Dreaming of pursuing a top-tier degree in one of Asia’s premier technology hubs without carrying a heavy financial burden? The NCTU International Student Scholarships 2027 in Taiwan offer fully funded and partially funded opportunities designed to attract world-class talent to study in Taiwan. NYCU International Students Scholarships for Current Student — 2027 Spring semester (award period March 2027 – February 2028) are now OPEN for APPLICATION!
Note for applicants: National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) merged with National Yang-Ming University to form National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU). Today, the legendary engineering, computer science, and research programs of former NCTU continue under the NYCU umbrella, maintaining its international reputation.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2027 application cycle, eligibility criteria, required documents, step-by-step application instructions, and key strategies to win this scholarship.
Basic Information About the Scholarship
The NYCU (formerly NCTU) International Student Scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding international applicants pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs.
- Host Institution: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU / former NCTU)
- Host Country: Taiwan
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
- Funding Type: Fully Funded & Partial Scholarships (Tuition waivers + Monthly Stipends)
Application Deadlines for 2027 Intake
- Spring 2027 Intake: Applications typically open July 15, 2026 and close around September 30, 2026.
- Fall 2027 Intake: Applications open December 2026 / January 2027 and close around March 15, 2027.
University & Institution Details
Located in Hsinchu City—often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Taiwan”—the former NCTU campus sits adjacent to the Hsinchu Science Park, home to world-renowned semiconductor giants like TSMC.
NYCU is ranked among Taiwan’s top public research universities. It is internationally recognized for its leadership in electrical engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and business administration.
- World-Class Facilities: Cutting-edge research laboratories, advanced fabrication facilities, and extensive digital libraries.
- Global Exposure: Strong industry partnerships offering international students direct internship and post-graduation employment access within Taiwan’s thriving high-tech market.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
NCTU offers a vast array of programs tailored for international students, including but not limited to:
- College of Computer Science
- College of Hakka Studies
- College of Artificial Intelligence and Green Energy
- School of Law
- College of Management
- College of Engineering
- College of Management
- College of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- College of Science
- College of Biological Science and Technology
- College of Humanities and Social Science
- Faculty of System Engineering
- College of Photonics
- International College of Semiconductor Technology
- List of Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Click Here
- List of Postgraduate Degree Programs: Click Here
NCTU (NYCU) International Student Scholarships Benefits
The scholarship may include:
- Monthly stipend
- University funding
- Additional matching funding from the college, department, or academic advisor
- Tuition support
- Full tuition and credit-fee waiver, or
- Tuition and fees charged at the local-student rate.
- Tuition reduction or full waiver – Tuition and credit fees may be fully waived or reduced to the local-student rate.
- Major financial savings – It significantly reduces the overall cost of studying in Taiwan.
- Support for international students – The scholarship is specifically designed to attract talented international students to NYCU.
- Long-term support – Depending on the degree, support can continue for up to:
- Bachelor’s: 4 years
- Master’s: 2 years
- PhD: 5 years
- Special benefit for outstanding PhD students – The Elite PhD Scholarship provides NT$33,000/month plus a full tuition and credit-fee waiver.
- Academic motivation – Students are encouraged to maintain good academic performance to continue receiving the scholarship.
- Research support – Graduate students can benefit from advisor involvement and research-related opportunities.
- Recognition of excellence – Receiving the scholarship is recognition of strong academic or research performance.
- Reduced financial pressure – Students can focus more on their studies and research rather than financial concerns.
- International academic exposure – Studying at NYCU provides an opportunity to study in an international academic environment in Taiwan.
- Career development – Studying at a highly recognized university can strengthen future academic and career opportunities.
Benefits Not Included
- Accommodation and housing costs are generally not covered.
- Personal expenses such as travel, health insurance, and stationery.
- Visa application fees and other related administrative costs.
Eligibility Criteria for the NCTU (NYCU) International Student Scholarships
- For current NYCU students whose current NYCU Scholarship ends in February 2027.
- Minimum total average grade:
- Graduate students: 3.5 or above
- Undergraduate students: 3.0 or above
- You are not eligible if:
- You are receiving another government-funded scholarship.
- You are receiving scholarships such as Taiwan Scholarship, ESP, UST, TIGP, NSNT, ICDF, etc.
- You hold a working VISA/ARC.
Eligibility for NYCU International Student Scholarship
General eligibility:
- Must be an international student studying at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU).
- Must meet the university’s academic admission requirements.
- Must not receive a government scholarship or grant at the same time (unless an exception applies).
For New Student Scholarship:
- Must be a new international student.
- Should have outstanding academic results or research performance.
- Selection is made by the department, college, and scholarship committee.
Existing Student Scholarship:
- Must have completed at least one semester at NYCU.
- Master’s/PhD: GPA 3.5 or above and at least one professional/core course each semester.
- Bachelor’s: GPA 3.0 or above.
- Must have a conduct grade of A or above.
- Need an advisor’s recommendation.
For Elite PhD Scholarship:
- Must be a new PhD student with outstanding academic results, or directly pursuing a PhD.
- Must not receive a government scholarship.
- Must obtain the advisor’s agreement for the NT$8,000 matching fund.
- For renewal, GPA must be 3.76 or above.
Renewal:
- Graduate students generally need a semester GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Undergraduate students generally need a semester GPA of 3.0 or above.
- For the first renewal, the advisor/mentor evaluates the student’s performance.
- The advisor can recommend continuing, adjusting, or cancelling the scholarship.
Scholarship Selection
- Meeting the minimum GPA only makes you eligible to apply.
- It does not guarantee a scholarship.
- Selection depends on:
- Number of applicants
- Available university budget
- Department/college/university evaluation
- Overall qualifications
Required Documents for the Application
You need to submit:
- Scholarship Application Declaration
- Required
- Your signature is necessary.
- NYCU Official Transcript
- Required
- Must include your 2026 Spring semester results.
- Conduct Grade Record
- Required
- Download it from the NYCU student portal.
- Research Report
- Required for graduate students who have completed all required courses.
- 1–2 pages
- 12-point font, single-spaced
- Must be signed by you and your advisor.
- Recommendation Letter
- Required for all graduate students.
- You must first inform your referee/advisor.
- You can submit your scholarship application before the recommendation letter is completed.
Optional Documents
You can also submit:
- Chinese language exemption certificate
- TOCFL certificate (Level 2 or above)
- Chinese course waiver certificate
- Volunteer/service certificates
- Other documents that strengthen your application
Chinese Language Requirement
- NYCU scholarship recipients generally need to take Chinese language courses.
- You may be exempt if:
- You studied Chinese before joining NYCU and have proof.
- You have a TOCFL certificate.
- You have a Chinese placement-test pass certificate from the NYCU Chinese Language Center.
- Some departments may have additional Chinese requirements for graduation.
NCTU (NYCU) International Student Scholarships Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow this sequence to ensure your admissions and scholarship applications are processed smoothly:
1.Check Eligibility & Choose Program:June – July 2026.
Browse the official NYCU admissions portal. Identify your target department and review whether the program is taught in English or Mandarin.
2.Prepare Your Documentation:July – August 2026.
Request recommendation letters early, request official transcripts, and draft your Study Plan tailored specifically to NYCU’s research strengths.
3.Complete the Online Admission Application:August – September 2026.
Fill out the NYCU online application system. Upload all required PDF documents before the deadline.
4.Tick the Scholarship Option:During System Submission.
Crucial: On the online admission form, check the box that asks: “Do you want to apply for the NYCU/NCTU International Student Scholarship?” No separate scholarship form is required.
5.Department Review & Interview:October – November 2026.
Selected academic departments will evaluate your file. Some engineering or business departments may schedule an online interview.
6.Receive Admission & Scholarship Results:December 2026.
Check your email and the application portal for admission letters and official scholarship award notifications.
Insider Tips for a Successful Application
- Connect with Potential PhD / Master’s Advisors: If applying for a graduate research program, email professors whose research matches your interests. A professor willing to support your application increases your chances of securing matching lab stipend funds.
- Write an Actionable Study Plan: Avoid generic statements like “Taiwan is beautiful.” Focus on specific courses at NYCU, lab facilities, and how studying in Hsinchu aligns with your long-term career goals.
- Highlight Technical Projects and Honors: Include links to GitHub repositories, published papers, or national competitions, especially for Computer Science and Engineering tracks.
- Submit Well Before the Deadline: System servers can slow down on deadline day. Submit at least 3–5 days early to prevent technical delays.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in Taiwan (USD)
Taiwan offers a high standard of living at a fraction of Western costs. Here is a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an international student living in Hsinchu or Taipei:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
| On-Campus Dormitory | $70 – $150 | Shared rooms in campus dorms (very affordable) |
| Off-Campus Studio (Optional) | $250 – $450 | Renting a private studio apartment outside campus |
| Food & Dining | $200 – $320 | University cafeterias, local night markets, and dining out |
| Public Transportation | $25 – $40 | EasyCard bus, MRT, and YouBike rentals |
| Utilities & Internet | $30 – $50 | Electricity, water, and unlimited 5G mobile plan |
| Health Insurance & Misc | $40 – $70 | National Health Insurance (NHI) + personal expenses |
| Total Estimated Budget | $365 – $630 / month | Easily covered by standard graduate scholarship stipends! |
Why Choose the NCTU (NYCU) Scholarship? (5 Reasons)
- Direct Access to Semiconductor & Tech Hubs: Located next to Hsinchu Science Park, students gain unmatched exposure to world leaders in tech, semiconductor design, and AI innovation.
- High ROI & Affordable Living: Excellent tuition waiver packages combined with Taiwan’s low cost of living make this an economically smart choice for higher education.
- Post-Graduation Job Opportunities: Taiwan’s friendly work visa policies for international STEM and business graduates make it easy to transition into full-time jobs locally after graduating.
- Safe, Welcoming Environment: Taiwan is consistently ranked among the safest and most hospitable countries in the world for international students and expats.
- Rich Language & Cultural Immersion: Learn Mandarin Chinese—one of the world’s most valuable business languages—while experiencing traditional Asian heritage and modern culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is NCTU the same as NYCU?
Yes. National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) merged with National Yang-Ming University (NYMU) to become National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU). All former NCTU engineering and technology faculties operate under NYCU.
Do I need to apply for the scholarship separately?
No separate application form is needed for the university scholarship. You simply check the scholarship box while completing your online admission application.
Can I work part-time while studying on a scholarship?
Yes. International degree students in Taiwan can apply for a student work permit allowing up to 20 hours of part-time work per week during semesters and full-time work during summer/winter breaks.
Are these scholarships guaranteed for the entire degree duration?
Scholarships are awarded on an annual or semester basis. To maintain your award for the following year, you must maintain a strong GPA (usually above 75–80%).
Application Deadline
For new graduate students applying for the 2027 Spring semester:
- Application opens: August 10, 2026
- Application deadline: September 30, 2026, 11:59 AM (GMT+8)
- Main application deadline: 12:00 noon (GMT+8)
- Recommendation letter deadline: September 15, 2026, 11:59 PM
- Admission & scholarship results: November 13, 2026
- Reply deadline: November 22, 2026
- Classes begin: February 15, 2027
Official Link:
This NCTU International Student Scholarship is a remarkable opportunity for aspiring global scholars aiming to advance their education and research in Taiwan’s dynamic academic and technological environment.
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