Arts, Education, Humanities, Professional Fields and Social Sciences
Taiwan
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
- Teaching:
Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses (3–12 hours per week) in the scholar's specialization. Additional activities may include curriculum development, thesis advising, or public lectures as arranged with the host institution. - Research:
Conduct impactful research in the applicant’s field of specialization. - Teaching/Research:
Combine teaching and research activities. Preference is given to projects involving collaboration with local scholars.
Note: The specific proportion of teaching versus research must be determined in consultation with the host and clearly stated in the proposal. - Professional Project:
For artists and practitioners (visual arts, writing, design, performance, etc.) to create, present, or publish work, and engage as professional consultants. Projects should enhance professional development and benefit the field.
Preference: Applicants with 5+ years of university teaching experience.
Any appropriate institution including nonprofit institutions of higher education and research, authenticated colleges, authenticated universities, libraries, archives, museums, arts centers, hospitals, public television and radio stations, government agencies, national laboratories, privately sponsored nonprofit institutes, nonprofit organizations, government charted nonprofit research organizations, and foundations.
6 to 10 months
- Teaching, and Teaching/Research grants: One semester grants may begin in September 2027 or February 2028. Two-semester grants must begin in September 2027.
Research grants and Professional Project grants: Grants must begin between September 1, 2027 and April 1, 2028, and must be completed by September 30, 2028.
(See Additional Comments for arrival details)
While applications in all appropriate specializations are welcome, priority is given to the following fields:
- Regional & Cultural Studies: Chinese and/or Taiwan Studies, Cross-Strait Studies, Creativity, Innovation and Cultural Industry.
- Policy & Society: Public Policy, Public Safety, Health Care Policy, Migration and Immigration Policy.
- Business & Management: Entrepreneurship, Management, Tourism.
- International Context: International Affairs, International Relations, International Education.
- Science & Technology: Marine Science, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy.
Seven Targeted Initiatives
Additional depth and breadth are encouraged in the following seven general areas (please visit the Fulbright Special Projects and Fulbright Taiwan Online Journal for specific examples):
- Indigenous People Initiative
- Pacific Corals Holistic Project
- Tomorrow's Rivers Initiative
- Cross-Strait Studies
- English Education Project
- Public Health Research
- Arts & Culture
Fulbright East Asia Pacific Regional Travel Program
As conditions allow, Fulbright Scholars in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region may have the opportunity to apply for funds to support short-term (3-14 days) travel to other countries in the EAP region for activities such as lectures, workshops, graduate or faculty seminars, master classes or recitals, curricular advising or panel presentations. EAP Regional Travel Program funding covers transportation only. Regional Travel Program activities/host sites should not be included in the initial Fulbright application. Scholars may start the process of seeking out invitations for short-term activities in other EAP countries once notified that they have been selected for a Fulbright grant, but will only be able to apply for travel program funds, conditions permitting, once they have actively started their Fulbright grant in their host country. Scholars on Flex grants are not eligible for the regional travel grant.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
1. General Guidelines & Timing
- Submission: Applicants are encouraged to submit an invitation letter at the time of application. If you cannot obtain one, please indicate your preferred affiliations, and Fulbright Taiwan will assist in finalizing arrangements.
- Timing Alert: Please be mindful that July and August are traditional summer vacation months in Taiwan. Responses may be delayed. Contact potential hosts well in advance.
2. Letter Content Checklist
When requesting an invitation letter, please ask your host to explicitly include:
- Consent: Clear consent to the visit and the specific dates.
- Host: Name of the primary faculty member working with the scholar.
- Project Description: The host’s interest in the project.
- Mutual Benefits: How the collaboration benefits the host institution (e.g., research cooperation, teaching), the academic field, and society.
* Collaboration with local scholars is highly desirable.
3. CRITICAL Requirement for "Teaching" & "Teaching/Research" Grants
- Mandatory Housing: For these specific grants, housing should be provided by the host institution.
- Inform Your Host: Some departments may be unaware of this policy. Please explicitly inform them that they need to provide free housing during your grant period.
- Priority Consideration: Letters of invitation that include clear teaching expectations, collaboration opportunities, and confirmation of housing provision will be given first consideration.
- Teaching Awards: All teaching will be in English; additional language proficiency is not required.
Research & Teaching/Research Awards: Adequate language skills for the proposed research are required. Applicants without local language proficiency must clearly demonstrate in their proposal that the research can feasibly be conducted in English.
- Applicants are required to complete the Language Proficiency Report: Self-Evaluation and, if applicable, the External Evaluation.
- Applicants without Mandarin language skills must explicitly address this limitation when discussing the feasibility of their project in the proposal.
Applicants are expected to have either a published research record (for academics) or have established a creative portfolio (for artists) or other bodies of work. Applicants with three or more years of university teaching experience are preferred.
Monthly Support:
· Base Stipend
- Teaching and Teaching/Research grants: NT$90,000 (US$3,000) per month
- Research grants and Professional Project grants: NT$69,000 (US$2,300) per month
· Living Allowance:
- Teaching, Research, Teaching/Research Grants, and Professional Project grants: NT$30,000 (US$1,000) per month; an additional NT$6,000 (US$200) for accompanying spouse and NT$6,000 (US$200) per accompanying child, up to two children
· Housing Allowance:
- Teaching and Teaching/Research grants: Provided by the host institution (benefit equivalent to up to approximately US$1,000 per month; the amount will vary by each host institution and geographic location of a campus.)
- Research grants and Professional Project grants: Housing allowance of NT$30,000 (US$1,000) per month for the grantee including accompanying spouse; if the number of accompanying dependents is two or more people, the housing allowance is NT$36,000 (US$1,200)
(*Exchange rate: US$1.00 ≈ NT$30.00)
Note: - The actual payment amount is based on the above-mentioned Taiwan dollars.
Currency exchange rates are subject to fluctuation (usually between NT$30 and NT$32 to the US dollar).
- The funds will be paid in NTD to a local Taiwan bank account.
- A direct roundtrip economy-class air ticket will be provided for the grantee and up to three accompanying dependents
- A one-time settling-in allowance and baggage allowance of NT$36,000 (US$1,200), upon arrival
One-time research allowance of NT$15,000 (US$500)
· Living Allowance:
An additional NT$6,000 (US$200) for accompanying spouse and NT$6,000 (US$200) per accompanying child, up to two children
· Housing Allowance:
- Research grants: If the number of accompanying dependents is two or more people, the housing allowance is increased by NT$6,000 (US$200) per month
(*Exchange rate: US$1.00 ≈ NT$30.00)
Dependent tuition allowance of up to US$10,000 per child per semester for accompanying dependents in grades 1-12, and up to US$20,000 per family. The tuition allowance is only for regular semesters (the first semester begins in mid-September and ends in late January; the second semester begins in early February and ends in late June, depending on the lunar calendar).
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Taiwan offers a high quality of life with a cost of living significantly lower than that of major U.S. cities.
- Currency: The official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD/NT$).
- Buying Power: The average monthly cost of living is estimated around NT$26,829 (approx. US$894). Even with the 2025 minimum monthly wage at NT$28,590 (US$953), the affordability of daily essentials makes Taiwan incredibly livable.
- Banking: Cash is king at local markets, but credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in retail.
- Dining Out: Unlike in the U.S., eating out daily is affordable and common. A hearty dinner for two at a nice sit-down restaurant costs about NT$1,000 (US$33), while a daily food budget of just US$13–$17 allows you to eat very well.
- World-Class Transit: Taiwan’s Metro (MRT) systems are clean, safe, and reliable. A trip across the city by MRT costs about US$2.
- Taxis & Rides: Taxis start at just US$2.80 (daytime base fare).
- Housing: Rent varies by location, but it is surprisingly reasonable. Many international students and expats find accommodations ranging from US$267 to $533 per month. While senior administrators may opt for higher-end housing, the rental market remains far more accessible than comparable U.S. urban centers.
- Utilities: Central heating is rare, but air conditioning is standard.
- Tuition: Public schools are free in Taiwan from Grade 1 to Grade 12. While international schools are available (approx. US$20,000–$35,000 annually), attending a local public school offers a priceless immersive experience.
- Support & Bilingual Progress: Taiwan actively promotes Bilingual Education, steadily increasing English-taught subjects in public schools. Furthermore, the robust Transnational Student Support Services are designed to help international students adapt smoothly to the local curriculum and environment.
- (Note: For reference, the annual cost for an undergraduate degree is approx. US$1,800–$2,500, and for a graduate degree, US$1,800–$5,000).
Medical: Taiwan’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world. It is efficient, accessible, and incredibly affordable.
- Typical Costs: A visit to a clinic, including consultation and medication, typically costs between US$6.70 and $16.70. You can see a doctor without the anxiety of high deductibles or long wait times.
- Stay Connected: Unlimited data plans are affordable, and Wi-Fi is everywhere.
- Culture & Fun: A movie ticket costs about US$10–13. World-class museums like the National Palace Museum charge less than US$12 for admission.
- The Great Outdoors: Hiking is a national pastime in Taiwan. With countless trails just a short bus ride from the city center, accessing nature is completely free.
- Health Insurance: National Health Insurance is provided after the grantee receives the Taiwan Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
- Dependent Insurance: National Health Insurance is provided for qualifying dependents after they obtain the Taiwan ARC and have resided in Taiwan for 6 continuous months.
- Visa Fee Exemption: Exemption from the Taiwan visa application fee (US$185).
- Tax Exemption: Exemption from Taiwan income tax on the Fulbright Stipend.
- Events: Access to In-Country Orientation, Welcome Reception, Midyear Conference, Thanksgiving Reception, Farewell Reception, and Cultural Enrichment activities.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Taiwan
With a thriving economy, buoyed by rapid technological advancement, a healthcare revolution, and a vibrant media landscape, Taiwan boasts top global universities and academic departments equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
There are three types of higher education institutions in Taiwan: private and public universities, junior colleges, and technical institutes. There are about 1.3 million students of higher education attending more than 160 institutions. Taiwan seeks to bolster the quality of instructors in the coming years. Through these efforts, Taiwan believes a comprehensive curriculum will be truly beneficial for students entering the job market.
Taiwan's health care system is often measured against the world’s best. With its comprehensive medical facilities, convenient clinical visits, quality medical system, friendly service attitude, and state-of-the-art-equipment, medical costs are very competitive in comparison with other advanced countries. Taiwan has become a leading choice for overseas medical treatments. Our U.S. grantees are offered Taiwan National Health Insurance during their grant periods after receiving the Taiwan Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). Also, they are exempted from Taiwan visa application fee (US$185) - it also applies to their dependents, and Taiwan Income Tax on the Fulbright stipend. In addition, there are airport pick-up and drop-off services provided.
Taiwan is considered to be a very safe country and has high quality of life with great food, comfortable accommodations, extremely convenient transportation (there are metro systems in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taoyuan, New Taipei, and Taichung), fast internet, and beautiful scenery. The cost of living in Taiwan is relatively low and is a great place to learn Chinese (almost everyone here speaks Mandarin Chinese). The weather is nice most of time throughout the year. Winters are not too cold and summers have lots of sunshine.
The academic year runs from mid-September to late June. The first semester is from September to January; the second semester is from late January or early February to late June (depending on the lunar calendar).
- 2017-2018 U.S. Scholar: “Our year in Taiwan has given me and my family a tremendous appreciation for the people of Taiwan, and we are grateful for their hospitality. It also transformed my kids into curious world travelers. Get LINE social messaging app. It is the best way to contact people in Taiwan. Local sports centers are great, including swimming classes for kids. People are very friendly...start up a conversation!” “Apartment brokers can help find housing when you are still abroad. Get an international drivers license before leaving the US (and change to a "driving visa" in Taiwan). Get a local phone immediately. The Taiwanese people are very friendly and welcoming to Americans and foreigners in general.”
- 2020-2021 U.S. Scholar: “The food in Taiwan is delicious and affordable. The MRT is very convenient. Taxis are cheap. The National Central Library's Center for Chinese Studies is very accommodating. It provides CCS scholars with individual offices and the staff are very helpful in assisting scholars in their research by finding sources for them.”
- 2020-2021 U.S. Scholar: “Taiwan is an incredibly welcoming place. It feels like if you are kind to people, they will be kind to you. I really had absolutely no issues with Taiwanese culture even though I don't speak Mandarin.”
- 2021-2022 U.S. Scholar: "The Fulbright experience exceeded my expectations magnificently. The vision and activity of Fulbright Taiwan left me impressed at every turn, and I feel deeply invested in the future of the program. I have never been so well supported at any point in my career."
- 2021-2022 U.S. Scholar: "The Fulbright experience has more than met my expectations in many aspects: building knowledge and connections, rejuvenating teaching and research, quality of life in Taiwan, establishing log-term collaborations and friendships."
- 2022-2023 U.S. Scholar: "I want to extend my personal and professional appreciation for the support from all the people at Fulbright Taiwan. This opportunity has provided me with significant insights, amazing learning opportunities, strong international collegial relationships, and unforgettable memories."
- 2022-2023 U.S. Scholar: “My time in Taiwan has been incredibly transformative, not just in terms of my academic pursuits but also in fostering significant personal growth. Immersed in a new cultural environment, I embraced the opportunity to expand my horizons, challenge my preconceptions, and broaden my perspectives. There are several experiences that have had a profound influence on my personal life: my venture into learning drawing and martial arts, and my travel experiences. During my travels, I have encountered numerous remarkable Taiwanese individuals. Their kindness and hospitality have touched me deeply. I have frequently shared my experiences on social media with my friends so that they gain a greater understanding of the magnificence of Taiwan and the remarkable people who live on this island. It has expanded my understanding of the world and offered an environment in which I could become a more open-minded and well-rounded individual. I am greatly thankful to Fulbright for granting me the opportunity to spend 10 months in Taiwan.”
- 2023-2024 U.S. Scholar: “When preparing for the Fulbright trip to Taiwan, I had many questions regarding visa, housing, health certificate, etc. and contacted the Fulbright Taiwan Office. They were very responsive to my questions and made my preparation much easier. Service offered by the Fulbright Taiwan is the first-class!”
- 2023-2024 U.S. Scholar: “My experience in Taiwan has been incredibly enriching. The Fulbright Taiwan office has done an excellent job supporting the grantees. I couldn’t think of anything more to improve.”
- 2023-2024 U.S. Scholar: “I have only good things to say about the Fulbright experience. The staff here in Taiwan at FSE were top-notch, my host institution did an excellent job in taking care of me, and providing me with office space and opportunities for getting to know faculty and make presentations."
- 2024-2025 U.S. Scholar: “The Fulbright Taiwan Office was so professional and efficient. I felt protected and taken care of. It is a country full of friendly and helpful people. Fulbright provides a life-changing experience for scholars. Fulbright changes lives-the lives of the grantees, and the lives of all who meet and interact with the grantees. Fulbright is a win-win situation; everyone benefits."
- 2024-2025 U.S. Scholar: “The Fulbright scholarship experience in Taiwan led to an inspiring year for myself and my family. Especially my son found himself comfortable in this new environment and made many new and good friends. Altogether our time here fostered a strong family bond which wasn't becoming nuclear or focused on ourselves, but rather extended and included many new friends we made here. The Fulbright scholarship allowed for a very productive year in terms of making new work, being able to think more and reflect on my work. But it also allowed me to create new connections within the art and academic world."
Visit the Research & Reflections Journal website to see Fulbright Taiwan grant recipients on sharing of their works, results, and experiences in Taiwan from previous years.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Arrival & Key Dates
Requirements for China-Born Applicants
Applicants born in China must meet specific requirements to be eligible for a Taiwan visa:
Important Visa Disclaimers: