Scholarships

🎓 MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027 — Fully Funded Research Grant Open for International Scholars (Apply by June 30, 2026)

Gradualin

May 24, 2026
One Comment

Here is a research fellowship that pays you NT$60,000 every month — that is nearly USD 1,900 per month — flies you to Taiwan, insures you for NT$1 million, and lets you spend up to a full year doing serious academic research at one of Asia’s most dynamic university systems. The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027, offered by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), is one of the most generous and prestigious government-funded research fellowships in all of Asia — and applications are open right now until June 30, 2026. Whether you are a PhD candidate, a postdoctoral researcher, or a full professor, this could be the opportunity that changes your career trajectory. This complete Gradualin guide walks you through every detail you need to apply successfully.

📋 Quick Info Box

Detail	Information
Fellowship Name	MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027
Offered By	Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Republic of China (Taiwan)
Administered By	Center for Chinese Studies, National Central Library
Country	Taiwan 🇹🇼
Fellowship Type	Fully Funded Research Fellowship
Duration	3 to 12 months
Monthly Stipend (Senior)	NT$60,000 (~USD 1,870/month)
Monthly Stipend (Junior)	NT$50,000 (~USD 1,560/month)
Application Open	May 1, 2026
Application Deadline	June 30, 2026
Research Start	As early as January 2027
Open To	All nationalities
Official Website	taiwanfellowship.ncl.edu.tw

🎓 Fellowship Overview — What Is the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship?

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is one of the flagship international academic programs of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and administered by the Center for Chinese Studies at the National Central Library (NCL), it was created to attract the world’s most talented foreign scholars and researchers to conduct advanced research in Taiwan.

The fellowship focuses on subjects that matter deeply to Taiwan’s academic and geopolitical identity — including Taiwan studies, cross-strait relations, Asia-Pacific affairs, Sinology, comprehensive diplomacy, energy security, transnational repression, undersea cable security, and global supply chain resilience. These are not niche topics — they are among the most strategically important research areas in the world right now, and Taiwan is placing serious money behind them.

Since its launch, more than 1,500 scholars from 93 countries have participated in the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship — making it one of the most internationally diverse government research programs in Asia. For Gradualin readers, this is far more than a scholarship — it is an invitation to become part of a global community of serious scholars working on some of the most consequential issues of our time.

What makes this particularly exciting is the timing: applications for the 2027 fellowship cycle are open right now, from May 1 to June 30, 2026 — a narrow two-month window you cannot afford to miss.

🎓 Benefits & Funding — What Does the Fellowship Cover?

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is fully funded across all major cost categories. Here is exactly what you receive:

💰 Monthly Stipend (paid at the beginning of every month):

NT$60,000/month (≈ USD 1,870 | ≈ PKR 520,000 | ≈ EUR 1,730) for:
- Professors
- Associate Professors
- Research Fellows
- Associate Research Fellows
NT$50,000/month (≈ USD 1,560 | ≈ PKR 433,000 | ≈ EUR 1,445) for:
- Assistant Professors
- Assistant Research Fellows
- Post-Doctoral Researchers
- Doctoral Candidates
- Doctoral Programme Students
- Other candidates recommended by ROC (Taiwan) missions abroad

✈️ Round-Trip Airfare:

One economy-class round-trip ticket via the most direct route to Taiwan (subsidy amount decided by MOFA in accordance with applicable regulations)

🏥 Insurance Coverage:

Accident insurance plus medical insurance for accidental injuries
Coverage amount: NT$1,000,000 (≈ USD 31,000)

📅 Fellowship Duration:

Flexible: 3 to 12 months — you and the host institution agree on the research period

Here’s the best part: With NT$60,000 per month and Taiwan’s relatively affordable cost of living compared to Western countries, most fellows can live very comfortably — covering accommodation, food, local transport, and leisure — while still saving money each month.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is open to all foreign nationalities — citizens of any country outside Taiwan are welcome to apply. Here is the detailed eligibility breakdown:

Academic Level — You must be one of the following:

✅ Professor at an overseas university
✅ Associate Professor at an overseas university
✅ Assistant Professor at an overseas university
✅ Research Fellow at an overseas academic institution (equivalent rank)
✅ Associate Research Fellow at an overseas academic institution
✅ Assistant Research Fellow at an overseas academic institution
✅ Post-Doctoral Researcher affiliated with an overseas university or institution
✅ Doctoral Candidate — currently enrolled and actively working toward a PhD
✅ Doctoral Programme Student at a relevant department of an overseas university
✅ Other candidates officially recommended by ROC (Taiwan) diplomatic missions abroad

Research Area — Your work must relate to one or more of the following:

Taiwan’s political, social, economic, or cultural landscape
Cross-strait relations (Taiwan–China dynamics)
Asia-Pacific regional affairs
Sinology (Chinese history, language, culture, philosophy)
Comprehensive / integrated diplomacy
Energy security
Transnational repression
Undersea cable security
Global supply chain resilience
Combating disinformation
Gender equality in the Asia-Pacific context

Who is NOT eligible:

❌ Anyone currently studying, researching, or teaching in Taiwan
❌ Applicants who do not hold the required academic rank or enrolment status
❌ Citizens or permanent residents of Taiwan (ROC)

Language: No formal IELTS or TOEFL requirement is stated — the fellowship does not mandate a standardised English test. Your research proposal and academic credentials speak for themselves.

🎓 Who Should Apply — And Who Should Not

✅ Apply if you:

Are a PhD student, postdoc, or academic faculty member at a university or research institution outside Taiwan
Have a clear, well-defined research project that falls under Taiwan studies, Sinology, cross-strait relations, or Asia-Pacific policy
Want up to a full year of dedicated, funded research time in an intellectually stimulating environment
Are motivated to build an international academic network in Asia
Come from a developing country and seek a competitive, prestigious fellowship for your CV
Are affiliated with an APEC developing economy and interested in the APEC Fellowship track (12 dedicated openings per year)

❌ Don’t apply if you:

Are currently based in Taiwan — this fellowship is exclusively for scholars coming from outside Taiwan
Your research has no connection to Taiwan, cross-strait affairs, the Asia-Pacific region, or Sinology
You are seeking an undergraduate scholarship or a taught Master’s programme — this is a research fellowship only
You are unable to commit to being physically present in Taiwan for the agreed research period (3–12 months)

🎓 Research Areas — What Can You Study?

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is grounded in the social sciences and humanities, with a specific focus on topics of strategic importance to Taiwan and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Funded research projects in Taiwan may focus on topics such as Taiwan’s political and economic situation, integrated diplomacy, the security of undersea cables, the resilience of global supply chains, combating disinformation, gender equality, cross-strait relations, the Asia-Pacific region, and Sinology.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of eligible research themes:

Taiwan Studies:

Taiwanese democracy and governance
Taiwan’s economic development and trade policy
Taiwan’s cultural identity and social movements
Taiwan’s role in global semiconductor and technology supply chains

Cross-Strait Relations:

Taiwan–China political and military dynamics
Cross-strait economic ties and their global implications
International recognition and Taiwan’s diplomatic status

Asia-Pacific Affairs:

Regional security architecture
ASEAN–Taiwan relations
Indo-Pacific strategy and multilateral frameworks

Sinology:

Classical Chinese literature, philosophy, and history
Chinese language studies
Historical Chinese governance and society

Key Policy Research (priority themes for 2027):

Comprehensive and integrated diplomacy
Energy security in the Asia-Pacific
Transnational repression and human rights
Undersea cable security and digital infrastructure
Global supply chain resilience

If your current research touches any of these areas, the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is built for scholars like you.

🎓 Required Documents

Prepare the following documents carefully. All materials must be submitted both online and by post to your nearest Taiwan embassy or representative office:

✅ Completed online application form — submitted via the official Taiwan Fellowship portal
✅ Printed copy of the online application — to be posted to the Taiwan Representative Office in your country
✅ Research proposal — approximately 3 pages in length; must clearly describe your research topic, methodology, objectives, and how it relates to Taiwan or eligible themes
✅ Curriculum Vitae (CV) — full academic and professional history including publications, presentations, and institutional affiliation
✅ Two letters of recommendation — from senior academic supervisors or faculty (alternatively: one recommendation letter plus one letter of consent from the chief administrator of your institution)
✅ Proof of academic rank or enrolment — official letter from your university or institution confirming your current position (e.g., professor, postdoc, PhD candidate)
✅ Academic transcripts and degree certificates — especially for doctoral candidates and PhD students
✅ Copy of passport — valid passport for identification

Always verify the exact document list on the official website, as requirements may be updated: taiwanfellowship.ncl.edu.tw

🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps carefully — the application involves both an online submission and a physical postal submission:

Visit the official Taiwan Fellowship website at taiwanfellowship.ncl.edu.tw and read the full guidelines
Confirm your eligibility — check your academic rank and that your research topic qualifies
Draft your research proposal — approximately 3 pages; be specific about your research questions, methods, and why Taiwan is the ideal place to conduct it
Gather all required documents — CV, recommendation letters, degree certificates, transcripts, institutional affiliation letter
Register and complete the online application form at https://taiwanfellowship.ncl.edu.tw/eng/apply01.aspx
Submit the online application before the June 30, 2026 deadline
Print the completed application form after online submission
Post your printed application + supporting documents to the nearest ROC (Taiwan) Embassy or Representative Office in your country — contact them in advance to confirm their address and any additional local requirements
Wait for the selection outcome — successful applicants are notified and begin coordinating with their host institution in Taiwan
Arrange your research stay — fellows may begin their research in Taiwan as early as January 2027

Pro Tip from Gradualin: Contact your nearest Taiwan Representative Office before submitting, to confirm their specific postal deadline and whether they have any additional country-specific requirements. Some offices may have an internal deadline earlier than June 30.

🎓 Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Application Opens	May 1, 2026
Application Deadline (Online + Post)	June 30, 2026
Research Period Begins	As early as January 2027
Fellowship Duration	3 to 12 months (agreed with host institution)

📌 This is a hard deadline — the two-month window closes on June 30, 2026. Bookmark this page and begin your research proposal immediately.

🎓 Why Apply — Why Taiwan in 2027?

Taiwan is not just a scholarship destination — it is one of the most fascinating places in the world to conduct research right now. Here is why Gradualin recommends taking this opportunity seriously:

🏛️ Academic Excellence: Taiwan’s universities — including National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University, and Academia Sinica — are world-class research institutions with cutting-edge laboratories, archives, and research networks. The Center for Chinese Studies at the National Central Library is one of Asia’s premier repositories of Chinese and Taiwanese historical materials.

🌏 Geopolitical Significance: Taiwan sits at the intersection of the world’s most important geopolitical conversations — US-China relations, semiconductor supply chains, democratic resilience in Asia, and Indo-Pacific security. Researchers in these fields will find Taiwan uniquely rich in primary sources, expert networks, and policy access.

💡 Innovation Hub: Taiwan is a global leader in technology, semiconductors, and manufacturing — home to TSMC and a thriving tech ecosystem. Researchers in economics, supply chain, and technology policy will find unparalleled access and relevance.

🍜 Quality of Life: Taipei and other Taiwanese cities are consistently ranked among Asia’s most liveable cities — safe, clean, modern, with world-famous food culture, efficient public transport, and a warm, welcoming local population. Your NT$60,000 monthly stipend goes far here.

🤝 Global Network: With more than 1,500 alumni from 93 countries, the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship community gives you access to a truly global network of scholars working on Asia-Pacific research — connections that will serve your career for decades.

🎓 The APEC Fellowship Track — Special Opportunity for Developing Countries

Here is something many applicants miss: the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship includes a dedicated APEC track with openings specifically for scholars from developing economies.

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship, echoing the APEC Scholarship Initiative, provides 12 Chinese Taipei APEC Fellowship openings per year exclusively for scholars and experts from developing APEC economies.

If you are from a developing APEC member economy — which includes countries across Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific — you have a dedicated track with slightly less competition. This significantly improves your chances of selection if you meet the academic criteria.

APEC developing economies include (among others): Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Mexico, Chile, and others. Check the official APEC member list if you are unsure whether your country qualifies.

🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship fully funded? A: Yes — it is considered a fully funded fellowship. It covers a substantial monthly living stipend (NT$50,000–NT$60,000), a round-trip economy airfare, and NT$1 million in accident and medical insurance. Accommodation costs are not separately covered, but the monthly stipend is generous enough to comfortably cover rent and living expenses in Taiwan.

Q: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply? A: No — there is no standardised English language test requirement listed for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship. Your research proposal, CV, and academic credentials are the primary assessment criteria. This makes it highly accessible to scholars from non-English-speaking countries with strong academic backgrounds.

Q: Can PhD students apply — or is it only for professors? A: PhD students can absolutely apply. Doctoral candidates, doctoral programme students, and post-doctoral researchers are all explicitly eligible for the fellowship at the NT$50,000/month stipend tier.

Q: Can I choose which university or institution I conduct research at in Taiwan? A: Yes — fellows conduct their research at universities or academic institutions in Taiwan, and you work with your chosen host institution to arrange the research plan and timeline. The Center for Chinese Studies at the National Central Library can assist with this coordination.

Q: Can I apply if I am already in Taiwan? A: No. Applicants who are currently studying, researching, or teaching in Taiwan are not eligible. The fellowship is specifically designed for scholars coming from institutions outside Taiwan.

Q: How competitive is the selection process? A: Given that this fellowship has attracted scholars from 93 countries over its history, competition is real. A strong, clearly defined research proposal that directly addresses one of the priority themes — especially the newer policy areas like undersea cable security, transnational repression, or supply chain resilience — will significantly strengthen your application. Two strong recommendation letters and a well-documented publication record are also important.

🎓 Official Source & Contact Information

🌐 Official Taiwan Fellowship Website: https://taiwanfellowship.ncl.edu.tw/eng/index.aspx
🌐 Online Application Portal: https://taiwanfellowship.ncl.edu.tw/eng/apply01.aspx
🌐 Center for Chinese Studies: https://ccs.ncl.edu.tw
📧 Email: twfellowship@ncl.edu.tw
📞 Tel: +886-2-23147321
📠 Fax: +886-2-23712126
📍 Address: Center for Chinese Studies, National Central Library, 20 Zhongshan S. Road, Taipei, Taiwan 100201, R.O.C.

🎓 Full Summary Table

Detail	Information
Fellowship	MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027
Country	Taiwan 🇹🇼
Offered By	Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), ROC (Taiwan)
Administered By	Center for Chinese Studies, National Central Library
Eligible Applicants	Professors, Assoc. Professors, Asst. Professors, Postdocs, PhD Candidates
Monthly Stipend (Senior)	NT$60,000 (~USD 1,870/month)
Monthly Stipend (Junior)	NT$50,000 (~USD 1,560/month)
Airfare	Round-trip economy class included
Insurance	NT$1,000,000 accident + medical coverage
Duration	3–12 months
Research Themes	Taiwan, Cross-Strait, Asia-Pacific, Sinology, Diplomacy, Energy Security
IELTS Required?	❌ No
Currently in Taiwan?	❌ Not eligible
Application Window	May 1 – June 30, 2026
Research Start	As early as January 2027
APEC Track	Yes — 12 dedicated spots for developing APEC economies
Total Alumni	1,500+ scholars from 93 countries
Official Link	taiwanfellowship.ncl.edu.tw