Graduate study abroad offers the chance to deepen academic expertise, participate in global research, and build networks that can shape your future career.
Yet access often depends on affordability, regional connectivity, and the availability of clear pathways into strong research universities.
In Taiwan, National Taiwan University (NTU) has been steadily expanding these pathways — combining major new scholarships with long-term regional partnerships to attract and support outstanding students, particularly from across Southeast Asia.
Taiwan's rising appeal to international students
Recent reporting from Taiwan's Ministry of Education shows that the country hosts over 63,000 degree-seeking international students, with Vietnam and Indonesia accounting for roughly 30 percent and 13 percent of enrolments.
Against this broader trend, NTU continues to be a top destination for students aiming to pursue research-intensive graduate study in a safe, dynamic, and academically rigorous environment.
Lowering the financial barrier through scholarships
One of NTU's most significant recent initiatives is the Centennial International Graduate Scholarship, introduced as part of the university's preparations for its 100th anniversary. The scheme offers up to NT$600,000 for master's students and up to NT$2 million for doctoral candidates — among the most comprehensive graduate scholarships available in Taiwan.
For many students in Southeast Asia, this level of support can be decisive. It reduces financial uncertainty, enables greater focus on academic work, and makes research-oriented programmes at NTU realistically accessible.
While still relatively new, the scholarship sits within NTU's broader strategy of strengthening regional mobility and ensuring that talented students do not miss opportunities due to cost.
Alongside its own scholarships, NTU has also partnered with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) since 2020 through the NTU–SEARCA Joint Scholarship.
Initially supporting the Global Agriculture Technology and Genomic Science (Global ATGS) programme, the scholarship expands in 2025–2026 to include master's programmes in Biodiversity and in Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience.
The joint scholarship offers full tuition coverage, living allowance, travel allowance, health insurance, and research-related support. This makes NTU one of the most accessible destinations for Southeast Asian students pursuing agriculture, sustainability, and resilience-related fields.
A broader strategy of regional engagement
NTU's commitment to Southeast Asia extends beyond financial support. Through initiatives such as the International High School Alliance in Indonesia, the university builds early-stage engagement with high-achieving students who may be considering undergraduate or later postgraduate study abroad.
NTU also maintains collaborations with universities across Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, supporting exchange, visiting-student schemes, and research partnerships.
These efforts align with Taiwan's wider policy direction, which aims to draw more global researchers and graduate students into Taiwanese higher education while supporting international enrolment growth in priority regions.
Academic mobility and professional development
In addition to scholarships, NTU continues to strengthen its student mobility frameworks. Exchange and visiting-student programmes link NTU to universities across Southeast Asia, including through short-term academic collaborations and summer schools.
These opportunities allow students to gain international exposure without committing immediately to degree-level study, while incoming students experience NTU's academic environment firsthand.
For those who continue to graduate-level pathways, NTU offers opportunities to engage with research institutes, innovation labs, and industry partners.
Many fields — from food systems to global health, biodiversity, and disaster resilience — align closely with priority development areas in Southeast Asia, making NTU a strong environment for students who hope to return home and contribute to national or regional goals.
A promising pathway for Southeast Asian talent
As Taiwan's international enrolment continues to rise, NTU remains one of the country's most globally engaged universities. This year, the university hosts close to 7,000 international students, placing it among the top institutions in Taiwan in terms of international presence and postgraduate research opportunities.
While many Taiwanese universities are working to expand their global reach, NTU's combination of research strength, scholarship support, and long-standing regional partnerships enables it to attract a particularly strong cohort of students from across Southeast Asia.
If you're considering postgraduate study abroad, NTU offers a compelling combination of academic excellence, financial support, and regionally meaningful opportunities.