Choosing a university and obtaining a scholarship in a foreign country appears to be a difficult and monumental task. Personally I struggled a lot before choosing the right school and going through the whole procedure, it took me an entire year! But don't worry, here's how to apply for the MOE scholarship or other scholarships to study in Taiwan as a Polish student: research scholarship opportunities, check eligibility, research universities and programs, prepare application materials, application submission, and results confirmation.

Hsinchu, 新竹市 Taiwan 六家, George Liu, via Unsplash

First, research the scholarship opportunities: There are several scholarships available for international students to study in Taiwan, such as the MOE Scholarship, the Taiwan Scholarship, and the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship. 

Second, check the eligibility requirements: Before applying for any scholarship, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria that fit your academic and career goals. For the MOE scholarship, you must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Taiwan, including Poland. I never had an opportunity to visit Hsinchu and electronic components are my area of interest so it was quite an obvious choice! Other scholarships may have different eligibility criteria, so check the requirements carefully, and deadlines for each scholarship.

Third, research universities and programs: Look for universities in Taiwan that offer programs you are interested in. Check their admission requirements and see if they offer scholarships to international students. Some universities may require a separate scholarship application. For me it was GMBA that decided on which school was my final choice!

Then, prepare application materials: Most scholarships will require you to submit academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS), a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. You may also need to submit additional materials, such as a research proposal or a portfolio.

Finally, submit your application: Follow the application instructions carefully and submit your application by the deadline. Some scholarships may have early deadlines, so be sure to check the dates carefully. 

Anticipate the results: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the scholarship committee to review your application. Be patient and don't be afraid to follow up if you haven't heard back by the expected date. Also remember tp prepare yourself mentally for the interview with the school of choice.

Backstreet, Mark Ivan, via Unsplash

In terms of success factors for your application, here are some tips about: academic performance, language proficiency, personal statement, and recommendation letters.

Academic performance: Most scholarships will require you to have a strong academic background. Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses to demonstrate your academic ability.

Language proficiency: As an international student, you may need to take a language proficiency test, such as TOEFL or IELTS. Aim for a high score to show your ability to study in Taiwan.

Personal statement: Your personal statement is a chance to demonstrate your passion for your chosen field of study and your motivation for studying in Taiwan. Make sure your statement is well-written and tailored to the scholarship you are applying for. For me those were my interests in the electronics and semiconductor markets.

Letters of recommendation: Choose two required recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic ability and potential. Provide them with clear instructions on what to include in their letter and give them plenty of time to write it. For me those were my previous advisor and my foreign exchange supervisor.

By following these steps and focusing on these success factors, you can increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship to study in Taiwan. Best of  luck, see you soon!