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. The program aims to foster academic exchange and deepen understanding of Taiwan’s role in the global landscape.
Understanding the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship
The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is an annual program established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is designed to attract foreign academics and researchers to Taiwan’s universities and academic institutions. The fellowship provides financial support and resources for scholars to undertake in-depth research on topics of mutual interest. Applications typically open in May and June each year, with successful candidates beginning their research in Taiwan as early as January of the following year.
Fellowship Benefits
Recipients of the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship receive a package of benefits designed to support their research and living expenses in Taiwan. These include:
- Monthly Grants: A monthly stipend is provided to cover living costs. The amount varies based on the scholar’s academic position. 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 eligible candidates receive NT$50,000 per month.
- Travel Allowance: A round-trip, economy-class ticket for the most direct route to Taiwan is provided. The exact subsidy amount is determined by MOFA according to relevant regulations.
- Insurance: Comprehensive insurance coverage is included, offering NT$1 million for accident insurance and medical insurance for accidental injuries.
The fellowship allows for research terms ranging from three to twelve months, providing flexibility for different research projects.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. They should be foreign nationals who hold positions as professors, associate professors, assistant professors, post-doctoral researchers, or are doctoral candidates or doctoral program students at overseas universities. Alternatively, applicants can be research fellows at an equivalent level in academic institutions outside of Taiwan. The research focus should align with the fellowship’s thematic areas.
Application Process
The application for the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship requires several key documents to be prepared and submitted. Prospective applicants need to assemble the following:
- Resume: A detailed curriculum vitae, which should include a comprehensive list of publications.
- Research Proposal: A well-defined proposal outlining the research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to the fellowship’s scope.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required. Alternatively, one letter of recommendation can be submitted along with one letter of agreement from the highest administrative director of the applicant’s institution.
Interested candidates can find the application portal and further details on the official MOFA Taiwan Fellowship website. The deadline for applications is typically June 30th each year for the following year’s fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship?
It’s a program by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that supports international experts and scholars conducting research in Taiwan on specific topics.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Foreign nationals who are professors, researchers, post-doctoral researchers, or doctoral candidates/students at overseas universities and academic institutions can apply.
What are the main research areas covered by the fellowship?
The fellowship covers research on Taiwan, cross-strait relations, the Asia-Pacific region, Sinology, and policy areas like diplomacy, energy security, and supply chain resilience.
What documents are needed for the application?
You need to submit a resume with publications, a detailed research proposal, and two letters of recommendation (or one recommendation and one letter from your institution’s director).
