Please note: This post was last updated on August 1, 2022. Applicants should always verify details on the official ICDF website.
The TaiwanICDF Scholarship is a prestigious award funded by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund. With historical roots tracing back to an agricultural support project in Vietnam as early as 1959, the ICDF has evolved into a key institution for Taiwan's international cooperation efforts. The fund's mission includes fostering sustainable development through investing in human resources, promoting economic progress, and addressing global challenges like climate change and poverty. A portion of this fund is allocated to annual scholarships for specialized academic programs.
Program Structure and Scholarship Benefits
For those familiar with the Erasmus Mundus program, the ICDF's structure will seem quite similar. The scholarship is granted for a specific list of bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs at partner universities in Taiwan. These programs are strategically focused on fields crucial for development, including economic development, environmental science, agriculture, and public health. For the latest list of eligible programs, applicants should consult the official ICDF website (the 2022 Study Programs list is available for reference).
Most of the master's degrees are coursework-based programs, which prioritize structured learning and a final thesis over intensive, publication-driven research. This is particularly true for Master of Arts (M.A.) programs. However, all students, especially those pursuing a Master of Science (M.S.), are strongly encouraged to identify a supervisor and begin developing their research focus early in their studies.
The scholarship provides a comprehensive financial package:
- Full waiver for tuition, accommodation (dormitory), and textbook costs.
- Round-trip economy airfare from your home country to Taiwan.
- A monthly stipend: NT$12,000 for bachelor's students, NT$15,000 for master's students, and NT$17,000 for PhD candidates. This stipend is generally sufficient for covering living expenses in Taiwan.
The Advantage of Academic Independence
A significant benefit of the ICDF scholarship is the academic independence it affords. Since the funding is provided directly by the ICDF foundation rather than a university department or a specific professor, students are not obligated to participate in a supervisor's research projects. This structure allows you to focus entirely on your own coursework and thesis without the pressure of external project deadlines, ensuring a smoother path to graduation. Furthermore, ICDF programs host a diverse, multicultural cohort of students primarily from Asia, Latin America, and allied nations, providing a rich, cross-cultural learning environment.
Application Document Checklist
A complete application package typically includes the following:
- A scanned copy of your valid passport.
- Official transcripts and diploma from your highest degree, translated into English.
- A valid language proficiency certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC). Some programs may offer an alternative direct interview.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- The completed ICDF scholarship application form.
- Supporting documents, which may include a study plan, research proposal, and curriculum vitae (CV).
For a detailed breakdown of all requirements, please refer to the official Eligibility page.
The Three-Step Selection Process
The application and review procedure involves three main stages, as outlined in the official Application Procedure Chart:
- Step 1: First, the applicant must apply for admission directly to their chosen university program. Concurrently, the applicant must complete the online ICDF scholarship application to generate the official form. This printed form must then be submitted along with other required documents to the nearest Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
- Step 2: The university and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office will independently review applications and nominate their recommended candidates to the ICDF committee.
- Step 3: A final selection committee comprising representatives from the university and the ICDF will convene to determine the final list of scholarship recipients.
It is crucial to understand this process. Receiving an admission letter from a university does not guarantee that you will be awarded the ICDF scholarship, as the final decision is made by the joint committee.
Strategic Preparation and Timeline
The ICDF application period typically opens in January and closes in mid-March. To build a competitive application, it is highly recommended to begin preparations 4 to 6 months before the deadline.
Based on experience, the most critical component of your application is a well-crafted study plan, which may require 2 to 3 months to perfect. For Master of Science applicants, an additional 1 to 2 months should be dedicated to developing a coherent and compelling research proposal. A proactive and well-organized approach is key to success.
