Are you searching for a fully funded Masters scholarship or PhD opportunity to study abroad? The Taiwan ICDF Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious international scholarships available for students from developing countries. This scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to pursue graduate studies at top Taiwanese universities, covering everything from tuition fees to monthly living allowances. If you dream of studying in Asia with zero financial burden, this is your chance to transform your academic journey.
About the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship
The Taiwan ICDF Scholarship (officially known as the TaiwanICDF International Higher Education Scholarship Program) is a fully funded initiative established by Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF). Since its inception in 1998, this program has been cultivating talented individuals from developing countries to support the socio-economic growth of their home nations.
Taiwan, a vibrant island nation in East Asia, hosts this scholarship through the Taiwan International Cooperation Alliance (TICA), which comprises 18 partner universities. The program currently offers 32 English-taught programs, primarily at the Masters and PhD levels, spanning diverse fields including agriculture, public health, engineering, business administration, and information technology.
What makes the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship particularly notable is its commitment to human resource development and sustainable growth. The program not only provides world-class education but also aims to foster global academic ties and enhance Taiwan’s educational diplomacy. Graduates are expected to return to their home countries and contribute to national development, making this scholarship a true investment in global progress.
Taiwan ICDF Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Taiwan |
| Host Institution | 18 Partner Universities under Taiwan International Cooperation Alliance (TICA) |
| Level of Study | Masters and PhD Programs |
| Eligible Degrees / Fields | Agriculture, Public Health, Engineering, Business Administration, Information Technology, Environmental Science, Pharmacy, Tourism and Hospitality, Urban Governance, Educational Leadership, and more (32 programs available) |
| Scholarship Coverage | Fully Funded (Tuition, Airfare, Accommodation, Insurance, Textbooks, Monthly Allowance) |
| IELTS Requirement | English proficiency certificate required (IELTS, TOEFL, or proof of English-medium instruction) |
| Eligible Regions / Nationalities | Asia Pacific, West Asia, Africa, Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe (see full list below) |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2026 |
| Destination Country | Taiwan |
| Category | Fully Funded Government Scholarship |
Benefits of the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship
The Taiwan ICDF Scholarship is a comprehensive fully funded scholarship that covers virtually all expenses associated with studying in Taiwan. Here is a complete breakdown of what recipients receive:
Financial Benefits:
- Full Tuition Coverage: 100% of tuition fees paid directly by TaiwanICDF as required by the partner university
- Credit Fees: All credit-based charges covered regardless of the number of credits registered
- Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class tickets arranged by TaiwanICDF for the most direct flights to and from Taiwan
- Accommodation: Full housing coverage with mandatory residence in university dormitories
- Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive insurance including mandatory student safety insurance (as per Taiwan’s Ministry of Education guidelines) plus additional medical and accident coverage for the entire study period
- Textbook Costs: Reimbursement for textbooks purchased as required by instructors, subject to institute director approval
Monthly Living Allowance:
- Masters Students: NT$18,000 per month (approximately USD 550-600)
- PhD Students: NT$20,000 per month (approximately USD 610-650)
Additional Benefits:
- Access to world-class research facilities and expert faculty
- English-taught programs eliminating language barriers
- Opportunities to network with scholars from around the world
- Cultural exchange experiences in one of Asia’s most dynamic countries
- Professional development that contributes to career advancement
Eligibility Criteria for Taiwan ICDF Scholarship
To qualify for the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nationality Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of a country on the List of Countries Eligible for TaiwanICDF Scholarship
- Must satisfy any specific criteria established by the applicant’s country and/or government of citizenship
- Must NOT be a national of the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor an overseas compatriot student
Academic Requirements:
- Must satisfy the admission requirements of the partner university to which the applicant has applied
- Must provide the highest-level diploma before July 31, 2026 (applicants unable to obtain the certificate by this date may apply for next year’s scholarship instead)
- Must never have had any scholarship revoked by any ROC (Taiwan) government agency or related institution
- Must never have been expelled from any Taiwanese university
Visa and Legal Requirements:
- Must be able to satisfy all requirements for a Resident Visa (Code: FS) set by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Must meet Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) requirements set by the Ministry of the Interior of the ROC (Taiwan) government
- Note: TaiwanICDF reserves the right to revoke a scholarship if an applicant cannot satisfy visa requirements
Scholarship History Requirements:
- Upon accepting a TaiwanICDF scholarship, must not hold any other ROC (Taiwan) government-sponsored scholarship (such as the Taiwan Scholarship) in the same academic year
- Must not be applying for another TaiwanICDF scholarship in unbroken succession
- Applicants who have already held a TaiwanICDF scholarship, MOFA’s Taiwan Scholarship, or an MOE scholarship must have graduated before July 31, 2025 to apply for the 2026 scholarship
List of Eligible Countries:
Asia Pacific: Fiji, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Myanmar, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vietnam
West Asia: Jordan, Mongolia, Russia, Turkiye
Africa: Djibouti, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire), Kenya, Senegal, Somaliland, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda
Caribbean: Haiti, Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Central America: Belize, Guatemala, Mexico
South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Serbia
Required Documents for Taiwan ICDF Scholarship Application
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
Mandatory Documents:
- Completed online application form (printed and signed)
- Photocopy of valid passport or other document showing proof of nationality
- Photocopy of highest-level diploma or graduation certificate
- Official academic transcripts from all attended institutions
- English proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Note: Applicants from countries where English is the official national language are exempt
- Alternative: Documents certifying graduation from a program where all courses were taught in English
- Referee information and recommendation letters (as specified by program)
- Any other documents specifically requested by the ROC (Taiwan) Embassy/Consulate General/Representative Office
University-Specific Documents:
In addition to scholarship documents, applicants must also submit all documents required by their chosen TaiwanICDF partner university before that university’s admission deadline. These may include:
- Statement of Purpose or Study Plan
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)
- CV or Resume
- Portfolio (for certain programs)
- Additional recommendation letters
- Specific test scores or certifications
Important Notes:
- All documents should be in English or accompanied by certified English translations
- Ensure all photocopies are clear and legible
- Keep original documents safe as they may be required for verification
- Submit accurate and complete documentation; failure to do so will result in the application not being processed
Application Timeline for Taiwan ICDF Scholarship 2026
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | December 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2026 |
| First Review by ROC Embassies | After application deadline |
| Committee Assessment | April – May 2026 |
| Results Announcement | No later than June 10, 2026 |
| Diploma Submission Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
| Academic Year Begins | September 2026 |
Key Dates to Remember:
- The online application system opens on December 1, 2025
- All applications must be completed and submitted by March 15, 2026
- Each applicant can only apply for one program at a time
- University admission applications must also be submitted before each university’s specific deadline
How to Apply for the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship
Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully submit your application:
Step 1: Review Available Programs
Visit the official TaiwanICDF website and review the list of 32 programs available for the 2026 application cycle. Choose a program that aligns with your academic background and career goals. Programs are offered at various partner universities across Taiwan.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Verify that you meet all eligibility criteria including nationality requirements, academic qualifications, and visa requirements. Ensure your country is on the list of eligible countries.
Step 3: Complete Online Application
- Visit the TaiwanICDF Scholarship Online Application System
- Create an account and fill in all required information carefully
- Upload required documents in the specified formats
- Review all information for accuracy before submission
- Click “Finish & Print” to download your completed application form
Step 4: Submit to University
Simultaneously apply to your chosen TaiwanICDF partner university. Submit all required admission documents before the university’s specific deadline. Remember that university admission and scholarship selection are separate processes.
Step 5: Submit to ROC Embassy
- Print and sign your completed application form
- Gather all required supporting documents
- Submit everything to the ROC (Taiwan) Embassy/Consulate General/Representative Office in your country
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records
Step 6: Await Review Process
- ROC Embassies conduct the first review and send recommended applicants to TaiwanICDF
- A joint recruitment committee evaluates applications for final selection
- Successful candidates receive acceptance letters with further instructions
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Start your application early; do not wait until the deadline
- Double-check all information before submission
- Ensure your documents are complete and properly formatted
- Write a compelling statement of purpose that clearly articulates your goals
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from academic or professional references
- If you discover errors in your printed form, you can apply again, but ensure your printed forms match the information in the online system
FAQs about the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship
Who is eligible for the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship?
Citizens of countries listed in the eligible countries list (spanning Asia Pacific, West Asia, Africa, Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe) who meet academic and visa requirements can apply. Taiwanese nationals and overseas compatriot students are not eligible.
Is IELTS required for the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship?
Yes, English proficiency certification is required. Applicants can submit IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores. However, applicants from countries where English is the official national language or those who graduated from English-medium programs may be exempt.
Can I apply if my country does not have a Taiwan Embassy?
This can be challenging as applications must be submitted through ROC (Taiwan) Embassies, Consulates, or Representative Offices. Contact the nearest Taiwan diplomatic mission or check if Taiwan has a technical mission or project representative in your country.
When will results be announced?
The TaiwanICDF announces the list of scholarship recipients no later than June 10, 2026.
Can I apply for multiple programs?
No, each applicant can only apply for one program at a time. Choose your program carefully based on your academic interests and career objectives.
Is there an application fee?
No, there is no charge for the TaiwanICDF online application.
Can I hold other scholarships with the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship?
No, upon accepting a TaiwanICDF scholarship, you cannot hold any other ROC (Taiwan) government-sponsored scholarship in the same academic year.
Final Thoughts on the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship
The Taiwan ICDF Scholarship 2026 represents an exceptional opportunity for students from developing countries to access world-class education without financial barriers. With comprehensive coverage of tuition, accommodation, airfare, and living expenses, this fully funded scholarship removes the financial obstacles that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing advanced degrees abroad.
Taiwan’s commitment to fostering global talent through this scholarship program has already transformed thousands of lives since 1998. The combination of high-quality English-taught programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant multicultural environment makes Taiwan an ideal study destination. Beyond academics, recipients gain invaluable cross-cultural experiences and join a global network of scholars dedicated to making positive changes in their home countries.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and dream of pursuing a fully funded Masters scholarship or PhD program in Asia, the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship should be at the top of your list. The application process is straightforward, and with proper preparation, you can position yourself as a competitive candidate.
Do not let this life-changing opportunity pass you by. Start preparing your documents today, research the available programs thoroughly, and submit your application well before the deadline.
Need Help with Your Application?
Navigating the scholarship application process can be overwhelming. If you need personalized guidance, expert document review, or assistance with your application strategy, ScholyHub Consultancy is here to help.
Our experienced consultants have helped hundreds of students secure fully funded scholarships worldwide. We offer:
- Application review and feedback
- Statement of Purpose editing
- University selection guidance
- Interview preparation
- Complete application management
Visit ScholyHub Consultants to request consultancy services and maximize your chances of success.
Submit your application now before the deadline closes on March 15, 2026. Do not miss this opportunity to study in Taiwan with full financial support. Your future awaits!