Taiwan's Huayu Enrichment Scholarship: Your Gateway To Asia
Learn Mandarin And Experience Taiwan
Borderless Asia originated from the author's experience in Taiwan while on the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship. Feeling a lack of fulfilment in his corporate career in Australia, the author embarked on a journey to reconnect with his ethnic roots and explore Asia.
After researching various options, this scholarship stood out as one of the most accessible in Asia. While there's no transparent information about the selection process, the application itself is relatively straightforward.
Details
At the beginning of each year, Taiwan's Ministry of Education (MOE) offers 3- to 12-month opportunities at universities and language centres across the island for individuals over 18.
Open to various nationalities, the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship provides a monthly stipend of NT$28,000 (approximately US$860) to support your living expenses.
Keep in mind that this stipend doesn't cover everything (accommodation, tuition, books, insurance), and continued funding may depend on your attendance and grades. While not a fortune, it can certainly subsidise your day-to-day life in Taiwan.
Application Process
Applying for the scholarship involves slightly different steps depending on your country of origin. While some countries require an interview, others have a simpler application process.
Find out more at your local Taipei Economic & Cultural Office or Representative Office (e.g. the 2025 details for Australian citizens can be found on their Taipei Economic & Cultural Office website).
To illustrate, here's the process I followed in 2019:
Completed the application form.
Submitted a copy of passport.
Submitted copies of degree and academic transcripts.
Submitted proof of enrollment at chosen Mandarin Language Centre.
Submitted two reference letters (now accepted via email).
The Author’s Tips
References: Secure good references from work or school who can write compelling letters of recommendation. Providing them with detailed information (or even a draft) can significantly speed things up.
Study Plan: Craft a compelling study plan that showcases your passion for learning Mandarin and experiencing Taiwanese culture. Clearly articulate your motivations for studying and living in Taiwan
Preparation: Don't wait until the last minute! The application process involves several steps, so starting early is key.
Choosing the Right Mandarin Language Centre
Taiwan offers diverse Mandarin learning experiences, from Taipei to Kaohsiung, with each city offering a unique lifestyle to suit different preferences (budget, environment & attractions).
Find the full list of eligible language schools on the Taiwan Mandarin Educational Resources Center website.
On National Taiwan Normal University
For my Mandarin studies in Taiwan, I chose the Mandarin Training Center (MTC, 國語教學中心) at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU, 國立臺灣師範大學) in Taipei — a highly regarded institution boasting notable alumni like former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
If you're unsure where to study Mandarin in Taiwan, I can recommend NTNU. My experience there was great, and I especially loved meeting people from all over the world. NTNU does a good job of helping you settle in, and they offer several activities to help you dive into the language and culture.
The location is a definite plus, with easy access to public transport, vibrant night markets (like Shida, Gongguan & Dongmen), and the controversial Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
Group tuition fees range from around NT$21,600 to $39,600 per semester (approximately US$650 to $1,200) depending on the class. Check out the NTNU website for more details.
Notes
MTC also has specialised courses for fluent Chinese speakers wanting to improve their reading and writing skills, with many students being American or Australian-born Taiwanese.
Like many schools in Taiwan, MTC teaches Traditional Chinese, which can be more challenging if you're used to simplified characters.
Choosing the right class can be challenging. The pre-semester assessment helps, but if your assigned class isn't quite right (too easy or too hard), don't hesitate to switch. Just act quickly – spots fill up fast.
If I had my choice again, I'd probably choose the afternoon or evening classes. This schedule makes it much easier to socialise (perhaps at one of the many night markets) and build connections with classmates after class, which is a great way to improve your language skills and enjoy your time in Taiwan.
National Taiwan University is another highly regarded institution worth exploring, though I don't have firsthand experience studying there.
Final Words
My Taiwan experience, unfortunately, was limited to just over three months due to the pandemic. But even in that short time, I did manage to boost my Mandarin speaking confidence… though still very much a work in progress 😅.
Overall it was a fantastic introduction to Asia. While it might not offer the same level of nightlife or retail variety as compared to somewhere like Tokyo (where I’ve also lived), Taipei offers its own unique charm.
From exploring scenic hiking trails and connecting with locals through meetup events to indulging in the countless bubble tea shops, there's always something to do.
Taiwan’s relatively easygoing nature and affordability are major draws, and I personally found it much easier to make friends in Taipei than in Tokyo (a topic for another day). Just be prepared for the humidity, occasional typhoons, and earthquakes.
However, it's worth noting that Taipei rental prices have reportedly risen significantly since I was a student there. When looking for housing, I recommend exploring sharehouse options and checking reviews carefully. Airbnb is heavily regulated and generally less worthwhile.
Not eligible for the scholarship? Taiwan offers other options for longer stays, such as the new Digital Nomad Visa and the Taiwan Gold Card. Citizens of certain countries can also enjoy a 90-day visa-free stay.
I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about the scholarship or hear about your own experiences – feel free to get in touch!