Introduction of Taiwan Scholarship
Since 2004, the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the Republic of China has established the Taiwan Scholarship Program to encourage outstanding international students to undertake degree programs in Taiwan. The Scholarship provides study opportunities in a wide range of disciplines at Taiwan’s best universities and colleges, including such leading fields as information technologies, international relations and business management, Chinese language, literature and art history, teaching Chinese as a second language, etc.
Briefing Introduction: Study in Taiwan - Vision Unlimited
●What are the benefits of the scholarship?
Starting in the year 2016, the benefits of the Taiwan Scholarship have been slightly changed. The benefits policy mainly includes two parts: Tuition/Miscellaneous Fee Subsidy and a Stipend, detailed as follows:
1. Tuition and Miscellaneous expenses: MOE will pay for each recipient the above-mentioned tuition and miscellaneous fees up to NTD40,000 per semester; where the amount is over NTD40,000, the remaining amount must be paid to the university/college by the students.
2. Stipend: a monthly stipend of NTD15,000 (approx. US$540, subject to exchange rate) for undergraduate, or NTD20,000 (approx. US$720, subject to exchange rate) for graduate recipient will be distributed through the school to cover their living and other expenses.
Other fees may include, but are not limited to, “Thesis Advising Fee”, “Insurance”, “Dormatory Fee”, “Computer & Network Fee”, etc. These additional expenses will be solely the responsibility of the recipient.
●How long is the award period?
The award period for each study program varies as follows:
1. Bachelor’s program: maximum 4 years
2. Master’s program: maximum 2 years.
3. Doctoral program: maximum 4 years.
●Maximum Duration of Combination of Awards
Upon completion of a degree program, recipients may reapply Taiwan Scholarship to undertake a higher degree program. However, the maximum duration of each recipient’s total award period is 5 years.
● Annual Award Period
The Annual award period is from September 1st through August 31st of the following year. Recipients must report to their school and matriculate within the required period. If recipients fail to arrive in Taiwan to register and study during this period, unless approved in advance by the receiving institution and the MOE, their award status will be cancelled and cannot be deferred.
If recipients begin their study after the intended study term/quarter has started, their award period will become effective from the month they actually report to and matriculate at their universities/colleges in Taiwan.
● Expiration of Award
All awards will end by the last month of their specified award period. However, if recipients graduate, drop out, are expelled from their institutions, violate R.O.C. laws, receive any major demerits, or their scholarships are revoked, whichever comes first, the award will be terminated.
● Scholarship quotas and designated offices
This year, three Taiwan Scholarships will be available for applicants from the Southwest areas of the USA who is applying for the Bachelor, Master or Doctoral Programs. Applicants who have a permanent address or are currently enrolling or have been enrolled within the past 3 years full-time in a university located in the following areas - Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, Caroline Islands, Guam, Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, please contact:
Education Division
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles
3731 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 770
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Ms. Rianna Chen at rianna@mail.moe.gov.tw
American applicants who are not in the above mentioned areas, please check your designated TECO office listed below:
Areas Designated TECO Offices in USA
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●Areas: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Bermuda Island, Delaware
●Designated TECO Office:Education Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States https://depart.moe.edu.tw/dc/
___________________________
●Areas: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Education
●Designated TECO Office: Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Boston http://www.moebos.org
___________________________
●Areas: Northern California, Nevada, Utah, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, ashington,Wyoming
●Designated TECO Office:Education Division, TECO in San Francisco https://depart.moe.edu.tw/SF/Default.aspx
___________________________
●Areas: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri ●Designated TECO Office: Education Division,TECO in Houston http://www.moetw.org
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●Areas: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota
●Designated TECO Office: Education Division, TECO in Chicago http://www.edutw.org
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●Areas: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
●Designated TECO Office: Education Division, TECO in New York http://www.edutwny.org
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Note: Please be advised that each TECO office may have different quotas, guidelines, requirements, selection processes, and even deadlines. Please directly contact your designated TECO office for details by the end of January.
For applicants located outside of the USA, please contact the Taiwan Representative Office located in your country or the nearest country. Check online for your Taiwan Representative Office’s contact information at Overseas Office of Republic of China (Taiwan).
Eligibility
An applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Be a US citizen.
2. Be a high school graduate or above, have excellent academic performance in his/her most recent formal educational study experience, be of good moral character and not have any criminal records.
A person in any of the following categories is ineligible to apply:
1. An R.O.C. national (See Dual Nationality ) or an overseas Chinese student.
2. A person who already has and is continuing to maintain student status at any university/college in Taiwan or who has already registered to begin studies at such a university/college. This restriction does not apply to a student who will be graduating after completing a degree that year. They may apply for a Taiwan Scholarship to pursue a higher degree.
3. A person who has already studied in Taiwan for a degree at the same level as the one in which they currently intend to enroll.
4. An exchange student or dual/joint degree student who has been admitted to a university/college in Taiwan in accordance with an academic cooperation agreement between that university/college and an overseas university/college.
5. A person who has already been a Taiwan Scholarship recipient for a total of five years.
6. A person who has ever previously had their Taiwan Scholarship or MOE Huayu Enrichment Scholarship revoked.
7. A person who has received any other scholarship or subsidy from any Taiwan Government institution (organization) or any education institution in Taiwan, apart from any subsidies provided for a Taiwan Scholarship recipient by their university/college to cover the outstanding amount if the total amount of their tuition and other fees exceeds the scholarship limit.
Please note, applicants must apply directly to the university/college for admission within the application deadline. Each university/college sets its own application deadline.
Application Procedure
● When to apply?
The yearly application period for Taiwan Scholarship Program is from February 1st through March 31st, unless specified otherwise.
●Where to apply?
Applicants who have a permanent address or are currently enrolled or have been enrolled within the past three years full-time in a university located in the following areas: Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, Caroline Islands, Guam, Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, please send all required documents to:
Education Division
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles
3731 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 770
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Attention: Ms. Rianna Chen
For applicants who are located outside of the above listed areas, please contact the designated Taiwan Representative Office in your area or in the nearest location. Check online for your Taiwan Representative Office's contact information.
●What materials are needed to apply?
The following documents are required before the application can be processed:
1. One copy of the completed application form.
2. One photocopy of passport or other nationality certificates.
3. One photocopy of the highest-level diploma and an official complete grade transcript.
4. A photocopy of admission application materials to universities/colleges in Taiwan (e.g., photocopies of application fee remittance, application form, receipt of application from universities/colleges, email confirmation).
5. Two recommendation letters, signed and sealed in envelopes (i.e. from the principals, professors, or supervisors). Photocopies and email submissions of letters of recommendation will not be considered.
6. A copy of a language proficiency certificate.
(1) For applications to undertake a program not completely taught in English: A copy of the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) test score report or certificate of Level 3 or above shall be submitted.
(2) For the applicant wants to undertake a program completely taught in English, the TOCFL requirement may be exempted. However, applicants who submit TOCFL certificate or test score report will be considered with priority.
7. A complete and signed Taiwan Scholarship Terms of Agreement .
Applications must be complete in full. All incomplete applications are ineligible for consideration, and persons submitting incomplete applications will be withdrawn from the selection process without further notice.
Application Forms & Guidelines
● Application Form for Taiwan Scholarship (Word)
● Application Form for Taiwan Scholarship (PDF)
● The Terms of Agreement of Taiwan Scholarship (PDF)
● Tuition & Miscellaneous Expense Discounts provided by Colleges (PDF)
● General Regulation (Chinese Version PDF)
● General Regulation (English Version PDF)
● Orientation Guidelines Before Departure (Word)
Disclaimer
The Taiwan Scholarhsip Program General Regulations announced by the Education Division, TECO in Los Angeles are adapted from the "Ministry of Education Taiwan Scholarship Program Guidelines". If there is any discrepancy or conflict between the Ministry of Education regulations and TECO regulations, the Ministry of Education regulations (Chinese version) shall prevail. Matters not mentioned herein shall be governed by relevant MOE regulations.
Additional Important Information
What else should applicants do?
1. Please note that scholarship applications and school admission applications are separate. Applicants must apply directly to the university/college for admission within the application deadline. Each university/college sets its own application deadline.
2. Applicants who are granted scholarships are not guaranteed admission to any university/college. Applicants must make note of the different deadlines for scholarships and school admission. As for how to apply for admission, please refer to the “Taiwan Scholarship FAQ” section.
3. Applicants need to submit a copy of the admission letter to their designated TECO Office in order to secure their scholarship by no later than June 30th. Late submission of these documents will be deemed as a waiver for accepting the scholarship.
Selection Process:
1. In principle, selection priority will be given to those who have successfully secured admission to a university/college and potentially will be capable of completing the degree study.
2. Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be interviewed, and will be notified of the preliminary result of the selection by the designated TECO Office by no later than May 31st of that year. TECO office will select successful candidates and alternative candidates which will be placed on a waiting list.
3. Successful and alternative candidates should submit a copy of their letter of admission to TECO office for verification by June 30th. After an admission acceptance letter is received, the designated TECO Office will proceed to finalize its scholarship selection reviews. The final confirmation of the scholarship recipients will be made by July 31st. The roster of the scholarship recipients will be submitted by the end of July to the Ministry of Education and the school they have been admitted to.
Selection Criteria
1. Recipients should achieve an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above and a graduate GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.5 scale). Where grade conversion calculation differs, TECO will base its conversion calculations on the aforementioned calculation guidelines to select outstanding applicants from prestigious universities/colleges.
2. Interviews will be conducted in person, by video conferencing, or via phone/email so as to interact with the applicants and better judge their demeanor and moral character.
3. Priority will be given to applicants with a certificate in TOCFL levels of Level 4 (Intermediate) or above.
What privileges are there for Taiwan Scholarship recipients?
1. Once your application is finally approved, you will receive one copy of the Scholarship Certificate Letter issued by your designated TECO office for you to keep as an honor by July 31st. The certificate is also used as a personal financial statement shown to schools and for applying for a visa to enter Taiwan, as well as for obtaining an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) for legally staying in Taiwan afterward.
2. As a national scholarship recipient, your application for a visa will be honored by the Visa Section of your local TECO office, which means it is issued free of charge. Please do remember to enclose your Taiwan Scholarship certificate letter with our visa application, fail to do so may result in a fee charge.
3. Taiwan Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply for a Resident Visa directly without waiting 4 months after enrollment. However, please note that the holders of resident visas need to apply for ARCs within 2 weeks of entering Taiwan or else will be fined by the government.
4. Recipients will be invited to attend an orientation organized by their designated TECO office, usually in August, to better understand the living and study environment in Taiwan. It is also a chance to meet and exchange with returning recipients before new recipients depart for Taiwan.
5. All scholarship recipients are automatic members of Taiwan Alumni Association in Los Angeles (TAA in LA)( https://www.facebook.com/TAALAUSA/). The Taiwan Alumni Association Los Angeles Chapter aims to bring individuals together who have previously studied in Taiwan and are now located in the L.A. area or beyond. All those interested in experience-sharing, engaging in dialogue on culture or language, or networking with fellow Taiwan alumni are welcome to participate in this organization.
For important information regarding the scholarship, such as re-applying, renewal, suspension, revocation and insurance, please refer to the “FAQ” section.
The Taiwan Scholarship Program is designated to encourage promising students from foreign countries to pursue their degree studies in Taiwan to familiarize themselves with the academic environment in Taiwan and promote communication, understanding, and friendship between Taiwan and the international community. For those students interested in studying in Taiwan, they may choose to pursue their degree with English as the primary language of instruction or in Chinese.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) Taiwan Scholarship Program provides each outstanding international student scholarship recipient who comes to Taiwan to undertake a bachelor’s degree (4 years scholarship), master’s degree (2 years), or doctorate degree (4 years).
Why Pursue Degree in Taiwan
Many efforts have been made to create an internationalized academic study environment in Taiwan, and Taiwan is an ideal study destination for several reasons.
A survey of international students carried out by the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET)( https://www.fichet.org.tw/en/) found that these reasons include the following: Taiwan provides a high-quality academic environment, rich cultural heritage, excellent living circumstances, reasonable tuition, scholarships, and opportunities to learn Mandarin Chinese, and studying in Taiwan will be helpful for both further study and future careers.
There are many advantages to selecting Taiwan as a place to further your education, including the following:
1. English-Friendly Environment
Taiwan is working hard to create a friendly international and English speaking environment for its international friends. The government has put forth strong efforts for the promotion of English within Taiwan's society. Government offices and public affairs offices have created English and Chinese websites in order to assist individuals in accessing information and services in a more efficient and convenient manner.
2. High Quality Educational Opportunities
The Ministry of Education places high quality education for students at the top of its priority list. Within the last few years, it has launched a number of challenging and innovative programs for its institutions of higher education. Among them are policies for raising Taiwan's international academic competitiveness and for providing more opportunities for foreign students to study in Taiwan.
Taiwan's strong reputation in the field of technological education attracts students from all over the world for the study of bio-technology, computer technology, business, forestry, agriculture, and chemistry, to name a few.
In 2004, the government established "The Taiwan Scholarship Program" in order to encourage promising students from foreign countries to pursue their undergraduate and graduate studies in Taiwan, along with enhancing the focus for educational and academic exchange and collaboration.
3. Low Tuition Costs
Taiwan's universities are able to offer more affordable tuition rates as compared to other international universities because of innovative government policies.
4. Internationalization of Technological Universities
Rapid and innovative technological changes are occurring simultaneously all over the world. Taiwan's technological universities and institutions have earned respect for Taiwan and its developments throughout the international community. Research areas include bio-informatics, information security, open source and artificial intelligence, e-learning and digital content, web services, and mobile computing, to name a few.
5. Economic Progress
Taiwan's economic prowess has gained it recognition throughout the world as it rapidly progressed from an agriculture-based society to an export-oriented manufacturing society and then to a service-based economy. Today, Taiwan is recognized as a major supplier of high-tech goods throughout the world.
6. A Democratic and Safe Environment
A thriving democratic society makes for a safe living environment in Taiwan. Its citizens enjoy right to free speech and freedom of the press. In recent years, Taiwan's residents and international students have witnessed many dramatic positive political reforms. These reforms continue to pave the way for Taiwan's unique political path.
7. Taiwanese Hospitality & Cultural Diversity
Taiwanese are known throughout the world for their immense hospitality and welcoming spirit to newcomers in the community. Many of Taiwan’s inhabitants are early descendants of Chinese immigrants, from such provinces as Fujian and Guangdong. Recently, there has been a strong and growing interest in Taiwan's native or aboriginal peoples. Many efforts are underway to help preserve their culture and traditions.
Taiwan's development can be attributed to its rich heritage of diverse populations and influence. Immigrants from Holland, Spain, Portugal, Japan and more recently, from Mainland China have all played a role in Taiwan's development. While learning about Taiwan and its cultural traditions, these immigrants also contribute to Taiwan their respective customs and traditions.
8. Geographic Beauty
The Portuguese called Taiwan "Formosa,” which means “beautiful island," when they resided on Taiwan during the 16th century. Taiwan's forested mountains cover two-thirds of its total land mass and the remaining area consists of hilly country, open plains, highlands, coastal plains and basins. The Central Mountain Range stretches along the entire island from north to south, along the entire island, thus forming a natural line of demarcation for rivers on the eastern and western sides of the island.
9. And more to come when you explore Taiwan’s many charms…
Frequently Asked Questions
General
● Can I accept more than one scholarship?
You can only accept ONE type of scholarship offered by a government agency or educational institution (universities and colleges) in Taiwan.
● What is the maximum duration of each scholarship?
The award period for each study program is as follows:
a. Undergraduate program: 4 years
b. Master’s program: 2 years
c. Doctoral program: 4 years
The maximum length of the total awards for each recipient undertaking a combination of studies is 5 years.
● What degree programs in Taiwan universities are instructed in English?
Please check PDF file to find Taiwanese university programs instructed in English:
Reference List of Universities/Colleges Providing Degree Programs taught in English.
● What degree programs in Taiwan universities admit international students or offer scholarships for foreign students?
For degree programs offered to Taiwan Scholarship applicants, please find the school of your choice from Study in Taiwan and search school’s website to find the program of your desire.
● Does the program begin and end on two specified dates?
The actual award period begins from the month that you matriculate at your intended institution and ends in the month of program completion. However, the award will be terminated immediately if you drop out, are expelled, have the scholarship revoked, or graduate early.
● I can not arrive in Taiwan before the annual award period starts. What can I do?
Annual award period is from September 1st through August 31st of the following year. Recipients must matriculate within the award period, unless approved in advance by the receiving school and the MOE. If recipients fail to arrive in Taiwan to study without prior approval, their award status will be cancelled and cannot be deferred for another year.
● How would late arrival affect my scholarship?
If recipients begin their study after the intended study term/quarter has started, their award period will become effective from the month they matriculate at their university/college in Taiwan.
● Can I extend the duration of the scholarship?
No, you cannot extend the duration of the scholarship. Additional study may be taken at your own expense. If so, proof of funds must be provided to the recipient’s scholarship agency and school.
● Can I re-apply for the Taiwan Scholarship?
Upon completion of a degree program, recipients may reapply by February 28th of each year for the Taiwan Scholarship to undertake a higher degree program by following the application process as specified above. The maximum duration of each recipient’s total award period is 5 years.
● After entering into the degree study, will I be able to renew my scholarship automatically every academic year?
There is a renewal process for every academic year. To review recipients’ award qualifications for the next academic year, individual universities/colleges will conduct an evaluation regarding the Taiwan Scholarship award status for renewal by February 28th of each year.
● What are the grading criteria to review my award qualification?
Each educational institution may set their own grading criteria for the required passing minimum grade point average for each semester, or may employ the current grading criteria, which is 70 out of 100 for undergraduate and 80 for graduates.
Recipients whose GPA falls below the passing standard will have their scholarships suspended for 1 month; whose GPA is below the passing standard for 2 consecutive semesters will have their scholarships revoked starting the next semester.
For recipients in the 3rd year of their doctoral program, this evaluation should be conducted in accordance with the regulations of their individual institutions, since systems vary from discipline to discipline, in terms of requirements for session credits and scheduling of the writing of their dissertations.
● Under what circumstances will my scholarship be terminated early?
Generally speaking, all awards will end by the last month of their specified award period; however, if recipients graduate, drop out, are expelled from their institutions, violate R.O.C. laws, are given any major demerits, or their scholarship is revoked, whichever comes first, the award will be terminated.
● When will I receive the Certificate of Scholarship? What is it for?
In principle, all recipients will receive one copy of the Certificate of Scholarship from a Taiwanese representative office or embassy by July 31th. The certificate is used as a personal financial statement for applying for schools and for obtaining an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
Stipends
● How are stipends granted?
In principle, stipends are granted monthly, through the universities/colleges where the recipients attend and follow the methods as specified by the individual institutions.
● In what situations will the stipend be suspended?
A recipient may be suspended scholarship for one month, or for longer period or even being cancelled, if he or she:
1. If a recipient fails to achieve a specified minimum academic average for a semester, his/her stipends will be suspended for one month.
2. If a recipient fails to achieve a specified minimum academic average for two consecutive semesters, he/she will be permanently disqualified from receiving any Taiwan Scholarship awards, effective and beginning from the next academic term (semester).
3. After a recipient registers at his/her school, if he/she absent for more than one-thirds of a single month or leaves our country without the school’s permission, except for summer and winter vacations, his/her stipends will be suspended for the months he/she was not in Taiwan. And the universities will evaluate whether recipients’ scholarships will be suspended or not.
● In what situations will the scholarship and remaining stipends be cancelled?
Usually, as long as recipient maintains the required academic grades and attendance standards, his/her scholarship will be safe to keep. A recipient may be permanently disqualified from receiving the scholarship and stipends under these conditions:
1. Failure during the annual renewal evaluation of his/her Taiwan scholarship.
2. Dropping out, expulsion, violation of R.O.C. laws, or receiving any major demerits.
3. Simultaneously receiving another scholarship or subsidy offered by the Taiwan government or educational institutions. However, this does not include tuition and miscellaneous fee subsidized by the Ministry of Education and school as stipulated in the Taiwan Scholarship Program Guidelines.
4. Recipients are not allowed to study in any other country as exchange or dual/joint degree students. Should such a case occur, the recipients’ scholarships will be revoked and the remainder of the award period shall not be retained or deferred. Recipients on exchange as part of the degree program are exempt from this rule, but they shall not receive any tuition and miscellaneous fee subsidy or any stipends during the time period outside of Taiwan.
5. Failure to submit at the time or registration for each semester a copy of Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) noted with “Pursuing Study” as the reason for stay by the deadline specified by the recipient’s university/college, or alters the reason for stay while in receipt of the scholarships.
6. Entering employment without a work permit. In addition to applying for a work permit, recipients must also gain approval from MOE and school prior to working. Failure to do so will result in the scholarship immediately revoked and he/she must return stipends received since the employment.
● I have not yet received my stipend for this month. Whom should I speak to?
Your stipend may be temporally suspended or revoked permanently for some reasons, please read the above FAQ carefully for the related regulations. The payment might also be delayed in the first month of the school year due to accounting and/or administrative processes. Therefore, recipients are advised to prepare sufficient funds for living expenses for this period of time. Please first contact your designated school/center officer for inquires or questions in this matter.
● What if I can not afford the school fees that I am responsible to pay?
Students are responsible for all additional fees and expenses that are not covered by the scholarship, which may include but not limited to the following: Insurance, Dormitory fee, Computer & Network fees and some other specific fees. In case of personal financial hardship, recipients may apply to their registered universities/colleges for payments to be deducted directly from their monthly stipends.
Admissions
● When and how do I apply for admission to a school?
Applications are usually accepted between January and April for that year. Please note that each university/college may have different deadline, check the list of Study in Taiwan or contact the school of your choice for correct deadline information.
● How do I decide on my major?
This is of your choice. However, please take language level and cost of expenses into consideration when choosing schools and courses.
When will I find out if I am accepted by the school?
Decisions on applications are usually sent between May and July.
● Where do I register for the TOCFL? Which language level should I register for? Will my scholarship agency pay for my TOCFL registration fee?
The TOCFL tests are usually held in March of every year in Los Angeles. You can register for the TOCFL 3-4 weeks prior to the test at www.tw.org/tocfl; the registration fee is the full responsibility of the recipient.
Academic Advice
● I am having trouble understanding classes. What can I do?
Please speak to your instructor and advisor. If the classes remain too challenging, you have other options including transferring majors or schools. Please note that you are only allowed to transfer schools once and only if the schools approve such a request.
● What do I need to submit to transfer to another institution?
After studying for a semester at a university/college, a recipient may be allowed to transfer once to another university/college/department listed in the Study in Taiwan during the course of a degree, if the pertinent educational institutions approve this request.
Recipients that wish to transfer to a different degree program at another university/college/department/graduate school must re-apply to their designated Taiwan Representative Offices.
● My grade is below the class average. Is it possible to have a make-up test?
There are different sets of guidelines according to schools. Please speak to your instructor and advisor about having make-up tests.
Visa Status/ARC and others
● What is an Alien Residence Certificate (ARC)? How do I apply for it?
Foreign nationals who have entered Taiwan on resident visas are required to apply for an ARC in order to stay legally in the country. You need to apply for the ARC at your local National Immigration Agency service center within 15 days of arrival. Please note that there is a penalty fine for those who fail to apply for an ARC before expiration (under 10 days: NT$1,000; between 11 and 30 days: NT$3,000; between 31 and 90 days: NT$5,000).
A list of local service centers can be found on the Information for Foreigners website.
● How do I extend my Alien Residence Certificate (ARC)?
You must bring your passport and ARC (within 15 days before the expiration date), student ID card and other necessary documents to your local National Immigration Agency service center. If your ARC has already expired, you must leave Taiwan to apply for a new resident visa at a Taiwanese embassy or representative office, and re-apply for a new ARC at your local National Immigration Agency service center within 15 days after re-entry to Taiwan. Please note that there is a penalty fine for overstaying (under 10 days: NT$1,000; between 11 and 30 days: NT$3,000; between 31 and 90 days: NT$5,000; over 91 days: NT$10,000). Your scholarship agency is not responsible for paying the fine.
For detailed information, please go to the Information for Foreigners website.
● I have just transferred to a new school but my passport has a visa stamp for the previous institution. Do I need to apply for a new visa to re-enter Taiwan?
You do not need to re-apply if your visa indicates an “FS” code. You do need to re-apply, however, if your visa indicates an “FR” code which is for LEP students. Please have your scholarship certificate, admission letter, student ID card (stamped by the registrar’s office of your new school), passport and ARC (valid at least for 6 months), and two passport photos ready to update your visa information at your local Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) branch. A list of branch offices can be found on the BOCA website.
● I have just moved to a new place. Who do I need to notify of my change of address?
You must update your address at your local National Immigration Agency service center within 15 days after moving. There is a penalty fine for those who fail to change their home address. Fine will be imposed if the change of information is not completed within the time limit (under 10 days: NT$1,000; between 11 and 30 days: NT$3,000, over 31 days: NT$5,000).
● What is the legal drinking age in Taiwan? What is the law for driving under the influence in Taiwan?
The legal drinking age in Taiwan is 18. The consequences of driving under the influence in Taiwan are potentially severe. Penalties include an immediate disqualification of the scholarship, up to NT$60,000 fine, possible jail time, and a suspension of driver’s license.
Part time or Full time employment
● Am I allowed to work in Taiwan?
Taiwan Scholarship recipients may not enter illegal employment/ work-study. Fail to do so, will result in the immediate revocation of the scholarship. In addition to applying for a work permit, the student must also notify her/his school and gain approval from school and MOE prior to working in order to maintain his/her qualification for the scholarship. Fail to do so, other than immediate revocation of the scholarship, will also have to return their stipend given to them since their employment/work-study.
● How do I apply for a work permit?
Foreign students who want to work in Taiwan must hold a valid work permit. Students can apply for work permits at the Workforce Development Agency of Ministry of Labor. Online application. For other questions concerning work permit, please visit the EZwork website.
Health Insurance
● What insurance do I need upon arrival? Will my school and scholarship agency pay for the insurance fees?
You are required to obtain travel and health insurance, valid for at least four months from the date of your arrival, before you are eligible to participate in the Taiwan’s National Health Insurance plan. If you use your us health insurance and buy travel insurance from abroad, these insurance policies must bear the authentication of your designated TECO office (As how to authenticate, please refer to TECO LA consular service office’s instruction at website). Please note that you are required to have travel and health insurance for matriculation, the fees for which you are responsible. Some schools may be able to enroll you into some insurance plans, please check with your school for details.
● Am I required to join the National Health Insurance (NHI) system? If so, how do I join?
It is mandatory by law that recipients, who have an award period for six months or more, participate in the National Health Insurance Plan (NHI) after they have resided and studied in Taiwan for four months; and the necessary fees should be paid by recipients. Some schools provide students with enrollment services. You will need your passport, ARC, and two passport photos to apply. Please go to the National Health Insurance website for detailed information: http://www.nhi.gov.tw/english
● What is the consequence for not being covered by NHI?
In case of serious illness or an accident, you will have to pay for all medical expenses at relatively high rates.
● What other insurance plans am I required to join?
You are required to join the Student Accident Insurance plan during your period of study in Taiwan. Most schools provide students with enrollment services. The insurance rate is approximately NT$200-300 per semester (Subject to change without notification).
Housing
●Is my school responsible for housing arrangements?
Some schools do not provide housing services, so please confirm with your school before arriving in Taiwan. Living in a youth hostel is an economical option while apartment hunting. To find a youth hostel online, please go to the Taiwan Youth Hostel Association website.
● What do I need to know about renting an apartment in Taiwan?
Taiwan is generally a safe place to live. Most landlords request a deposit of one or two months’ rent on signing the lease as damage security.
● Can my scholarship agency help me with housing disputes?
No, your scholarship agency is not able to help you with housing disputes. Please speak to your school for assistance.
Student loan issue
● How can I go to Taiwan if I have unpaid student loan?
Due to financial circumstances, many students in the United States take out loans which they agree to pay upon the completion of their college education. If a student chooses to pursue a higher degree at an institution recognized by their lender they can choose to defer loan payments while in school. Unfortunately, many international colleges and universities, are not recognized by U.S. loan programs. However, this need not be an obstacle to students who wish to pursue higher education abroad in Taiwan. Depending on your loan vendor, payments can often be deferred if proof enrollment is presented in a timely manner; if a deferment cannot be obtained, a forbearance due to financial circumstances can usually be arranged. The circumstances of every student will vary according to the number of loans they have taken out, the amount they owe, and so on. Accordingly, the prospective student should make the proper inquiries to their loan vendor in a timely manner before beginning their education abroad. (This answer is contributed by John Barthelette, who was a 2008 Taiwan Scholarship recipient, John earned his Master degree from the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University in 2012.)
Visa Application Procedure
The following information is intended for US citizens who live in Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Hawaii. If you reside outside of the above listed areas while applying for visa, please direct the application and inquiry to your local TECO's consular service office instead. Check online for the Taiwan Representative Offices’ contact information.
Visa Category: Multi-entry Resident Visa
Purpose of Stay: Pursuing degree in Taiwan
● Residents in the following areas: Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
A. Walk-in Service
Required Document:
1.Taiwan Scholarship Certificate issued by the Education Division of TECO in Los Angeles.
2. An acceptance letter issued by the college for bachelor/master/PhD degree study.
3. A completed barcoded Visa Application printout.
4. A U.S passport valid A U.S passport valid for no less than six months.
5. Two 2x2-inch color photos with a plain color (white color recommended) background taken within the last six months.
6. Health certificate* issued within the last three months.
7. Visa processing fee is waved for Taiwan Scholarship recipients.
*Health Certificate: A health certificate issued within the past three months by a licensed foreign hospital or clinic is required. The certificate should be authenticated at a ROC Embassy, Consulate or Mission within the jurisdiction of the issuing agency. Please submit with "Application form for Authentication" and authentication fee is $15.
B. Mail-in Service
● All the required documents are the same as above.
Please use the following mailing Address:
Consular Service Division
TECO in Los Angeles
3731 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Postage** for returning passport and documents by express mail: US$27.00 (domestic only)
** TECO Consular Service office only accepts money order, cashier's check or personal check made payable to TECO. Please do not send cash if you are mailing the documents.
** TECO Consular Service office only accepts money order, cashier's check or personal check made payable to TECO. Please do not send cash if you are mailing the documents.
Please visit the TECO Consular Service Office website for more Visa Application Information.
● Residents in Hawaii
Please contact the Consular Service Division of TECO in Hawaii for detailed information and assistance:
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu
2746 Pali Highway,
Honolulu, HI, 96817
Tel:(808)595-6347
FAX:(808)595-6542
Testimonials
Jaime Ocon
HuaYu Scholarship Recipient 2016
National ChengChi University
Department of Diplomacy, 2017 Taiwan Scholarship Recipient
I believe that Studying in Taiwan will not only guarantee an improvement in your Chinese, but you will ultimately find yourself in a world filled with an endless array of cultures. I had the privilege of attending ICLP at National Taiwan University where I studied Chinese with students from all over the world and truly felt what it meant to be a global citizen, practicing our Chinese in the city. This fantastic experience ultimately led me to pursue a degree in Diplomacy at National ChengChi University, and not a day goes by that I am not thankful for the environment I am in. I can’t thank the Ministry of Education and the wonderful team at TECO in Los Angeles enough for this incredible opportunity and strongly feel Taiwan in the place to go to learn Chinese and pursue a degree.