MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027: Taiwan is Paying Foreigners NT$60,000/Month to Do Research Here

If you are an academic researcher, a postdoctoral scholar, or a doctoral candidate who has been looking for a serious, funded research opportunity in Asia, the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027 deserves your full attention. Offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), this fellowship is one of the most respected and generous research grants available to international scholars anywhere in the world right now. Applications are currently open, and the deadline is approaching faster than most people realize.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about the Taiwan Fellowship 2027, from who can apply and what it covers, to how the application process works and what research topics qualify. Whether you are a first-time applicant or someone who has been eyeing this opportunity for a while, this guide will help you put your best foot forward.

What is the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship?

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is an international research fellowship established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support foreign experts and scholars who wish to conduct advanced academic research in Taiwan. The fellowship is administered by the Center for Chinese Studies at the National Central Library in Taipei.

The program focuses on research areas that are central to Taiwan’s academic and diplomatic priorities: Taiwan studies, cross-strait relations, Asia-Pacific regional studies, mainland China studies, and Sinology. These are broad enough to cover a wide range of humanities and social science disciplines, which is one of the reasons the fellowship has attracted scholars from so many different countries over the years.

Since the program launched, it has welcomed more than 1,500 scholars from 93 countries. That number alone tells you a lot about the reach and credibility of this fellowship. It is not a niche grant for a small academic circle. It is a program with a real global footprint, and being selected puts you in a community of serious researchers from around the world.

The fellowship also participates in the APEC Scholarship Initiative. Under this arrangement, 12 Chinese Taipei APEC Fellowship slots are available exclusively each year for scholars and experts from developing APEC economies. If your country is part of APEC, this gives you an additional pathway into the program.

MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027: Key Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Fellowship Name	MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027
Offered By	Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Republic of China (Taiwan)
Administered By	Center for Chinese Studies, National Central Library
Level of Study	Postdoctoral / PhD Research Fellowship
Fellowship Duration	3 to 12 months
Host Country	Taiwan (Republic of China)
Open To	All Nationalities
Application Open Date	May 1, 2026
Application Deadline	June 30, 2026
Research Start Date	January 2027
Monthly Stipend (Senior)	NT$60,000 (Professors, Research Fellows)
Monthly Stipend (Junior)	NT$50,000 (Assistant Professors, Doctoral Candidates)
Fully Funded	Yes
APEC Fellowship Slots	12 per year (for developing APEC economies)
Official Website	Taiwan Fellowship Official Portal

What Does the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship Cover? (Benefits)

One of the things that makes this fellowship stand out is how comprehensive the financial support actually is. This is not a partial scholarship or a token grant. It is a fully funded research fellowship that takes care of the major costs involved in relocating to Taiwan for several months of research. Here is a breakdown of what you receive:

Monthly Stipend

The fellowship pays a generous monthly grant at the start of every month. The amount depends on your academic rank:

• Professors, Associate Professors, Research Fellows, and Associate Research Fellows receive NT$60,000 per month.
• Assistant Professors, Assistant Research Fellows, Postdoctoral Researchers, and Doctoral Candidates receive NT$50,000 per month.

To put those numbers into perspective, NT$60,000 per month is a comfortable living stipend in Taiwan. The cost of living in Taipei and other major Taiwanese cities is manageable on this stipend, especially since you do not have tuition fees or research facility costs to worry about.

Round-Trip Economy-Class Airfare Subsidy

The fellowship subsidizes one round-trip economy-class airline ticket between your country of residence and Taiwan, using the most direct route available. The exact subsidy amount varies depending on your country, and you can check the maximum subsidy applicable to your country of origin on the official Taiwan Fellowship portal.

Accident Insurance

Fellows receive accident insurance coverage of NT$1 million, plus an additional NT$50,000 for medical expenses that result specifically from accidental injuries during the fellowship period. This gives you real peace of mind while you are focused on your research in a new country.

Visa Fee Waiver

Accepted fellows are also granted a waiver on Taiwan visa fees, which removes yet another financial barrier from the process of relocating for your research.

Taken together, these benefits mean that once you are selected for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship, your financial focus can shift entirely to your research. You will not be scrambling to cover basic living costs or worrying about how to get to Taiwan. That kind of peace of mind is genuinely rare in the world of academic fellowships, and it is a big part of why this program is so competitive every year.

Eligible Applicants: Who Can Apply?

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027 is open to foreign scholars across a wide range of academic positions. If you fall into any of the following categories and your research aligns with the fellowship’s thematic areas, you are eligible to apply:

• Full Professors
• Associate Professors
• Assistant Professors
• Research Fellows
• Associate Research Fellows
• Assistant Research Fellows
• Postdoctoral Researchers
• Doctoral Candidates (currently enrolled in or who have completed a PhD program)

The fellowship is open to all nationalities. There is no restriction based on country of origin, which makes it one of the most inclusive research fellowships offered by any government in Asia.

Who is NOT Eligible?

The one key exclusion to know about is this: if you are already studying, teaching, or conducting research in Taiwan at the time of your application, you are not eligible. The fellowship is specifically designed for international scholars who are based outside of Taiwan and want to come to Taiwan to conduct their research.

This rule exists because the fellowship’s purpose is to bring fresh international perspectives into Taiwan’s academic environment. If you are already in Taiwan, you would not fit that purpose.

Accepted Research Areas and Topics

Your research proposal is the heart of your MOFA Taiwan Fellowship application. The fellowship is not open to research on any topic. Your work must relate to one or more of the following thematic areas:

• Taiwan Studies: Politics, society, economy, culture, history, and governance of Taiwan.
• Cross-Strait Relations: The relationship between Taiwan and mainland China, including diplomatic, economic, cultural, and security dimensions.
• Asia-Pacific Regional Studies: Geopolitics, economics, security, trade, and international relations in the broader Asia-Pacific region.
• Mainland China Studies: Research focused on the People’s Republic of China, its domestic politics, foreign policy, economic development, or society.
• Sinology: Classical and contemporary Chinese language, literature, history, philosophy, and culture.

If your current research touches on any of these areas, even partially, it is worth crafting a proposal that highlights that connection. The selection committee is looking for scholars who have a genuine, substantive reason to be in Taiwan for their research. Generic proposals that could be carried out anywhere will not be competitive. Your proposal should explain specifically why Taiwan is the right place for your work and what unique resources, archives, or academic communities you plan to engage with during your fellowship.

Required Documents for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027

Preparation is everything when it comes to fellowship applications. The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship requires a specific set of documents, and getting them all together takes time. Do not wait until June to start gathering them. Here is what you will need:

• Completed online application form (printed after online submission)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a complete record of your academic and research experience
• Research proposal of approximately 3 pages, clearly outlining your project, objectives, methodology, and why Taiwan is the ideal location for your research
• Photocopy of your passport
• Academic qualification certificates (degree certificates or transcripts proving your highest academic qualification)
• Academic publications list or portfolio of previous research work
• Two letters of recommendation from senior academics familiar with your research work (alternatively, one recommendation letter and one letter of consent from the chief administrator of your home institution)
• Proof of current academic affiliation (a letter from your home institution confirming your current position)

One thing worth noting here: your research proposal carries enormous weight in the evaluation process. A strong, clearly written, well-scoped proposal that directly addresses one of the fellowship’s thematic areas will always outperform a longer, vague, or overly ambitious one. Keep it focused, specific, and grounded in what you can realistically accomplish in 3 to 12 months.

How to Apply for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027: Step-by-Step

The application process for the Taiwan Fellowship 2027 involves both an online submission and a physical mailing step. Both are required. Here is how it works:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to the official Taiwan Fellowship website, which is managed by the Center for Chinese Studies at the National Central Library. Review the program guidelines and eligibility criteria carefully before proceeding.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Fill out the online application form available on the portal. This is where you enter your personal information, academic background, proposed research topic, and other key details. Take your time with this section, especially the research proposal section. Once you are satisfied with the form, submit it online.

Step 3: Print Your Application

After submitting the online form, print it out. You will need this printed copy as part of your physical submission package.

Step 4: Compile All Supporting Documents

Gather all of the required documents listed above. Make sure everything is complete, properly signed, and organized before you package it. Incomplete applications are typically disqualified without review.

Step 5: Mail Your Application to the Nearest Taiwan Embassy or Representative Office

Once everything is ready, mail your printed application form together with all supporting documents to the ROC (Taiwan) Embassy or Representative Office nearest to your country of residence. Make sure to allow enough time for postal delivery before the June 30, 2026 deadline. Do not leave this to the last week.

You can find the contact information for the nearest Taiwan Embassy or Representative Office through the official MOFA Taiwan website.

Ready to apply? Visit the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship official application page to get started.

Where Will You Conduct Your Research?

Fellows are placed at universities and academic institutions across Taiwan. Taiwan has a strong and respected academic ecosystem, with institutions that house significant archives, libraries, and research centers relevant to Sinology, Asian studies, and regional policy research. Some of the leading universities where fellows have historically conducted their research include:

• National Taiwan University (NTU)
• National Chengchi University (NCCU)
• Academia Sinica
• National Central Library
• National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)
• Tamkang University

The specific institution will depend on the nature of your research proposal and the agreements you make with your host institution prior to arrival. Many fellows coordinate directly with a faculty supervisor or research department at their intended host institution as part of their application.

Why Taiwan? What Makes This Fellowship Worth It?

Beyond the financial package, there are real academic reasons to want to conduct your research in Taiwan specifically. Taiwan has positioned itself as one of the most open and intellectually rich environments for research on Chinese-speaking societies, regional geopolitics, and Asia-Pacific affairs.

The National Central Library in Taipei, for instance, holds one of the most extensive collections of Chinese-language historical and cultural materials in the world. For Sinologists, historians, and social scientists working on topics related to Chinese civilization, cross-strait dynamics, or East Asian history, having physical access to these archives for months at a time is an opportunity that simply cannot be replicated from home through digital access alone.

Taiwan also enjoys academic freedom, a vibrant civil society, and a research culture that values open debate and international exchange. The country has consistently invested in bringing international scholars in precisely because it understands the value of those exchanges, not just for individual researchers, but for Taiwan’s own academic and diplomatic standing in the world.

Beyond the research itself, living in Taiwan for several months gives you the chance to develop lasting professional networks with Taiwanese academics, to participate in conferences and seminars, and to gain a firsthand understanding of Taiwanese society and culture that very few international scholars ever develop. Those kinds of relationships and experiences have long-term value that extends well beyond the duration of any single fellowship.

Tips to Make Your Application Competitive

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is competitive, and competition has been growing as the program’s reputation spreads globally. Here are a few things that genuinely strong applications tend to have in common:

• A focused, specific research proposal. Do not try to cover too much ground in three pages. Pick one clear research question, explain why it matters, outline your methodology, and describe what you hope to produce during the fellowship period.
• A clear connection to Taiwan. Your proposal should explain, concretely, what resources, institutions, archives, or collaborators in Taiwan make your research possible. If your research could just as easily be done anywhere else, your proposal is not yet ready.
• Strong letters of recommendation. Choose recommenders who know your work well and can speak specifically to your research capabilities and your suitability for this fellowship. Generic letters from senior academics who barely know you tend to hurt more than they help.
• A clean, complete application package. Every document must be present, legible, and properly formatted. Missing documents are the single most common reason good applications get eliminated without review.
• Submit and mail early. Do not wait until the final week. Postal delays, missing signatures, or last-minute printing problems can all ruin an otherwise strong application.

About the APEC Taiwan Fellowship Track

If you are from a developing APEC economy, it is worth understanding the APEC track within this fellowship. Each year, 12 fellowship slots are reserved specifically for scholars from developing APEC member economies through the Chinese Taipei APEC Fellowship. These slots run alongside the standard fellowship openings and follow the same application process and funding structure.

APEC member economies include a broad range of countries across Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific. If your country is among the developing APEC economies, applying through this track gives you an additional layer of consideration. Check the official APEC membership list to confirm whether your country qualifies.

MOFA Taiwan Fellowship vs. Other Asian Research Fellowships

When evaluating whether to apply for the Taiwan Fellowship or invest your energy in other programs, it helps to understand how it compares to similar opportunities in Asia:

• The Taiwan Fellowship has a more flexible duration (3-12 months) compared to many research grants that fix you to a 6-month or 1-year commitment.
• The thematic scope (Taiwan, cross-strait, Asia-Pacific, Sinology) is broad enough to accommodate a wide variety of research disciplines within humanities and social sciences.
• It is open to all nationalities without geographic restrictions, unlike some fellowships that limit eligibility to specific regions.
• The stipend level is genuinely livable in Taiwan, meaning you will not need to supplement your fellowship income with other work.
• The application process, while requiring a physical mailing step, is straightforward and well-documented.

For scholars working on any topic that intersects with East Asia, Chinese-speaking societies, or Asia-Pacific regional dynamics, this fellowship is among the most practical and well-funded opportunities available globally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027

What is the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027?

The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded research fellowship offered by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). It supports international scholars, professors, postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral candidates to conduct advanced academic research at universities and institutions in Taiwan for 3 to 12 months.

Is the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027 fully funded?

Yes. The fellowship covers a monthly stipend of up to NT$60,000, a round-trip economy-class airfare subsidy, accident insurance coverage of NT$1 million, NT$50,000 for medical expenses due to accidental injuries, and a visa fee waiver.

Who is eligible for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027?

The fellowship is open to international foreign professors, associate professors, assistant professors, postdoctoral researchers, research fellows, and doctoral candidates. Applicants must be affiliated with academic or research institutions outside of Taiwan.

What is the application deadline for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027?

The application window runs from May 1 to June 30, 2026. Successful fellows will begin their research in Taiwan as early as January 2027.

What research topics are accepted under the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship?

Research proposals must relate to Taiwan studies, cross-strait relations, the Asia-Pacific region, mainland China studies, and Sinology. Topics in social sciences, humanities, international relations, and regional policy studies are also considered.

How long is the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship program?

The fellowship period ranges from a minimum of three months to a maximum of twelve months. Fellows begin their research residency in Taiwan starting January 2027.

Can PhD students apply for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027?

Yes. Doctoral candidates who are currently enrolled in or have completed a PhD program are eligible to apply.

How do I apply for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027?

Applicants must complete the online application form on the official Taiwan Fellowship website. After submitting online, they must print the form and mail it along with all required documents to the nearest ROC (Taiwan) Embassy or Representative Office in their country of residence.

Who is NOT eligible for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship?

Applicants who are already studying, teaching, or conducting research in Taiwan at the time of application are not eligible.

What is the monthly stipend for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship?

Professors, associate professors, research fellows, and associate research fellows receive NT$60,000 per month. Assistant professors, assistant research fellows, postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral candidates receive NT$50,000 per month.

Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?

If your academic work touches on Taiwan, China, Asia-Pacific affairs, or Sinology in any meaningful way, the answer is almost certainly yes. The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027 is one of those rare fellowships where the financial support is generous, the thematic scope is broad enough to be genuinely inclusive, and the hosting environment is academically serious. You will not find many programs that combine all three of those qualities at this level.

The application deadline of June 30, 2026 is firm. The online application opened on May 1, 2026, so the window is already live. If you are reading this and you qualify, the time to start preparing your documents and refining your research proposal is right now.

Good luck with your application. Taiwan is waiting.

Apply Here: Click here to visit the official MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027 application portal