National Taiwan University — Taiwan’s Leading Institution for Global Education and Research

 

Introduction

Founded in 1928 (originally as Taihoku Imperial University) and re-named “National Taiwan University” in 1945, NTU is Taiwan’s flagship public research university based in Taipei. 
Located at No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road in the Da’an District of Taipei, it serves as a major hub for education, research, and international engagement.

Why NTU stands out

Here are some key features and highlights that make NTU a compelling option for students and researchers:

Broad academic scope

• NTU comprises 17 colleges, 61 departments, and 152 graduate institutes, covering a wide array of disciplines from liberal arts to engineering, medicine to social sciences. 

• With up to 8,000 courses offered each semester, students can explore many fields.

Research prestige & global ranking

• NTU is widely considered the best university in Taiwan and ranks among the top universities worldwide. 

• It is committed to innovations in research, internationalization, and enhancing educational quality. 

International and student-friendly environment

• NTU offers many services for international students, including non-degree visiting programs, exchange options, and English-friendly courses. 

• The Student Area of the website details accommodations, career development, financial aid, and health/safety provisions.

Prime location & campus life

• Located in Taipei City, the university offers access to all the cultural, technological and lifestyle benefits of a vibrant Asian capital.

• The campus is noted for its architecture, green spaces, and blend of historical and modern facilities. 

Why this might appeal to you

Given your interests in environmental public health, clean energy, and interdisciplinary research, NTU offers several compelling alignments:

• With such a broad academic base and strong research orientation, you could find faculty and institutes aligned with environment, public health, sustainability, or clean-energy focused topics.

• The international environment means you’ll be engaging with a diverse student body and possibly research networks that span Asia and beyond — helpful for global-health/public-health perspectives.

• The English-friendly program options and visiting student frameworks make it feasible to consider even if your Mandarin isn’t fluent yet (though living in Taiwan will still involve some local language & culture).

• Being in Asia, with Taiwan’s dynamic tech, health and environmental sectors, it could provide unique opportunities for applied research, policy implications and regional relevance.

Things to check / considerations

Before applying or committing, here are some items to weigh:

• Language: While courses and programs may be accessible in English, living in Taipei and interacting with local organizations, communities or governmental work may involve Mandarin.

• Fit of research: You should identify specific faculty members or institutes whose research aligns with your topics (for example, environmental public health, clean/renewable energy, etc.).

• Funding & admissions: Investigate the scholarship/fellowship options for international students, and check requirements (transcripts, language proficiency, etc.). While many programs are international-friendly, standards differ per department.

• Cost of living: Taipei is a major city; accommodation, daily life & international logistics should be reviewed.

• Program structure: While NTU offers a large number of courses and departments, check that the particular discipline you want (environmental public health, clean energy) has a strong presence and supervision opportunities.

Final thoughts

NTU stands as a strong contender if you’re considering advanced studies (-graduate level or exchange) in Asia, especially with an intersection of public health, environment and technology. It combines research strength, international accessibility and a vibrant urban location — all of which could support your goals in environmental public health and interdisciplinary research.

If you like, I can compare NTU with a few other top Asian universities offering environment / public health / clean-energy programs (e.g., in Japan, South Korea, Singapore) and we can see how they rank in terms of cost, program availability, and research fit. Would that be useful to you?

Spotlight on the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP)

 

If you're exploring international PhD opportunities, the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) at Academia Sinica in Taipei is worth a close look. Below is a detailed blog-style overview: what the program is, why it stands out, key details, and how you might fit in.

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What is TIGP?

TIGP is an English-medium doctoral program established by Academia Sinica in cooperation with Taiwan’s major research universities. Taiwan International Graduate Program+2Taiwan International Graduate Program+2
It was founded in 2002 with the aim of cultivating interdisciplinary research talent and enhancing Taiwan’s presence in the global academic landscape. Taiwan International Graduate Program+1
All in all, it offers a very international learning and research environment—particularly appealing if you’re an aspiring researcher from outside Taiwan or seeking global engagement.

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Why TIGP stands out

• Truly interdisciplinary: TIGP spans life sciences, physical sciences, humanities and social sciences. For example, its PhD programs include fields such as Biodiversity, Molecular Medicine, Artificial Intelligence of Things, East Asia & the Making of the Modern World, among others. Taiwan International Graduate Program

• English-language friendly: The programs are conducted entirely (or largely) in English, making it accessible to international applicants. Taiwan International Graduate Program+1

• Strong research credentials: According to Nature Index data, TIGP (via Academia Sinica) produced 34 research outputs in a recent 12-month window, across biology, chemistry, health and physical sciences. Nature

• Good funding options: TIGP offers fellowships and scholarships (e.g., Rising Star Fellowship) with monthly stipends, extra allowances, etc. Taiwan International Graduate Program+1

• Global network and culture: With students and faculty from many countries, you’ll experience a diverse academic community.

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Program structure & fields

TIGP houses a number of PhD specializations. Some of them include:

• Biodiversity (BIODIV)

• Chemical Biology & Molecular Biophysics (CBMB)

• Molecular & Cell Biology (MCB)

• Molecular Medicine (MM)

• Bioinformatics (BIO)

• Earth System Science (ESS)

• Nano Science & Technology (Nano)

• Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT)

• Social Networks & Human-Centered Computing (SNHCC)

• East Asia & the Making of the Modern World (EAMW) Taiwan International Graduate Program

In addition to core research, there are shared courses, enrichment courses (such as Chinese language, lab safety, cultural trips) and internship or transition support (e.g., job fairs) for employability. Taiwan International Graduate Program

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Admission & key requirements

If you’re considering applying, here are some of the major points:

• You need a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (depending on the program). Taiwan International Graduate Program

• English proficiency is required (TOEFL, IELTS, GEPT, or TOEIC) unless waived under certain conditions. Taiwan International Graduate Program

• Other materials typically required: academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose. Taiwan International Graduate Program

• Program-specific requirements might differ, so always check the specific field you’re interested in. Taiwan International Graduate Program

• On the scholarships/fellowships side: TIGP offers additional allowances (for example, the Rising Star Fellowship gives extra NT$6,000/month for up to three years to outstanding first-year students) contingent on academic performance. Taiwan International Graduate Program

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Why this might appeal to you

Given your background and interests (you’ve shown interest in environmental public health, clean energy, etc.), here are some ways TIGP might align:

• If you’re looking at interdisciplinary research (e.g., environment + public health, or technology + bioinformatics), TIGP’s flexibility across fields gives you room to craft something interesting.

• Being in an international environment helps you build global perspectives, which aligns with public-health and environmental scholarship.

• Taipei + Academia Sinica offers strong research infrastructure, which can support robust thesis work and publication potential.

• The English-medium nature means you don’t necessarily need to be fully fluent in Chinese (though it’s a plus for daily life).

• If you’re exploring clean energy, environment, or bio-/eco-systems research, fields like Earth System Science or Biodiversity might be relevant.

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Some considerations & things to check

• While many courses are in English, living in Taiwan means you’ll still navigate daily life (housing, utilities, community) often in Mandarin Chinese. Consider how comfortable you are with that.

• Check specific PhD field availability each year—some fields may have more or fewer admissions depending on faculty and funding.

• Although funded, you’ll want to confirm cost of living in Taipei, housing options, etc (especially if you’re moving internationally).

• Ensure your chosen research topic aligns with faculty at Academia Sinica or partner universities; reaching out to potential advisors ahead of time is prudent.

• Given your interests in clean energy and environmental public health, check how your proposed research could integrate with the existing PhD field structures at TIGP.

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Final thoughts

The Taiwan International Graduate Program represents a strong opportunity for international PhD-level study in a vibrant research institution. For someone with interests in environmental health, interdisciplinary science, global issues and innovation, it offers an appealing mix of research depth, international culture, and strategic location in Taiwan.

If you like, I can pull together a detailed comparison of TIGP vs. a few similar international PhD programs (cost, funding, fields, living conditions) so you can see how it stacks up. Would you like that?

🎓 PhD Opportunities in Taiwan: A Gateway to Global Research and U.S. Postdoctoral Careers

 

Introduction

Taiwan is rapidly gaining recognition as a hub for advanced research and higher education, making it an attractive destination for international PhD students. Known for its strong STEM programs, innovative research environment, and strategic partnerships with the U.S., Taiwan offers students the chance to advance their academic careers while building a global network.

For students aspiring to pursue postdoctoral opportunities in the United States, Taiwan provides a unique platform to gain research experience in cutting-edge fields while benefiting from the strong diplomatic and academic ties between Taiwan and the U.S.

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Why Pursue a PhD in Taiwan?

1. World-Class Research Universities
   Taiwan boasts several universities renowned for research excellence:

   • National Taiwan University (NTU) – leading in engineering, life sciences, and environmental studies.

   • National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) – globally recognized for physics, chemistry, and materials science.

   • National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) – a powerhouse in information technology, robotics, and semiconductors.

   • Academia Sinica – Taiwan’s premier research institute for science, social sciences, and humanities.

2. Advanced Research Facilities
   Taiwanese universities provide state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced computational resources, and industry collaborations, enabling students to engage in high-impact research.

3. Affordability and Scholarships
   Compared to Western countries, Taiwan offers low tuition fees, competitive living costs, and a variety of scholarships for international PhD students, including:

   • Taiwan Scholarship Program (MOE) – covers tuition, living allowance, and research expenses.

   • University-Specific Fellowships – merit-based funding for research-focused candidates.

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Strong Taiwan–U.S. Academic Collaboration

Taiwan and the United States share long-standing diplomatic, economic, and educational ties. These connections benefit international PhD students in multiple ways:

• Collaborative Research Programs: Many Taiwanese universities partner with U.S. institutions, providing opportunities for joint research projects and exchange programs.

• Networking for Postdoctoral Opportunities: Faculty members often maintain U.S.-based collaborations, creating pathways for students to pursue postdoctoral positions in top American labs.

• Exposure to Global Standards: Students in Taiwan are trained in research methodologies and publication standards aligned with U.S. and international practices, increasing competitiveness for future academic or industry positions abroad.

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Key Research Areas in Taiwan

Taiwan is particularly strong in the following research domains:

• Semiconductors and Electronics – home to TSMC, one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers.

• Biotechnology and Life Sciences – cutting-edge research in genomics, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare technology.

• Environmental Science and Renewable Energy – focus on sustainability, clean energy, and climate research.

• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics – applied research with global industry partnerships.

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Admission Process for PhD Programs

1. Select a University and Supervisor – Identify professors whose research aligns with your interests.

2. Prepare Application Documents – Academic transcripts, research proposal, recommendation letters, and English proficiency certificates (TOEFL/IELTS).

3. Submit Online Application – Most universities have intake in February/March (Fall semester) and September (Spring semester).

4. Apply for Scholarships – Consider Taiwan Government scholarships, university-specific fellowships, and MOE funding.

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Life as a PhD Student in Taiwan

PhD students enjoy a safe, vibrant, and multicultural environment. They have access to modern labs, libraries, and international conferences. Students also experience Taiwan’s rich culture, cuisine, and travel opportunities, all while building a global academic network.

For those aiming for U.S.-based postdoctoral research, Taiwan serves as an ideal stepping stone—providing rigorous training, high-quality publications, and professional connections that make candidates highly competitive in American labs and universities.

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Conclusion

Pursuing a PhD in Taiwan is more than an academic choice; it is a strategic career move. With world-class research facilities, strong Taiwan–U.S. collaborations, and affordable education, Taiwan equips students to thrive in academia, industry, and international research.

For students with aspirations of postdoctoral research in the United States, Taiwan acts as a gateway, providing the expertise, exposure, and network needed to succeed on a global stage.

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#PhDInTaiwan #TaiwanResearch #TaiwanUSCollaboration #InternationalPhD #PostdocInUSA #TaiwanHigherEducation #STEMResearchTaiwan #GlobalAcademicOpportunities

🎓 Higher Education in Taiwan: A Gateway to Global Learning and Innovation

 

Introduction

In recent years, Taiwan has emerged as one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations for higher education. Known for its blend of advanced technology, rich culture, and welcoming environment, Taiwan attracts thousands of international students each year. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in engineering, business, health sciences, or arts, studying in Taiwan offers an outstanding balance between academic excellence and cultural experience.

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Why Choose Taiwan for Higher Education?

1. World-Class Universities
   Taiwan is home to several globally recognized institutions, including:

   • National Taiwan University (NTU) – ranked among the top universities in Asia.

   • National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) and National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) – leaders in science, engineering, and innovation.

   • National Chengchi University (NCCU) – renowned for social sciences, business, and international relations.

2. Affordable Tuition and Living Costs
   Compared to the United States, the UK, or Australia, Taiwan offers high-quality education at a fraction of the cost. Tuition for most programs ranges between USD $1,500–$4,000 per year, and living expenses are generally lower than in major Western cities.

3. English-Taught Programs
   Many universities offer English-medium degree programs and bilingual campuses. This allows international students to study comfortably while gradually improving their Mandarin skills—an invaluable asset in today’s global job market.

4. Research and Innovation Hub
   Taiwan is a leader in semiconductors, renewable energy, and healthcare technology. Its universities collaborate closely with global industries, providing students with practical experience and research opportunities that open international career paths.

5. Safe and Culturally Vibrant Environment
   Taiwan consistently ranks among the safest and most friendly countries in Asia. With its night markets, mountains, beaches, and a strong sense of community, students find a perfect blend of study and lifestyle.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Taiwan Government, through the Ministry of Education (MOE), offers several scholarships for international students:

• Taiwan Scholarship Program – covers tuition, living allowance, and airfare.

• MOFA Taiwan Fellowship – supports research students and scholars.

• University Scholarships – most institutions, such as NTU and NCKU, offer merit-based awards.

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Application and Admission Process

1. Choose a University and Program
   Review the official websites of universities to find courses that match your field of interest.

2. Prepare Documents
   Common requirements include academic transcripts, English/Mandarin proficiency certificates, letters of recommendation, and a study plan.

3. Apply Online
   Most universities use online portals, and the intake usually opens in February and September.

4. Apply for Visa and Scholarships
   Once accepted, apply for a Resident Visa (Student) and, if applicable, scholarship programs.

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Life as a Student in Taiwan

Students enjoy a vibrant campus life filled with clubs, festivals, and international exchange activities. Public transportation is efficient, healthcare is affordable, and local people are incredibly supportive of foreign students. You’ll also have access to internships and part-time jobs, especially in tech, education, and tourism sectors.

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Conclusion

Choosing to study in Taiwan means joining a forward-thinking academic community that values innovation, inclusivity, and international cooperation. Whether you’re aiming to boost your career, explore Asian culture, or engage in groundbreaking research, Taiwan provides the platform to turn ambition into achievement.

#StudyInTaiwan #TaiwanUniversities #HigherEducation #InternationalStudents #TaiwanScholarships #GlobalEducation #TaiwanLife #AsianEducation

Graduate Students from Pakistan 

March 07, 2017

Since 2010, around 50 students and 8 short-term visitor scholars from Pakistan have arrived in Taiwan. Among these 50 students, mostly are PhD students with highest number in Academia Sinica, Taipei followed by National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Tainan. Comparing with the last 6 years, a record number of students arrived in first quarter of 2017 to start their Master and Phd from spring semester. With a great hope that number will keep on increasing in near future and all these Pakis will be back to their country to serve and make it prosper with all the good science they learnt from Taiwanese institutions.  

Pak-Taiwan Academic and Research Cooperation Opportunities; Coverage of Prof. Dr. Atta-Ur-Rahman visit to Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan 

With every passing day, with every tick of clock even with every blink of eye world around us is diversifying at geometric progression, fictitious things from the fairy tales are now a reality, the flying carpet of Aladin, the invisible cloak of Harry Potter and talking tom of Shrek are no more impossible. It seems that we are Alice in wonderland encountering more extraordinary adventures.

Keeping in view all the transformation from fictions to realities in the world of science, the research has a key role in globalization strategy for the development of science and technology where collaboration among masses has always helped scientists to keep abreast of international science to share expertise and resources. International collaboration in higher education sector opens the door for the youth to share the state of the art knowledge in the field of their expertise as well as public engagement in science, engineering, and technology. The knowledge and expertise gained through investment in people and innovation allow the world to maintain a technological leading edge, build a stronger global economy and improve the quality of life of their people. Since the dawn of 21st century, the advancement in science has brought several challenges which pave the way to need of global unification in the R&D divisions to collaborate and tackle global challenges such as climate change, public health, and food crisis. As a result of scientific collaboration, almost one-fifth of the world`s scientific research papers are co-authored internationally.

Pakistan, being an emerging power in South Asia, has been glorified internationally through the development of Higher Education Infrastructure in the county which has, no doubt, impressive contribution in solidifying the foundation of the nation through education and research. The establishment of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the quality of education and research is boosted up by increasing the number of universities, PhDs, and scholarships for students and qualified faculty. On the other hand, Taiwan is at the leading edge in the field of well established IT, IC and the education sector renowned by the top ranking universities in Asia as well as many in the list of top 500 in the world.

Pakistan and Taiwan have an enormous potential of collaboration possibilities in a number of academic and industrial areas including space technology, nanotechnology, nanoelectronics, renewable energy, sports, tourism, environmental technology, agriculture, and engineering. It is quite evident by the history of well-established institutions around the globe that the academic and research collaboration is a viable tool that not only accelerates the progress but also enhances the quality of the work and extends the potential of the partners. Academic collaboration is beneficial to the faculty in learning new teaching tools, and to the students in increasing the breadth of their knowledge and learning different approaches to solving a problem.

The need of time for both countries is to share the expertise in the said fields by mutual collaboration initially in the education sector and then in the industry followed by the bond in the private sector to invest in offshore bilateral trade. The top and foremost dire importance is to match the research interest and facilities available in Pakistani institutions like Quaid e Azam University (QAU), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Ghulam Ishaq Institute (GIKI), Agriculture University Faisalabad (AUF), COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) and many others with the counterpart of Taiwanese universities like National Taiwan University (NTU), National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), National Central University (NCU), National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) along with many other leading science and technology universities to establish linkage for the students and staff mobility, co-organize conferences, seminars, share the research facilities, cooperation, assisting each other with initiatives, projects, and innovations.

In the wake of desire of academic collaboration, a renowned scientist from Pakistan, Professor Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, (former President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and former federal minister of education, Pakistan) was invited, in November 2014, as an “International Distinguished Lecturer” by International Affair Office (IAO) Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan. The most prestigious research institute in Taiwan maintained its tradition of honoring students, researchers, scientists and people from different spheres of life to listen to the words of wisdom from the internationally acclaimed renowned scientist which could be as an ice breaker between both nations to establish linkage academically.

Dr. A. Rahman is a well-known name among contemporary scientist owing to his matchless contributions to the field of organic chemistry and revolutionizing the higher education sector in his native country Pakistan. The Royal Society of London acknowledged his scientific work by electing him its prestigious member in July 2006. Dr. Rahman quoted in an interview that “It is an overwhelming experience to see your name in the list of member of Royal society along with some great scientist as Sir Isaac Newton and Einstein”. Dr. A. Rahman has also won the prestigious UNESCO Science Prize (1999). He also owns “TWAS Prize for Institution Building” Durban, South Africa and highest civil award (“Grosse Goldene Ehrenzeischen am Bande") by Austrian govt. (2007) in recognition of his eminent contributions to the world of science. Currently, he is President of Network of Academies of Sciences of Islamic Countries (NASIC), Foreign Fellow of Korean Academy of Sciences, and Foreign Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society. In his country, he is a role model for coming generations and mentor of young scientists. Pakistan Govt. has awarded him with the highest civil award and many other titles.

While talking about Taiwan, he appreciated the rapid progress of Taiwan and applauded the research work being conducted in Academia Sinica and many other universities for their role in national, scientific, industrial and economic growth. Professor Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman also described how the developing countries like Pakistan can compete with fast-growing science and can achieve the desire towards the development where education is the only tool to progress and key to prosperity. His model for higher education is also reviewed and appreciated by many countries. He stressed on building strong relations between both countries especially in the field of technology transfer in education and agriculture. He was also keen to start student exchange and capacity building programs between Pakistan and Taiwan. In short, although it was his first visit to Taiwan, he let his presence felt by his intelligent talk.

Author: Shahid Mehmood Awan
Ph.D. Research Scholar,
Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan

List of Taiwanese Universities and QS Ranking

Heaven of Opportunities 

List of Taiwanese universities with QS ranking

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1) National Taiwan University (QS Rank # 68)
Fall 2017 Application
Starts Dec 21 2016
Deadline March 03, 2017
http://www.oia.ntu.edu.tw/s…/degree-student/201617-admission
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2) National Tsing Hua University Scholarship (QS Rank # 151)
Fall 2017 Application
Starts Jan 1, 2017
Deadline March 15, 2017
http://exten.web.nthu.edu.tw/bin/home.php?Lang=en
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3) National Chiao Tung University (QS Rank # 174)
Fall 2017 Application
Starts Feb 1, 2017
Deadline March 31, 2017
http://www.ia.nctu.edu.tw/files/11-1000-120.php?Lang=en
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4) National Cheng Kung University (QS Rank # 241)
Fall 2017 Application
Starts Jan 10, 2017
Deadline March 30, 2017
https://admissions.oia.ncku.edu.tw/doc/view/sn/8
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5) National Taiwan University of Science & Technology (QS Rank # 243)
Fall 2017 Application
Starts Feb 6, 2017
Deadline March 31, 2017
http://www-e.ntust.edu.tw/home.php
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6) National Taiwan Normal University ((QS Rank # 310)
Fall 2017 Application
Starts Jan 10, 2017
Deadline March 30, 2017
http://ap.itc.ntnu.edu.tw/istudent/oia/news.jsp…
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7) National Yang Ming University. (QS Rank # 308)
Fall 2017 Application
Starts Dec 10, 2016
Deadline April 20, 2017
http://oia-e.web.ym.edu.tw/front/bin/ptlist.phtml…
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8) National Central University ( QS Rank# 397)
http://admissions.oia.ncu.edu.tw/
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9) Taipei Medical University (QS Rank# 401)
Fall 2017
Starts November 1, 2016
Deadline January 20, 2017
http://www.tmu.edu.tw/english/admiss/super_pages.php…
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11) Chang Gung University ( QS Rank # 441)
Fall 2017
Starts Feb 1, 2017
Deadline March 31, 2017
http://recruit.cgu.edu.tw/bin/home.php?Lang=en
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12) National Chung Hsing University (QS Rank# 501)
Fall 2017
Starts Feb 1, 2017
Deadline March 31, 2017
http://www.oia.nchu.edu.tw/index.php/en/
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13) National Taipei University of Technology (QS Rank # 550)
Fall 2017
Starts January 1, 2017
Deadline April 30, 2017
http://wwwoia-en.ntut.edu.tw/files/11-1106-8564.php
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14) Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) Scholarship
Fall 2017
Start Dec 1, 2016
Deadline March 15, 2017
https://enr.kmu.edu.tw/qur/qurq001.php?newsid=int,26
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15) National Pingtung University of Science and Technology - NPUST
Fall 2017
Start 1st January
Deadline 31st March
http://oia.npust.edu.tw/en/International_scholarship
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Taiwan Group For Pakistanis , By Pakistanis
https://www.facebook.com/groups/studyintaiwanforpak/

(Credit. Scholarship Network team and "Study In Taiwan (for Pakistani Aspirants) | Official")

Why Taiwan ?