Taiwan offers English-taught PhD programmes, including Academia Sinica's TIGP, and government scholarships.
PhD opportunities in Taiwan
Why do a PhD in Taiwan?
- TIGP stipend in Academia Sinica
- Taiwan Scholarship and university awards
- Strong semiconductor and life sciences research
Universities in Taiwan
Well-known research universities and institutes for PhD study in Taiwan include:
- National Taiwan University
- National Tsing Hua University
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- National Cheng Kung University
- Academia Sinica (TIGP)
Choose a university by your supervisor and research group, not the overall ranking — fit with the group decides most PhD outcomes.
PhD structure
Programmes include coursework, a qualifying exam and dissertation defence.
Fees and funding
Fees: Domestic-rate tuition for many scholarship holders.
Main funded routes: TIGP, university PhD scholarships and research assistantships.
Official starting points: TIGP
See PhD funding by country to compare routes across 46 countries, or estimate your budget with the study cost calculator.
Applying for a PhD in Taiwan
Apply to TIGP (opens in November) or universities directly.
Language: English-taught programmes widely available.
Your application checklist
- CV with research experience and any publications
- Research proposal or statement written for the project or supervisor — see our research proposal guide
- Master's (and undergraduate) transcripts and degree certificates; for Pakistanis, HEC-attested copies
- Two or three academic references — see our recommendation letter guide
- English test score or proof of English-medium study, if required
- Interview preparation — see our interview guide
Student visas and work
Visa: Students need a resident visa for study.
Working during your PhD: Part-time work with permission.
After your PhD
Graduates can seek work under the Employment Gold Card or work permits.
Open PhD opportunities in Taiwan
National Taiwan University (NTU) International Degree Admission — Fall 2027
National Taiwan University
Taiwan
- Partially funded
- Open to all nationalities
- Study level: Undergraduate, Master's, PhD
Taiwan International Internship Pilot Program (IIPP) — NSTC
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Taiwan
Taiwan
- Stipend
- Open to all nationalities
- Open to: Master's, PhD, Undergraduate
- 28–90 days
TIGP — Taiwan International Graduate Program (Academia Sinica PhD)
Academia Sinica · partner Taiwanese universities
Taiwan
- Stipend, Tuition waiver
- Open to all nationalities
- Study level: PhD
- 5 years
This guide gives an overview for international applicants. Rules on fees, funding and visas change — always confirm the details on the university, funder and embassy websites before you apply.
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