scholarships are quite competitive due to the advantages they offer. It's crucial to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the program, have strong academic records, and craft compelling personal statements or essays if needed.

Do reach out to the Taiwan Ministry of Education or the specific university you're interested in for the most accurate and updated information. Good luck with your scholarship application!