Taiwan Fellowship 2027: A Guide for International Researchers

The Taiwan Fellowship offers a significant opportunity for international scholars and researchers to conduct advanced studies in Taiwan. Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan), this fully funded program aims to foster global academic exchange and strengthen research collaborations. The fellowship is designed for individuals interested in topics related to Taiwan, cross-strait relations, the Asia-Pacific region, Sinology, diplomacy, and emerging geopolitical issues.

This fellowship provides a monthly stipend, airfare assistance, insurance, and the chance to dedicate between three months and one year to independent research in Taiwan. It is an excellent pathway for academics to deepen their understanding of Taiwan’s role in global affairs and build valuable professional connections.

Understanding the Taiwan Fellowship Program

Established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Taiwan Fellowship program has grown into a respected international academic initiative. Its primary goal is to support international scholars and experts who wish to research Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The program encourages research in diverse fields, including Taiwan studies, Asia-Pacific affairs, Sinology, diplomacy, security studies, energy resilience, cross-strait relations, and global supply chain dynamics.

Fellows conduct their research at leading Taiwanese universities, think tanks, and academic institutions. This environment allows them to engage with local experts, access extensive research resources, and expand their academic networks. The Center for Chinese Studies at the National Central Library of Taiwan manages the fellowship’s administrative aspects.

Key Research Areas for the Fellowship

The Taiwan Fellowship welcomes research proposals across a wide spectrum of disciplines that connect to Taiwan and regional studies. Applicants are encouraged to align their research with Taiwan’s current diplomatic, regional, and academic priorities. Some of the key areas include:

• Taiwan Studies: Focusing on the unique aspects of Taiwan’s society, culture, politics, and economy.
• Cross-Strait Relations: Examining the complex relationship between Taiwan and mainland China.
• People’s Republic of China Studies: Researching various facets of China’s development and policies.
• Asia-Pacific Studies: Analyzing regional trends, dynamics, and international relations.
• Taiwan and International Relations: Investigating Taiwan’s role and interactions within the global community.
• Indo-Pacific Security: Studying the security challenges and dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
• First Island Chain Security: Focusing on the strategic importance of the island chain in East Asia.
• Sinology: Exploring Chinese language, literature, history, and culture.
• Energy Security: Researching energy policies, supply, and resilience in the region.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Investigating the stability and security of global supply chains.
• Submarine Cable Security: Analyzing the protection and importance of undersea communication cables.
• Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI): Studying efforts to influence public opinion and political processes.
• Transnational Repression: Examining state-sponsored actions against individuals abroad.
• Public Diplomacy: Researching strategies for international communication and cultural exchange.
• Regional Geopolitics and Strategic Affairs: Analyzing the political and strategic landscape of the region.
• Chinese Studies: A broad category encompassing various aspects of Chinese society and history.
• Humanities and Social Sciences related to Taiwan and East Asia: Covering a wide range of academic disciplines focused on the region.

Benefits Provided by the Taiwan Fellowship

Successful applicants receive substantial financial and academic support throughout their fellowship period. This support is designed to allow researchers to focus fully on their academic work.

Monthly Research Grant

A monthly stipend is provided to cover living expenses. The amount varies based on the applicant’s academic or professional position:

• NT$60,000 per month: For Professors, Associate Professors, Researchers, and Associate Researchers.
• NT$50,000 per month: For Assistant Professors, Assistant Researchers, Postdoctoral Researchers, Doctoral Candidates, Doctoral Students, and other candidates recommended by Taiwan overseas missions.

Additional Fellowship Benefits

Beyond the monthly stipend, fellows receive several other valuable benefits:

• Airfare Assistance: A one-time economy class round-trip airfare ticket for the most direct route, subject to Ministry of Foreign Affairs regulations.
• Insurance Coverage: NT$1 million in accidental injury insurance and accidental injury medical insurance for the duration of the research stay in Taiwan.
• Academic Access: Opportunities to conduct research at leading Taiwanese universities and academic institutions.
• Networking: Chances to engage in international academic collaboration and build professional relationships with scholars and institutions across Taiwan.
• Cultural Exposure: Immersion in Taiwan’s academic, political, and cultural environment.

Fellowship Duration and Timeline

The Taiwan Fellowship research period for 2027 runs from January to December. Applicants can choose a research duration ranging from a minimum of three months to a maximum of one year. The residency research program in Taiwan is scheduled to begin in January 2027.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

The Taiwan Fellowship is open to international scholars and researchers who possess academic or professional experience relevant to their proposed research fields. The program welcomes applications from:

• Foreign professors, associate professors, and assistant professors.
• Postdoctoral researchers and doctoral candidates or students.
• Researchers from universities and academic institutions worldwide.
• Scholars specializing in Taiwan studies, Chinese studies, Asia-Pacific studies, Sinology, and cross-strait relations.
• Individuals recommended by Taiwan overseas missions.

Applicants must demonstrate strong research capabilities and present a well-developed research proposal that is pertinent to Taiwan and regional affairs.

Required Application Documents

Prospective fellows must prepare and submit a specific set of documents to be considered for the fellowship. These include:

1. A completed online application form.
2. An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
3. A list of publications.
4. A detailed research proposal outlining the project’s scope, methodology, and expected outcomes.
5. Two letters of recommendation.

Alternatively, applicants may submit one recommendation letter along with one institutional agreement letter from the highest administrative director of their home institution. It is crucial that all submitted documents are accurate and complete before the application is finalized.

Application Process and Deadlines

The application period for the Taiwan Fellowship 2027 runs from May 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. The final deadline for submission is June 30, 2026. Applicants must complete the online application and mail all required documents by the specified deadline.

Steps to Apply:

1. Review Guidelines: Thoroughly read the official Taiwan Fellowship regulations and eligibility requirements.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary materials, including your CV, publication list, research proposal, and recommendation letters.
3. Complete Online Application: Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents via the official portal.
4. Mail Application: Print the completed application form and mail all supporting documents to the nearest Taiwan Embassy or Representative Office (TECO). Clearly mark the envelope as “Taiwan Fellowship Application.”
5. Selection Process: Applications are evaluated based on recommendations from Taiwan’s overseas missions and academic review committees. Selected candidates will be notified via email.
6. Obtain Acceptance: Successful applicants must secure a formal letter of consent from a Taiwanese university or research institution confirming their affiliation.
7. Submit Acceptance Letter: This acceptance letter must be sent to the Taiwan Fellowship team by December 31, 2026.
8. Receive Authorization: Upon confirmation, recipients will receive an official Grant Authorization Letter.
9. Visa Application: Fellows should apply for the appropriate FR visa using the Grant Authorization Letter.
10. Begin Research: Finally, recipients can travel to Taiwan to commence their fellowship research.

Why Pursue the Taiwan Fellowship?

The Taiwan Fellowship 2027 presents a unique chance for researchers interested in Taiwan, Indo-Pacific affairs, Sinology, diplomacy, and regional security. Taiwan’s strategic position in Asia, coupled with its robust academic environment, makes this fellowship exceptionally valuable for those seeking international research experience and global academic visibility. The program not only offers financial backing but also facilitates the establishment of lasting academic partnerships, provides access to Taiwan’s research resources, and allows fellows to contribute to important discussions shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region.

Frequently Asked Questions