2014 The Taiwan Scholarship Program for Thailand Students
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand,
January 16, 2014
Introduction
In an effort to encourage outstanding international students (excluding students from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau) to undertake degree studies in Taiwan so as to familiarize themselves with the academic environment in Taiwan and promote communication, understanding and friendship between Taiwan and countries around the world, the Ministry of Education (MOE) of Republic of China establishes the following guidelines for the Taiwan Scholarship Program.
Amount of Scholarships
The MOE awards outstanding international students undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Taiwan by awarding each recipient of the Taiwan scholarship the following:
A. Tuition and payment of academic fees, including credit fee. Upon validation of tuition and above fees, the MOE awards each recipient per semester up to NTD40,000. If the total amount of these fees should exceed NTD40,000, the remainder of all costs shall be covered by either the recipient, or the recipient’s college, whereas over NTD40,000 are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Tuition and academic fees do not include any of the following: administration fees, thesis advising fees, insurance premiums, accommodation, Internet access, all of which are payable by the recipients.
B. Subsistence allowance: The MOE offers each recipient undertaking
undergraduate studies a monthly stipend of NTD15,000; it offers each recipient undertaking postgraduate studies a monthly stipend of NTD20,000.
Quotas for scholarships offered by the MOE are contingent upon the MOE’s annual budget allotments for the coming year and each representative office’s yearly performance. 11 scholarships for Thailand students have been allocated for 2014.
Duration of Scholarship
A. The maximum period of each scholarship is four years for undergraduate programs, two years for master programs, and four years for doctorate programs. The maximum length of the total awards for each recipient undertaking a combination of studies is five years.
B. Annual award periods begin on September 1st and continue until August 31st of the following year. Recipients must arrive in Taiwan and enroll at their admitting universities/colleges within this period unless delays have been approved by the relevant institutions and the MOE. If recipients fail to arrive in Taiwan for registration during this period, their award will be revoked with no deferrals.
C. Subsistence allowances begin from the month of the recipients’ registration at the universities/colleges and end when the award period expires or upon the recipients’ graduation, withdrawal, suspension, expulsion, or revocation of the scholarship.
Eligibility
A. Applicants must be a Thailand national with a high-school diploma or post-secondary degree(s), with an excellent academic record, and be of good moral character.
B. Applicants are ineligible if they meet the following criteria:
1. Are R.O.C. nationals or overseas Chinese students.
2. Are already registered or have obtained student status at any university/college in Taiwan. Graduating students pursuing further studies are exempt from this rule.
3. Have already studied in Taiwan for the same level of degree as the one in which they currently intend to enroll.
4. Are exchange or dual/joint degree students admitted in accordance with academic cooperation agreements between local universities/colleges and international universities/colleges.
5. Have been a recipient of the Taiwan Scholarship for over a total of five years.
6. Have had, in the past, their Taiwan Scholarship or Huayu Enrichment Scholarship from the MOE revoked.
7. Are recipients of any other scholarship or subsidy offered by the Taiwan government or education institutions in Taiwan. This excludes subsidies offered by universities/colleges to cover tuition and other fees exceeding the scholarship limit.
Applicants should apply directly for admission within the deadlines specified by each university/college listed in the “Association of Taiwan Scholarship Program Schools” (go to https://taiwanscholarship.moe.gov.tw/web/engb02-01.html for a complete list). Applications for admission outside of the universities/colleges participating in the Taiwan Scholarship Program are automatically disqualified and will not be returned.
Application Process and Timeframe：
Application period: February 1, 2014 to March 31, 2014.
A. Taiwan Scholarship Application Form. The forms can be downloaded from website: http://www.taiwanembassy.org
Failure to include any of following documents renders the application incomplete, and the applicant will not be further considered for the scholarship, without further notice.
B. A copy of the applicant’s passport and household registration.
C. A copy of the highest degree and academic transcripts (Note: These documents must be authenticated by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand or a Taiwan overseas representative office.) If issued by international educational institutions, these documents must be authenticated by an overseas Representative Office or be sealed and delivered by the awarding institutions. Documents in a language other than Chinese or English must be translated into Chinese or English and the translated documents must be authenticated. For authentication information, go to http://www.taiwanembassy.org/th/lp.asp?ctNode=1814&CtUnit=63&BaseDSD=7&mp=232
D. Copies of admission application materials (e.g. copies of application fee remittance, application form, receipt or emails of application from universities/colleges) to three universities/colleges in the “Association of Taiwan Scholarship Program Schools” list( go to https://taiwanscholarship.moe.gov.tw/web/engb02-01.html for a complete list). If application is made to universities outside of the list, applicant will not be eligible for this scholarship. The exact academic year that applicants would be enrolled as full-time students at these institutions must be clearly specified on these documents.
E. Copies of one of the following language proficiency certificate (either one should to be submitted): HSK Score will not be accepted.
1. For students plan to study in Chinese-taught programs in Taiwan, a copy of results or certificate for the “Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language” (TOCFL) Level 3 or above. Those who have not had certificates can submit copies of registration of the TOCFL test held on February 23, 2014 in Bangkok. Please visit http://www.chonghua.or.th or call 02-6797137 for more test information.
2. For students plan to study in all-English-taught programs ( go to https://taiwanscholarship.moe.gov.tw/web/engb02-01.html for a complete list ), a copy of TOEFL test scores or other recognized English language proficiency exams or degrees awarded in English must be submitted. TOEFL score 550 (CBT 213 or IBT 79) Test Score report or IELTS 6.0, TOEIC 750 or above English test scores.
F. Two letters of reference signed and sealed in envelopes (i.e. from the principals, professors, or supervisors). Photo copies and email submissions of letters of recommendation will not be considered.
G. Additional documents as specified by the individual representative offices.
Applicants should send the required documents by certified mail or turned in personally to：
Educational Division
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand
20th Fl., Empire Tower, 195 S. Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel: 02-670-0200 Ext. 326
Selection Criteria
A. Recipients academic study goals should be consistent with Taiwan’s national development plans so as to assist in the growth of industry, economy and education.
B. Recipients should achieve an undergraduate GPA of 2.6 or above, and a postgraduate GPA of 3.1 or above (on a 4.0 scale). Where grade conversion calculation differs, Educational Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand will base their conversion calculations on the aforementioned calculation guidelines to select outstanding applicants from prestigious universities/colleges.
C. Interviews will be given to selected candidates and must be conducted in person so as to interact with the applicants and better judge their demeanor and moral character.
D. Applications must be complete in full. All incomplete applications are
ineligible for consideration, and persons submitting incomplete applications will be withdrawn from the selection process without further notice.
Selection Notice
A. Upon reviewing applications and conducting interviews, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand will inform award recipient candidates and alternate candidates which will be placed on a waiting list.
B. Award recipient candidates should submit a copy of their letter of admission to their local Taiwan Representative Office for verification by June 30th each year; should candidates fail to submit this letter within the specified time period, the candidates must submit a written explanation and request verification from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand. Failure to be admitted into a university/college will result in a suspension from the Scholarship Program. Failure to submit documents within the specified time period will result in disqualification, and the candidates on the waiting list will be offered a scholarship. The list of recipients must be finalized no later than July 29st , 2013.
C. Taiwan Representative Offices will issue a certificate of receiving scholarship, and assign the award period according to the recipients’ level of study.
Re-Applying
Upon completion of a degree program, recipients may reapply by March 31th of each year for the Taiwan Scholarship to undertake a higher degree program by following the application process as specified above. The maximum duration of each recipient’s total award period is five years.
Renewal
Each university/college should review recipients’ award qualifications for the second semester of the academic year and evaluate each recipient’s academic and conduct performances by February 28th of each year and notify the recipients and the MOE designated office within seven days. In addition, by September 10th of each year, universities/colleges should submit the renewal lists to the on-line Taiwan Scholarship Information Platform to secure funding.
Recipients shall be granted renewal if they have achieved the following results:
1. A minimum total average score of 70 per semester’s coursework for undergraduates and 80 for postgraduates; universities/colleges may set their own higher standards.
2. For recipients in the 3rd year of their doctoral programs, this evaluation should be conducted in accordance with the regulations of their individual institutions.
If recipients have been admitted to the next level of study by their attending universities/colleges prior to the expiration of their scholarships, the attending universities/colleges must submit the scholarship application forms filled out by the recipients, their academic transcripts in Taiwan, and proof of admission, to the MOE for change of scholarship levels and terms. The MOE will notify the universities/colleges, the MOE designated office and relevant representative offices. To review recipients’ award qualifications for the next academic year, individual universities/ colleges will conduct an evaluation process regarding the Taiwan Scholarship award status for renewal by February 28 of each year.
Transfer, Suspension and Revocation
A. After studying for a semester at a university/college, a recipient is allowed to transfer once to another university/college/department listed in the “Association of Taiwan Scholarship Program Schools” during the course of a degree program, if the pertinent educational institutions approve this request.
B. Recipients that wish to transfer to a different degree program at another university/college/department/graduate school must re-apply to the Educational Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand.
C. When applying for a transfer, the original university/college must notify the recipient and its transferring university/college of the recipient’s scholarship type, award period and transfer date. The transferring university/college must notify the recipient and the original university/college that it agrees to the transfer date. Both universities/colleges must send copies of the transfer to the MOE; Educational Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand; and the MOE designated office.
Suspension
Recipients that are suspended, withdrawn or expelled from universities/colleges shall have their scholarship revoked and subsistence allowance suspended. When this occurs after the 15th of the month, recipients will not be required to return that month’s subsistence allowance. Tuition and other fees paid must be returned pro rata to the designated office by the MOE and processed and verified separately.
Other
A. International students:
1. Scholarship applicants should apply directly for admission to universities/colleges listed in the “Association of Taiwan Scholarship Program Schools” within the application deadlines.
2. Other than tuition and other fees, recipients are responsible for the payment of all other expenses. In case of financial hardship, recipients may apply to their registered universities/colleges for payments to be deducted from their subsistence allowances.
3. Should the recipients’ academic and conduct performances or their attendance record fall below the required standard of their registered universities/colleges, their scholarships will be suspended or revoked in accordance with the rules and regulations of the universities/colleges.
4. Should recipients be in simultaneous receipt of any other award or subsidy granted by Taiwan government agencies or education institutions in Taiwan, upon verification, their scholarships will be revoked and any stipend and subsistence allowance given to them during the period of overlap shall be returned.
5. Recipients are required to join the National Health Insurance plan. They must purchase other forms of medical insurance before enrolling in the National Health Insurance plan according to National Law.
6. Upon enrollment at universities/colleges in Taiwan, recipients are not allowed to study in any other country as exchange or dual/joint degree students. Should such a case occur, the recipients’ scholarships will be revoked and the remainder of the award period shall not be retained or deferred. Recipients on exchange as part of the degree program are exempt from this rule, but they shall not receive any tuition stipend and subsistence allowance during the time period outside of Taiwan.
7. Recipients are not allowed to work illegally (including part-time work) while in Taiwan. If recipients engage in any labor activity without the MOE’s approval of award renewal or without notifying their universities/colleges, their scholarships will be revoked and they need to return any stipend and subsistence allowance given to them during the period of employment.
B. Universities and colleges:
1. Universities/colleges shall refer to their respective guidelines for admitting international students and notify applicants of their final decision no later than June 15th of each year.
2. Universities/colleges are required to establish their own regulations in relation to financial aid for recipients so that recipients may apply for payments they are responsible for to be deducted from their subsistence allowances.
3. The suspension and revocation of this scholarship is under the provisions of the recipients’ universities/colleges of enrollment and the MOE. In case of withdrawal, suspension, expulsion, or any other violation, universities/colleges must immediately suspend or revoke the recipients’ scholarships, note the reason, period of suspension or revocation, and notify the MOE, the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the National Immigration Agency, and the MOE relevant Taiwan representative offices, the recipients and the designated office. In addition to the provisions of universities/colleges, scholarships may be suspended or revoked if one the following situations arise:
1) Recipients are absent for more than one-thirds of a single month excluding school breaks. Upon verification, the recipients’ subsistence allowances for that month shall be suspended with the recipients’ scholarships subject to revocation.
2) Recipients’ scholarships are revoked if they study in any other country as exchange or dual/joint degree students while in receipt of their Taiwan scholarships. Recipients on exchange as part of a degree program will not receive any tuition stipend and subsistence allowance during the time period outside of Taiwan.
3) Recipients who violate Taiwan laws, are imposed with any major demerit at the university/college, or withdraw or be expelled from the university/college shall have their scholarships revoked. In case of transfer to another university/college or department or voluntary withdraw from their original universities/colleges, recipients’ scholarship will not be revoked.
4) Failure to submit at the time of enrollment for each study term an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) with “pursuing studies” as the reason for stay by the deadlines specified by the recipients’ universities/colleges, or altering the reason of stay while in receipt of the scholarships.
5) Recipients found working illegally or engaging in any labor activity without the MOE’s approval of award renewal or without notifying their universities/colleges shall have their scholarships revoked. Any stipend and subsistence allowances given to them during the period of employment must be returned.
6) Recipients whose academic average for the semester is below the passing standard set by their universities/colleges will have their scholarships suspended for a month; recipients whose academic average for the semester is below the passing standard for two consecutive semesters will have their scholarship revoked starting the next semester.
4. Relevant institutions wishing to employ recipients on a part-time basis should apply for employment permit in accordance with the Employment Service Act (ESA). Recipients’ universities/colleges should, in accordance with this guideline, review each case, and upon approval, state the proposed period of employment, nature of employment, and total working hours. A copy of the recipients’ academic transcript for two consecutive semesters must be submitted to the MOE for the evaluation of the renewal of the recipients’ scholarships.
5. Upon recipients’ arrival and enrollment, each university/college is required to organize orientations for recipients in order to inform them of the rules and regulations regarding scholarship renewal, grade calculation and award, and scholarship issuing, suspension and revocation. Each university/college should also issue the scholarship monthly, monitor scholarship suspension and revocation, and process scholarship renewal.
6. Universities/colleges should set up a specific unit and personnel to liaise with recipients, provide academic and student support, and encourage recipients to actively participate in school activities and national volunteer work during their stay in Taiwan.
7. In principle, stipends are granted by the 10th day of each month, through the universities/colleges which the recipients attend.
C. Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand:
1. Shall inform local government agencies, universities/colleges, and students of the Taiwan Scholarship Program, provide information about studying in Taiwan, process scholarship applications and selections, and ensure that recipients sign the Taiwan Scholarship Program Terms of Agreement, agreeing to abide by the laws of Taiwan.
2. Are responsible for validating that the universities/colleges in which scholarship applicants have been admitted are listed in the “Association of Taiwan Scholarship Program Schools”.
3. Are required to submit their lists of recipients to the MOE for review by July 31st. A copy of the lists with all appendices should also be sent to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the National Immigration Agency, the recipients’ universities/colleges, and the MOE designated office. The local office of Consular Affairs should also be notified.
4. Shall issue recipients who have been admitted to universities/colleges with a certificate of scholarship, stating the exact period of the scholarship.
5. Shall organize orientations for recipients before they travel to Taiwan in order to explain the guidelines for the scholarship, the application process for residency in Taiwan, the barring of illegal labor activities, and relevant information regarding living and studying in Taiwan.
6. When the recipients return to their homelands, shall maintain contact with them and organize post-study presentations and seminars so that the recipients may share their experiences of studying and living in Taiwan with others.
Note: In case of any discrepancies, the Ministry of Education “ The Guidelines of Taiwan Scholarship Program” (https://taiwanscholarship.moe.gov.tw/web/engb02-01.html ) Chinese version shall prevail.
