Masters, PhD, UndergraduateFully Funded

Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship

Last verified 26 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship provides full funding for international students to pursue undergraduate, master's, and PhD degrees in Taiwan. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, airfare, insurance, and a monthly allowance.

Provider: Taiwan ICDF
Host country: Taiwan
Region: Asia

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship is open to African students applying to study in Taiwan at the Masters, PhD, Undergraduate level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters, PhD, Undergraduate · applicants for Taiwan
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters, PhD, Undergraduate
Deadline: Rolling / see sponsor

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements set by the Taiwan ICDF and the specific requirements of their chosen university programs.

What the fully funded award covers

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare
Health insurance

About the Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship (2026)

## Overview The Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship Program is a prestigious initiative by the Republic of China (Taiwan) International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) to support talented international students pursuing higher education in Taiwan. This fully funded scholarship aims to foster global talent and strengthen bilateral relations between Taiwan and its allies. The program offers opportunities for undergraduate, master's, and PhD degrees across a wide range of academic disciplines at partner universities in Taiwan. Awardees benefit from a comprehensive package that covers essential expenses, allowing them to focus entirely on their studies and cultural immersion. ## Benefits The Taiwan ICDF Scholarship is a comprehensive, fully funded program designed to alleviate the financial burden on international students. The scholarship package typically includes: * **Tuition Fees:** Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire duration of the chosen program. * **Accommodation:** Free on-campus dormitory accommodation or a housing allowance to cover off-campus rental costs. * **Airfare:** A round-trip economy class air ticket to and from Taiwan from the recipient's home country. * **Insurance:** Coverage for medical insurance and accident insurance during the scholarship period. * **Monthly Allowance:** A monthly stipend to cover living expenses, including food, transportation, and miscellaneous personal costs. The amount varies based on the study level: * **Undergraduate Program:** NT$12,000 per month. * **Master's Program:** NT$15,000 per month. * **Ph.D. Program:** NT$17,000 per month. * **Textbooks:** Coverage for textbook costs, either directly or through an allowance. ## Eligibility To be eligible for the Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship, applicants must generally meet the following criteria: * Be a citizen of a country on the list of countries eligible for the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship. (Please refer to the official ICDF website for the most updated list). * Not be a national of the Republic of China (Taiwan). * Satisfy the admission requirements of their desired program at a partner university in Taiwan. * Meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the chosen university and academic program. * Applicants for undergraduate programs must possess a high school diploma. * Applicants for master's programs must possess a bachelor's degree. * Applicants for PhD programs must possess a master's degree. * Be in good health, both physically and mentally. * Have a clean criminal record. * Not be a recipient of any other scholarship awarded by the government of Taiwan or any educational institution in Taiwan. ## Required Documents While the exact list of required documents may vary slightly depending on the specific program and university, applicants generally need to prepare the following: * **Taiwan ICDF International Higher Education Scholarship Program Application Form:** Completed online and printed. * **Photocopy of Passport:** Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended arrival date in Taiwan. * **Academic Transcripts:** Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions. * **Diplomas/Certificates:** Certified copies of the highest degree diploma or certificate. * **Two Letters of Recommendation:** From professors, employers, or other individuals who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities and potential. * **Study Plan/Research Proposal:** A detailed plan outlining academic goals, research interests, and reasons for pursuing studies in Taiwan. * **Medical Report:** A recent medical examination report, including a chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening. * **English Language Proficiency Certificate:** (if applicable) TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or other recognized English proficiency test scores. * **Financial Statement:** Proof of financial capability, though often superseded by the scholarship itself. * **Other Supporting Materials:** Any other documents required by the specific university or program, such as a curriculum vitae (CV), awards, or publications. ## How to Apply The application process for the Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship involves two main steps: 1. **Taiwan ICDF Application:** * Complete the online application form on the Taiwan ICDF official website during the application period. * Print out the completed application form. * Gather all required supporting documents. * Submit the complete application package to the Embassy/Consulate General of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in your home country. 2. **University Application:** * Independently apply to one of the partner universities in Taiwan for the program of your choice. * Ensure you meet the university's admission requirements and submit all necessary university application materials by the university's deadline. * It is crucial to be admitted by a partner university to be eligible for the ICDF scholarship. ## Key Dates The application period for the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship typically runs from **January 1 to March 15** each year. However, it is essential to check the official Taiwan ICDF website annually for the most accurate and up-to-date application timeline, as deadlines can vary. University application deadlines might also differ, so applicants should carefully monitor both sets of dates. ## Selection Criteria The selection process for the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship is highly competitive. Applicants are assessed based on a holistic review of their qualifications, including: * **Academic Merit:** Strong academic record, GPA, and performance in relevant coursework. * **Study Plan/Research Proposal:** Clarity, feasibility, and relevance of the proposed study or research. * **Language Proficiency:** Demonstrated proficiency in English (or Mandarin, if required by the program). * **Recommendation Letters:** Positive and strong recommendations from former professors or employers. * **Personal Qualities:** Leadership potential, motivation, adaptability, and commitment to contributing to their home country's development. * **Interviews:** Some embassies or consulates may conduct interviews as part of the selection process. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application well in advance of the deadlines, as gathering all required documents can take time. * **Choose Wisely:** Carefully select a program and university that aligns with your academic and career goals and that is recognized as a partner institution by the ICDF. * **Tailor Your Application:** Customize your study plan and essays to reflect your genuine interest in Taiwan, the chosen program, and how the scholarship will benefit your future endeavors. * **Proofread Thoroughly:** Ensure all application materials are free of grammatical errors and typos. * **Contact Your Embassy:** Reach out to the Embassy/Consulate General of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in your country for specific guidance and requirements applicable to your nationality. * **Monitor Official Websites:** Regularly check both the Taiwan ICDF and your chosen university's websites for any updates or changes to the application process or deadlines. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship, please refer to the official website: [Taiwan ICDF Official Website](https://www.icdf.org.tw/wSite/ct?xItem=12505&ctNode=30317&mp=2) This page contains comprehensive details about the scholarship program, eligible countries, partner universities, application procedures, and contact information.

What the Fully Funded Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare
Health insurance

Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship eligibility for Taiwan applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements set by the Taiwan ICDF and the specific requirements of their chosen university programs.

Documents required for the Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Standardised test scores where required (SAT or ACT for many U.S. universities)
Secondary-school leaving certificate (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, EGSECE or equivalent)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.icdf.org.tw/wSite/ct?xItem=12505&ctNode=30317&mp=2 and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements set by the Taiwan ICDF and the specific requirements of their chosen university programs.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many Taiwan ICDF awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.icdf.org.tw/wSite/ct?xItem=12505&ctNode=30317&mp=2, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit at least one week before the deadline
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Taiwan ICDF will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters, PhD, Undergraduate level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Taiwan ICDF, and be able to relocate to Taiwan for the duration of the programme.

Is the Taiwan ICDF Higher Education Scholarship fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is varies by intake — see the official site. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.