Always verify the current list with your TECO
Document requirements are set by MOE centrally, but your local TECO can require additional documents or specify particular formats. This guide covers the standard MOE requirements. Contact your TECO before submitting to confirm nothing has changed.
MOE Taiwan Scholarship — Standard Document List
Completed Application Form
Use the official MOE Taiwan Scholarship application form for the current year. Download it from the Study in Taiwan website or from your TECO. Fill it completely — blank sections cause delays. Use English or Chinese as directed by your TECO.
Passport Copy
Clear copy of the biographical data page. Must be valid. Some TECOs require that the passport remains valid for at least one year from the date of application. Check expiry dates early — renewing a passport takes time.
Official Academic Transcripts
Official transcripts from all institutions attended, with English or Chinese translation if the originals are in another language. "Official" means issued directly by the institution and sealed or stamped — not a student portal printout. If you are currently enrolled, provide transcripts up to the most recent semester available.
Graduation Certificate or Diploma
Proof of your highest completed degree. If you are still studying and will graduate before September, a letter from your institution confirming your expected graduation date is typically accepted. The actual diploma is required before scholarship activation. Translations required if not in English or Chinese.
Study Plan (personal statement)
500–1,000 words. Must address: your academic background, what you intend to study in Taiwan and why, why Taiwan specifically, which institution(s) you are applying to, and your plans after graduation. Generic study plans that could apply to any country or scholarship consistently score poorly. Write specifically about Taiwan.
Two Recommendation Letters
From academics or professional supervisors who can speak to your academic ability and suitability for graduate study. Must be on institutional letterhead, signed, and dated. Letters must address you specifically — form letters that could apply to any student add little value. Each letter should be in a sealed envelope signed across the seal, or submitted directly by the referee as instructed by your TECO.
Language Certificate
TOCFL Band B1 (Level 3) or above for Chinese-taught programs. This is a hard requirement, not a preference — applications for Chinese-taught programs without TOCFL documentation are considered incomplete. For English-taught programs, TOCFL is not required by the scholarship (though universities may require English proficiency separately). See the TOCFL guide for exam details.
Physical Examination Report
Completed by a licensed physician within 3 months of application. Use the official MOE physical examination form, which is available from your TECO or on the Study in Taiwan website. A general medical certificate from your doctor is not a substitute — the specific form is required. This is one of the most frequently missing or incorrect documents.
Two Recent Passport-Size Photos
Typically 2x2 inches or 35mm x 45mm. White background, taken within the past 6 months. Attach to the application form as directed.
Proof of Current Status (if applicable)
If you are currently enrolled at a university and applying to continue at a higher level, provide proof of enrollment and expected graduation date. If employed, some TECOs request a no-objection letter from your employer confirming you are released to study.
Translation Requirements
All documents that are not originally in English or Chinese must be translated. The translation must be:
- Into English or Traditional Chinese (Simplified Chinese is generally not accepted for ROC government applications)
- Completed by a certified or notarized translator — Google Translate printouts, even accurate ones, are not acceptable
- Submitted together with the original document, not as a standalone replacement
Simplified vs Traditional Chinese
Taiwan uses Traditional Chinese script. If your translated documents or study plan are in Simplified Chinese, some TECO offices will not accept them. Submit in English if you are not confident about which character set is being used — English is universally accepted.
ICDF Scholarship — Additional or Different Requirements
The ICDF application is submitted online and has a similar core document list. Key differences:
- No separate physical examination form at application — health check is done after selection
- A separate ICDF application form is used (available on the ICDF portal)
- English proficiency certificate may be required by the program — check the specific program's language requirements
- ICDF requires a more detailed statement of purpose aligned with development-oriented goals, since the scholarship is tied to international cooperation and development
- You do not need to submit university admission documents — ICDF handles admission to the partner institutions
Documents That Applicants Frequently Get Wrong
The physical examination form
Most applicants either use the wrong form (a generic medical certificate) or get it completed too early. It must be the official MOE form, completed within 3 months of submission. Book the appointment for late January or early February if your deadline is in March.
Recommendation letters in sealed envelopes
Letters submitted opened, or where the seal was signed by someone other than the referee, are considered compromised and may be disqualified. The referee must sign across the sealed flap of the envelope.
Unofficial transcript printouts
A PDF downloaded from a student portal, even if it contains your full grades, is not official. Official transcripts must come directly from the institution's registrar, with institutional signature, stamp, or verification. Some TECOs require these to be sent directly from the registrar rather than passing through the applicant.