Ministry of Education's (MOE) Taiwan Scholarship

Taiwan, a bustling hub of innovation, rich culture, and world-class education, provides an amazing opportunity for Pakistani students to further their studies through the Ministry of Education's (MOE) Taiwan Scholarship Programme. This completely financed fellowship encourages outstanding overseas students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Taiwan, therefore promoting academic and cultural exchange.

Its principal purpose is to bring brilliant overseas students to Taiwan's universities and colleges, thereby enriching the academic atmosphere and developing global understanding. The scholarship covers a major percentage of study fees, making quality education in Taiwan affordable to qualified students.

Programs Offered

The MOE Taiwan Scholarship is available to students pursuing undergraduate, Master's, and doctoral degrees in a variety of subjects at Taiwan's approved institutions and colleges. While the grant does not provide specific "programs," students can enroll in any approved degree program provided by Taiwanese schools.
Pakistani students can explore a wide range of fields, including but not limited to:

• Engineering
• Technology
• Science
• Business and management
• Arts and humanities
• Social Sciences
• Medicine (in certain programs)

It is strongly advised that you explore universities and specialized programs that are relevant to your academic interests and career ambitions. Many Taiwanese colleges offer programs exclusively in English.

Benefits

The scholarship provides significant financial support, alleviating the burden of studying abroad:

• Tuition and incidental Expenses: The MOE will reimburse up to NTD 40, 000 per semester for tuition and incidental costs. If the total surpasses NTD 40, 000, the receiver bears the remaining charges.
• The monthly living allowance (stipend):
  • Undergraduate studies come with a monthly stipend of NTD$15,000.
  • A monthly stipend of NTD$20,000 is provided for postgraduate studies (master's and doctoral).
  • It should be noted that these stipends are meant to cover living expenses, and some colleges may provide additional subsidies.
• Scholarship Duration:
  • Undergraduate programs go up to four years.
  • Master's programs last up to two years.
  • Doctorate programs last up to four years.
  • Even if pursuing numerous degrees, no one person can hold a Taiwan Scholarship for more than five years.
• Mandarin Language Training: While not a direct advantage for all, some recipients may be required or encouraged to attend Mandarin language training to improve their skills, particularly if their program is not entirely in English.

Eligibility Criteria

Pakistani applicants for the MOE Taiwan Scholarship must meet the general conditions listed below:

• Nationality: Be a foreign national (not a Republic of China citizen or an overseas Chinese student).
• Education:
  • Undergraduate programs require a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Postgraduate programs require a bachelor's or master's degree, respectively
• Academic Performance: Showcase outstanding academic performance in their most recent formal educational experience.
• Moral Character: Be of good moral character and have no criminal histories.
• University Admission: Applicants must apply directly to a Taiwanese university or college and complete the admission standards. Obtaining an admission letter is essential for confirming the scholarship.
• No Dual Scholarship: Cannot receive any other scholarship or subsidy from the Taiwanese government or an educational institution in Taiwan. (This normally excludes university grants to cover overdue tuition amounts if they exceed the scholarship's maximum).
• Prior study in Taiwan:
  • You cannot be a registered student in Taiwan unless you graduated this year and are applying for a higher degree.
  • You cannot apply for a degree at the same level that you previously achieved in Taiwan.
  • Exchange, dual, or dual degree students with academic agreements are disqualified.
  • You must have held a Taiwan Scholarship for more than five years.
  • You are ineligible if your Taiwan or MOE Huayu Enrichment Scholarship has ever been revoked.
• Language proficiency:
  • Non-English programs often require TOCFL Level 3 or higher (Level 4 preferable).
  • For English programs, TOCFL may be waived. TOEFL, IELTS, or other recognized English language examinations (intermediate level/75%+ score) are commonly required. Some universities may accept a diploma from an English-medium school as proof.

How to Apply

Two-Step Application Process:

• University Admission:
  • Research & Apply Directly: Find suitable programs in Taiwan and apply directly to your chosen university/college within their deadlines.
  • Documents: Prepare academic transcripts, diplomas, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and language scores (if applicable), as required by the university.
• MOE Taiwan Scholarship:
  • Application Period: Typically February 1st to March 31st annually. Crucially, confirm exact dates with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in your region.
  • Obtain Form: Download the specific MOE Taiwan Scholarship application form from TECRO.
  • Required Documents: Submit the completed form, passport copy, authenticated diplomas/transcripts, proof of university application, two sealed recommendation letters, signed Terms of Agreement, language proficiency certificate (TOCFL for Chinese, TOEFL/IELTS for English where applicable), study plan, and CV.
  • Submission: Mail all documents to the Education Division of the relevant TECRO.

Important Notes for Pakistani Applicants:

• Separate Applications: You must apply to both the university and the scholarship independently.
• Stay Informed: Keep in touch with TECRO for updates on your application status.
• Interviews: Expect an interview if you're a qualified candidate.
• Notification: Results are usually out by May 31st.
• Admission Letter Deadline: If selected, submit your official university admission letter to TECRO by June 30th to secure the scholarship. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for more than one scholarship from the Taiwanese government?

No, you can only get one scholarship from the Taiwanese government or schools in Taiwan.

2. What’s the longest I can get funding for each degree?

You can get funding for up to four years for undergrad programs, two years for master’s programs, and four years for doctoral programs. But altogether, you can’t exceed five years.

3. Can I extend my scholarship period?

No, you can’t extend the scholarship beyond the time limits for each degree.

4. When do I get my scholarship money?

The money usually comes in around the middle of each month, as long as your attendance and grades meet the requirements.

5. What if my tuition is more than the scholarship amount?

The MOE covers up to NTD$40,000 each semester for tuition and other expenses. If your fees are higher, you’ll need to cover the extra yourself. Some universities may offer extra help.

6. Can I apply for the Taiwan Scholarship again after I finish my program?

Yes, you can apply for scholarships for other degree programs, but the total time you receive funding can’t be more than five years.

7. Can I work part-time while on the MOE Taiwan Scholarship? 

Yes, you can usually work part-time. Just make sure to follow Taiwan’s rules about work permits for international students. Generally, you can work up to 20 hours a week during the semester, but not during summer or winter breaks.

8. What could cause my scholarship to be canceled?

Your scholarship could be canceled if you:

• Get another scholarship from the Taiwanese government or schools.
• Are suspended or expelled from your university.
• Don’t keep up your grades (like not meeting the minimum GPA).
• Break any Taiwanese laws or university rules.
• Fail to submit important documents on time (like your ARC labeled Study).
• Provide false info on your application.

9. Do I need an acceptance letter from a Taiwanese university to apply for the scholarship?

You need to show that you’ve applied to a university in Taiwan when you apply for the scholarship. If you get the scholarship, you’ll have to submit your official admission letter from a Taiwanese university by a deadline (usually June 30th) to keep your scholarship. Without that letter, you won’t be eligible.

10. Where can I find universities that offer programs in English?

You can check the Study in Taiwan website (www.studyintaiwan.org) for lists of schools that offer programs in English. It’s also a good idea to look at individual university websites.