The 2025 New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program at TMU offers individuals interested in healthcare careers the chance to earn academic credits while studying at a top-ranked university in Taipei. TMU Southbound Policy Elite Program is a fully funded 5‑month exchange at Taipei Medical University from September 2025 to January 2026.
Participants will learn alongside international peers, gain practical experience through lab training or healthcare courses, improve their Mandarin through intensive language classes, and immerse themselves in Taiwanese culture to build global connections. TMU Southbound Policy Elite Program offers tuition, airfare, stipend, Mandarin classes, lab training and cultural immersion for bachelor‑degree holders from targeted countries. Application deadline: July 4, 2025
Participating University
- Name: Taipei Medical University (TMU), Taipei, Taiwan
- Ranking: One of Taiwan’s top private universities, especially in healthcare .
- Programs/Durations:
- Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Anatomy, Nursing, Public Health, TCM, Long‑term Care, Digital Health
- Lab‐focused: Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Drug Development, Medicinal Resources
- Duration: 5 months (Sept 2025–Jan 2026)
Preferred Background:
For those who are thinking about pursuing a profession in medicine, healthcare, or laboratory, the TMU Elite Exchange Program is ideal:
- Medical-related Courses
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nutrition
- Anatomy
- Nursing
- Public health
- TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
- Long-term care
- Digital Health
- Laboratory Training:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurological Diseases
- Drug
- Nutrition
- Medicinal Resources
- Digital Health
Coursework
- Medicine-related courses and/or lab training: 11 hours/week
- Mandarin language classes: 6 hours/week
- Cultural and extracurricular activities included
TMU Southbound Policy Elite Program Benefits
- NTD 8,000 monthly stipend (prorated if stay is under one month)
- Round-trip economy class airfare
- Tuition fees
- Extracurricular and cultural activities
- Access to extracurricular and cultural activities
- Intensive Mandarin classes and hands-on lab experience
Benefits Not included:
- Meals
- Visa application fees
- Personal expenses and incidentals
- Flight ticket service fees and baggage overcharges
Eligibility Criteria for TMU Southbound Policy Elite Program
- Strong background in biological sciences, healthcare, lab work, or data analysis
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- English proficiency:
- TOEIC: 785
- IELTS: 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 72
- TOEFL ITP: 543
- PTE: 50
- Financial statement showing at least USD 1,000
- Not receiving Taiwanese government or institutional aid
Eligible Countries
- Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam
Required Documents
- Online application form
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Proof of English proficiency
- Financial statement (min. USD 1,000)
- Degree certificate or enrollment letter and transcripts.
TMU Southbound Policy Elite Program Application Process
- Complete online form via official TMU portal
- Upload required documents
- Submitted by July 4, 2025
- Interviews from July 7–11, 2025
- Final results announced July 16, 2025
Tips for Success
- Start early: gather transcripts, proficiency scores, bank proof in advance.
- SOP matters: highlight your healthcare/lab background and motivation.
- Research TMU labs: mention specific faculty or research areas.
- Show cultural curiosity: explain your interest in Mandarin and Taiwanese culture.
- Demonstrate eligibility: emphasize citizenship, degree, and finances clearly.
Monthly Living Expenses in Taipei
| Expense | Estimated Cost (NT$) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Shared dorm/student housing | 7,000–12,000 | 200–350 |
| Food & transport | 10,000–15,000 | 300–450 |
| Miscellaneous (phone, etc.) | 5,000–8,000 | 150–250 |
| Total | 22,000–35,000 | 650–1,050 |
You’ll receive NT$8,000 stipend, so plan for supplemental funds or shared accommodations.
Why Choose This Opportunity?
- Fully covered program with no application fee
- World‑class healthcare training in Taipei
- Intensive Mandarin + cultural immersion
- Strengthens regional academic ties under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply without a bachelor’s degree?
No, a bachelor’s degree or higher is required.
Q2: Are scholarships renewable beyond January 2026?
No, it’s a fixed 5‑month exchange with no extension or renewal.
Q3: What if my English scores are slightly below cutoff?
Try to meet minimum score: TOEFL 72 / IELTS 5.5 etc.—official scores are required.
Q4: Are Mandarin skills mandatory?
No, but a keen interest in learning Mandarin is expected and encouraged.
Q5: Is insurance provided?
No—you must arrange your own health insurance before arrival.
Official Link
Apply and learn more via the TMU Office of Global Engagement: [TMU New Southbound Policy Elite Program]
