MOFA Taiwan Fellowship: A Guide for International Scholars

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Taiwan Fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for international experts and scholars to conduct research in Taiwan. This fellowship supports advanced studies related to Taiwan, cross-strait relations, the Asia-Pacific region, and Sinology. It also covers research on key policy areas such as comprehensive diplomacy, energy security, transnational repression, undersea cables, and global supply chain resilience. Applications are typically open in May and June each year, with research commencing in January of the following year.

Understanding the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is designed to foster academic exchange and deepen understanding of Taiwan’s role in regional and global affairs. It provides financial support and a conducive research environment for scholars from around the world. The fellowship aims to encourage in-depth research that can contribute to academic discourse and policy discussions.

Fellowship Benefits

Recipients of the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship receive a comprehensive package to support their research and living expenses in Taiwan. The benefits include:

• Monthly Grants: Financial support is provided at the beginning of each month. The amount varies based on the scholar’s academic standing:
• Professors, associate professors, research fellows, or associate research fellows receive NT$60,000 per month.
• Assistant professors, assistant research fellows, post-doctoral researchers, doctoral candidates, doctoral program students, and other candidates recommended by ROC (Taiwan) missions receive NT$50,000 per month.
• Travel Allowance: A round-trip, economy-class ticket for the most direct route to Taiwan is provided. The subsidy amount is determined by MOFA according to relevant regulations.
• Insurance Coverage: Scholars are covered by accident insurance, including medical insurance for accidental injuries, with a sum of NT$1 million.

The fellowship allows for research terms ranging from 3 to 12 months, providing flexibility for scholars to complete their projects.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship, applicants must meet specific academic and professional requirements. They should be:

• Foreign professors, associate professors, or assistant professors at overseas universities.
• Post-doctoral researchers.
• Doctoral candidates or doctoral program students in relevant departments at overseas universities.
• Research fellows at an equivalent level in academic institutions abroad.

These criteria ensure that the fellowship supports individuals engaged in advanced academic work and research.

Application Process

The application process for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship requires careful preparation of several documents. Prospective applicants need to gather the following:

• Resume: This should include a comprehensive list of publications to showcase the applicant’s academic achievements and research experience.
• Research Proposal: A detailed proposal outlining the research topic, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes is essential. This document should clearly demonstrate the relevance and significance of the proposed research.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit either two letters of recommendation or one letter of recommendation along with one letter of agreement from the highest administrative director of their institution. These letters should attest to the applicant’s academic capabilities and potential.

Interested candidates can apply online through the official fellowship portal. The deadline for applications is typically June 30th each year.

Conclusion

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship presents a significant opportunity for international scholars to contribute to and benefit from Taiwan’s vibrant academic landscape. By supporting research on critical regional and global issues, the fellowship not only aids individual scholars but also promotes a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s international engagement and its academic contributions. Scholars interested in Taiwan-related research should carefully review the eligibility and application requirements to take advantage of this enriching program.