What is the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship?
The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship program offered by the government of Taiwan through partner universities. This prestigious scholarship enables students from developing countries, including the Philippines, to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in Taiwan.
The Taiwan ICDF Scholarship is part of Taiwan’s international development assistance program, aimed at nurturing future leaders who will contribute to the development of their home countries. Filipino students have been among the top recipients of this scholarship, with hundreds of scholars successfully completing their studies in Taiwan.
Unlike other Taiwan scholarships, the ICDF program focuses specifically on fields that contribute to national development, including agriculture, public health, engineering, and information technology.
Taiwan ICDF Scholarship Benefits 2026
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 100% covered |
| Accommodation | University dormitory provided |
| Monthly Stipend | NT$12,000 (bachelor’s) / NT$15,000 (master’s) |
| Airfare | Round-trip economy class ticket |
| Insurance | Health and accident insurance |
| Textbook Allowance | Included |
| Thesis/Dissertation Support | Covered |
Estimated Total Value
| Degree Level | Approximate Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| Master’s Degree (2 years) | $30,000 – $40,000 |
Eligible Programs and Partner Universities
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
| University | Program |
|---|---|
| National Pingtung University of Science and Technology | Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation |
| Ming Chuan University | International Business |
| Tamkang University | Information Management |
Master’s Degree Programs
| University | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| National Taiwan University | Global Health | 2 years |
| National Cheng Kung University | Food Safety | 2 years |
| National Pingtung University of Science and Technology | International Agricultural Development | 2 years |
| National Taiwan Ocean University | Aquaculture | 2 years |
| National Chengchi University | International Master’s Program in Asia-Pacific Studies | 2 years |
| National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University | International Health | 2 years |
| National Taipei University of Technology | Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2 years |
| Tamkang University | International Business Administration | 2 years |
| Ming Chuan University | International Affairs | 2 years |
Focus Areas
Taiwan ICDF prioritizes programs in:
- Agriculture and Aquaculture
- Public Health and Medicine
- Engineering and Technology
- Business and Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Information and Communication Technology
Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Filipino citizen (or citizen of eligible countries) |
| Age | Under 40 years old (undergraduate), Under 45 (graduate) |
| Health | Good physical and mental health |
| Academic | Bachelor’s degree for master’s; High school diploma for undergraduate |
| Language | English proficiency required |
| Character | Good moral standing |
Academic Requirements
For Bachelor’s Programs:
- High school graduate with minimum GPA of 80% or equivalent
- No prior bachelor’s degree from Taiwan
For Master’s Programs:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- Minimum GPA of 80% or equivalent
- Relevant academic background for chosen program
English Language Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79+ |
| IELTS | 6.0+ |
| TOEIC | 750+ |
Note: Some programs may have higher requirements. Check specific program requirements.
Documentary Requirements
Required Documents
- Completed Application Form (from Taiwan ICDF website)
- Passport Copy (valid for at least 2 years)
- Highest Diploma/Degree Certificate (original and certified English translation)
- Official Transcripts (original and certified English translation)
- English Proficiency Test Score (TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC)
- Two Letters of Recommendation (academic or professional)
- Study Plan (500-1000 words)
- CV/Resume (detailed academic and work history)
- Passport-Size Photos (6 pieces)
- Medical Certificate (from a licensed physician)
- Financial Statement (proof of personal funds, optional)
- Certificate of Employment (for working professionals)
Additional Documents (if applicable)
- GRE/GMAT Scores (for some business/engineering programs)
- Portfolio (for design-related programs)
- Research Proposal (for research-focused master’s programs)
- Published Works (if any)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Research Programs (October – November)
- Visit the Taiwan ICDF website (www.icdf.org.tw)
- Review available programs and partner universities
- Check specific requirements for your chosen program
- Contact the program for clarification if needed
Step 2: Prepare Documents (November – December)
- Request official transcripts from your school
- Take English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Ask for recommendation letters
- Write your study plan
- Gather all required documents
Step 3: Submit Application (January – March)
Application Deadline: Usually February to March (check exact dates on ICDF website)
Submit to:
- Online: Through the Taiwan ICDF Online Application System
- Physical Copies: Mail to Taiwan ICDF and the partner university
Step 4: Screening and Interview (April – May)
- Initial document screening by Taiwan ICDF
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews
- Interviews conducted online or at TECO Manila
Step 5: Final Selection (May – June)
- Taiwan ICDF announces scholarship recipients
- Results posted on official website
- Notification sent to successful applicants
Step 6: Pre-Departure Preparation (June – August)
- Accept scholarship offer
- Apply for Taiwan student visa at TECO Manila
- Attend pre-departure orientation
- Book flights and arrange accommodation
Step 7: Arrival in Taiwan (August – September)
- Arrive before semester starts
- Complete university registration
- Attend orientation programs
- Begin classes
Application Timeline 2026
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | December 2026 |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2027 (confirmed by TaiwanICDF for the 2027 cycle) |
| Document Screening | March – April 2026 |
| Interviews | April – May 2026 |
| Results Announcement | May – June 2026 |
| Visa Application | June – July 2026 |
| Pre-Departure Orientation | July – August 2026 |
| Arrival in Taiwan | August 2026 |
| Semester Begins | September 2026 |
Note: Exact dates may vary. Always check the official Taiwan ICDF website.
Living in Taiwan
Cost of Living (Approximate Monthly Expenses)
| Expense | Amount (NT$) | Amount (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Covered by scholarship | Free |
| Food | NT$5,000 – 8,000 | ₱9,000 – 14,400 |
| Transportation | NT$1,000 – 2,000 | ₱1,800 – 3,600 |
| Personal Expenses | NT$2,000 – 4,000 | ₱3,600 – 7,200 |
| Total (excluding covered items) | NT$8,000 – 14,000 | ₱14,400 – 25,200 |
Your stipend (NT$12,000-15,000) should cover most expenses.
Working While Studying
- International students can work part-time after first semester
- Maximum 20 hours/week during semester
- Full-time during summer and winter breaks
- Work permit required from Ministry of Labor
Weather and Climate
| Season | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | 18-25°C | Pleasant, occasional rain |
| Summer (June-August) | 28-35°C | Hot and humid, typhoon season |
| Autumn (September-November) | 22-28°C | Most comfortable |
| Winter (December-February) | 10-18°C | Cool, especially in north |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, and health insurance.
Can I bring my family to Taiwan?
The scholarship doesn’t cover dependents. However, you can bring family at your own expense if you meet visa requirements.
What is the success rate for Filipino applicants?
The Philippines is one of the top recipient countries. Success rate varies, but well-prepared applicants with strong academic backgrounds have good chances.
Do I need to know Mandarin Chinese?
Most ICDF programs are taught in English, so Mandarin is not required. However, basic Mandarin is helpful for daily life. Free Mandarin classes are often available.
Can I work in Taiwan after graduation?
Yes, Taiwan offers post-graduation work opportunities. You can apply for a work permit or employment visa after completing your degree.
Is there a return service requirement?
There’s no formal return service requirement, but ICDF encourages scholars to contribute to their home country’s development after graduation.
Can I apply if I’ve studied in Taiwan before?
If you’ve previously received a Taiwan government scholarship, you may not be eligible. Check specific requirements.
How competitive is this scholarship?
It’s competitive, with hundreds of applications for limited slots. Strong academic records, clear study plans, and relevant experience increase your chances.
What happens if I fail a course?
Scholars must maintain satisfactory academic standing. Failing multiple courses may result in scholarship termination.
Can I extend my scholarship?
Extensions are generally not allowed unless there are exceptional circumstances approved by Taiwan ICDF.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early – Don’t wait until the deadline
- Choose the right program – Select a program that matches your background and career goals
- Write a compelling study plan – Be specific about why you want this program and how it relates to your country’s development
- Get strong recommendations – Choose recommenders who know your work well
- Highlight development relevance – Show how your studies will benefit the Philippines
- Prepare for interviews – Practice discussing your goals and study plan
- Check document requirements carefully – Incomplete applications are rejected
- Proofread everything – Errors create a bad impression
- Show leadership experience – Extracurricular activities matter
- Be genuine – Authenticity in your application stands out
Contact Information
Taiwan ICDF
Address: 12-15F, No. 9, Lane 62, Tien Mou West Road, Taipei 111, Taiwan Phone: +886-2-2873-2323 Email: scholarship@icdf.org.tw Website: www.icdf.org.tw
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines
Address: 28th Floor, Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City Phone: (02) 8887-6688 Email: phl@mofa.gov.tw Website: www.roc-taiwan.org/ph
Related Taiwan Scholarships
- Huayu Enrichment Scholarship – For Mandarin language study
- Taiwan Scholarship – Ministry of Education scholarship
- Taiwan Tech Scholarship – For technology programs
Other Study Abroad Scholarships
- Japan MEXT Scholarship
- Korea KGSP Scholarship
- China CSC Scholarship
- Australia Awards Scholarship
- Fulbright Scholarship
Conclusion
The Taiwan ICDF Scholarship 2026 offers an excellent fully funded opportunity for Filipino students to pursue quality education in Taiwan. With comprehensive benefits including tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and airfare, this scholarship removes financial barriers to studying abroad.
If you’re passionate about fields like agriculture, public health, engineering, or technology, and want to contribute to the Philippines’ development, the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship could be your pathway to achieving these goals.
Start preparing your application now, choose a program that aligns with your career aspirations, and take the first step toward your educational journey in Taiwan.