MANILA, Philippines — The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines is offering scholarship programs for qualified Filipino students.
The scholarships are intended for those who wish to pursue further studies in Taiwan (master’s and doctorate degrees) or for those who want to learn the Mandarin language.
Taiwan‘s Ministry of Education (MOE) has decided to offer additional slots for the scholarships to give more chances for Filipinos to learn Mandarin through a different approach, experience the rich and vibrant Taiwanese culture and broaden their international perspectives through their day-to-day experiences in the island nation.
Starting Feb. 1 until April 30, TECO will open the application for the following scholarship programs: two years of scholarship for a master’s degree and four years for a doctorate degree.
The MOE will shoulder NT$40,000 of the tuition and the remaining costs will be shouldered by the scholar. An additional NT$20,000 will be given every month as scholar’s stipend.
Interested parties may visit https://taiwanscholarship.moe.gov.tw.
The Huayu (Mandarin) enrichment scholarship, which allows applicants to pursue either two months or three months of intensive Mandarin courses, will be subject to TECO’s approval.
A monthly stipend of NT$25,000 will be provided to cover all the expenses.
Application through https://taiwanscholarship.moe.gov.tw is from Feb. 1 to March 31.
The International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) covers full tuition, living expenses, economy class airfare and textbook costs. Scholars pursuing master’s degrees will receive a monthly stipend of NT$15,000 while those taking a doctorate degree will get NT$20,000.
Application through http://www.icdf.org.tw is from Feb. 1 to March 31.
Interested applicants may choose only one scholarship program among those being offered and must first process their admission to their preferred university in Taiwan.
They also have to submit necessary documents to TECO for review and recommendation based on the indicated deadlines of each program.
A student who is currently enrolled in another program in Taiwan is ineligible to apply.
Since the introduction of its scholarship programs to the Philippines, Taiwan has been partnering with Philippine institutions and universities to attract more young and talented individuals to study in that country.
Most of the Taiwan alumni scholars now hold key positions in the government, academe, business and other sectors. All boast of rich and unforgettable experiences during their stay in Taiwan and have come to love the country as their own.
To enhance ties with its neighbors, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is promoting the “New Southbound Policy” to emphasize greater people-to-people exchanges in different sectors, especially in the fields of education, tourism and culture.
Taiwan Representative to the Philippines Gary Song-Huann Lin hopes more and more Filipinos will seize these opportunities to study and experience Taiwan, saying the two countries have a lot in common that are crucial in working together.
“Taiwan can offer the resources, knowledge and technology, while the Philippines can complement these through its young talents who are willing to equip themselves and be trained,” Lin said.