Applications are now open for Tzu Chi University’s international student admissions for Spring 2027. TCU sits in Hualien, on Taiwan’s east coast, and offers English-taught and Chinese-taught programs at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. There are scholarships. Not just one. Several, each with different strings attached. The application fee is zero, which is unusual and worth noting.
The university’s motto is Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Unselfish Giving. That may sound like brochure filler, but it shapes how the scholarships work. Some require volunteer hours. Some require service in Tzu Chi medical missions after graduation. Read the fine print before you commit. The funding is real, but so are the obligations. Admission quotas for the 2026-2027 academic year are 163 for bachelor’s programs, 70 for master‘s programs, and 11 for doctoral programs. Unfilled fall quotas carry over to spring. Spring enrollees take classes with students in the same grade. No separate classes. The official start date of each semester will be notified once the university calendar is finalized.
Studying at Tzu Chi University will grant students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a learning environment that cultivates knowledge, practical learning, and compassion for everyone. Armed with top-notch research and teaching facilities, excellent and dedicated faculty and staff, and a welcoming environment and student body, Tzu Chi University is the perfect place for every international student to resume their academic journey in Taiwan.
Program Details
- Host Institution: Tzu Chi University in Taiwan.
- Fields: Medicine, Nursing, Engineering and Technology, Humanities, Communication and Social Sciences, Management and Smart Sustainability.
- Number of awards: Not specified. Quotas: 163 bachelor’s, 70 master’s, 11 doctoral.
- Duration: Bachelor’s 4-6 years; Master’s 1-4 years; PhD 2-7 years.
- Eligible countries: Open to international students from all countries who meet identity and academic requirements.
Tzu Chi University Scholarships Benefits
TCU offers five scholarship and financial aid programs for international students. Each has its own eligibility rules, renewal requirements, and obligations.
A – International Student Scholarship
This scholarship provides financial support to pursue studies at TCU. Coverage may include tuition and miscellaneous fees, on-campus accommodation, and a monthly allowance of up to NT$5,000 for a maximum of 4.5 months per semester (excluding summer and winter breaks). The exact duration and amount are subject to the university’s annual budget and scholarship regulations.
- Eligible applicants: Outstanding international students officially admitted to TCU (excluding Mainland Chinese students, exchange and deferred students).
- Renewal requirements: Academic performance within the top 10% or 85+, conduct score of 80+, and at least 20 hours of volunteer or humanity service per semester.
B – Financial Aid for International Students
Designed to ensure that talented and motivated students can pursue their studies in Taiwan without financial barriers. This support covers tuition and miscellaneous fees, on-campus accommodation, and a monthly allowance of up to NT$5,000 for up to 4.5 months per semester, excluding breaks.
- Eligible applicants: Economically disadvantaged international students with good academic and conduct records, officially admitted to TCU (excluding Mainland Chinese students, postgraduate, deferred, and exchange students).
- Renewal requirements: Academic performance within the top 50% or 75+, conduct score of 80+, and at least 20 hours of volunteer or humanitarian service per semester.
C – Scholarship and Financial Assistance for International Nursing Students
For students in the nursing program at TCU who face financial hardship or special circumstances. It provides coverage for tuition and miscellaneous fees, on-campus accommodation, and a monthly allowance of up to NT$5,000 for up to 4.5 months per semester, excluding breaks.
- Eligible applicants: Foreign students enrolled in the four-year Bachelor’s Program of the Nursing Program. Students on leave of absence or with delayed graduation are not eligible.
- Coverage: Tuition and miscellaneous fees, accommodation, meals, a monthly living allowance of NT$5,000, textbooks and uniforms, and expenses related to arrival in Taiwan. Actual coverage and amounts are subject to approval.
- Renewal requirements: academic average of 60+, conduct score of 80+, required level of Mandarin proficiency, and at least 24 hours of volunteer service and Tzu Chi humanistic activities.
- Service obligation: After graduation, recipients must serve in Tzu Chi Medical Mission entities in accordance with the service agreement. The service period depends on the assigned position and nursing licensure status.
D – English-Taught Biomedical Program Scholarship
Supports students enrolled in TCU’s English-taught Biomedical Science graduate program through three categories: full scholarships, tuition and fee waivers, and living allowances.
- Eligible applicants: Overseas Chinese, international, and domestic master’s or doctoral students enrolled in the English-taught Biomedical Science program (excluding exchange and deferred students).
- Coverage: Awards may include full scholarships, tuition waivers, or monthly stipends (NT$10,000 for master’s; up to NT$20,000 for doctoral students), subject to review and budget availability.
- Renewal requirements: Passing program evaluations, completing all courses, conducting a score of 80+, compliance with university regulations, and active research engagement.
E – TCU Graduate Student Scholarship
Provides financial support for TCU students pursuing graduate or Ph.D. degrees. Master’s students receive a monthly stipend of NT$3,000 for up to 22 months, while Ph.D. students receive NT$10,000 per month for up to 60 months, with an additional NT$5,000 per month after passing their qualification exam.
- Eligible applicants: Current master’s and doctoral students with valid enrollment who are primarily engaged in study and research. Students with full-time employment, on leave, withdrawn, or receiving higher scholarships are not eligible.
- Coverage: Graduate assistantships and merit-based awards: up to NT$3,000/month for master’s students and NT$10,000/month for doctoral students, plus tuition incentives for TCU graduates (one option only).
- Renewal requirements: Maintain student status and fulfill assigned academic or service duties. Funding duration follows program limits (up to 2 years for master’s, 5 years for doctoral students). Payments stop if eligibility is lost.
Note : Applicants who have already been awarded a Taiwan Scholarship should not apply for the University’s scholarships again. The University reserves the right to amend the regulations of its scholarship programs.
Tzu Chi University Scholarships Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply as an international student, you must meet identity and academic qualification requirements.
Identity Requirements
Foreign nationals who have never held Republic of China nationality and meet the following requirements may apply: have never studied in Taiwan as an overseas Chinese student, and not admitted through the University Entrance Committee for Overseas Compatriot Students during the academic year of application.
Applicants who hold foreign nationality and have continuously resided overseas for at least six (6) years are eligible. Those intending to apply for the School of Medicine or the Post-Baccalaureate School of Chinese Medicine must have continuously resided overseas for at least eight (8) years.
Academic Qualification Requirements
- Undergraduate applicants: High school diploma or equivalent academic qualification.
- Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent academic qualification.
- Doctoral applicants: Master’s degree or equivalent academic qualification.
Language Proficiency Requirements
- Chinese-taught programs: Submit proof of Chinese proficiency equivalent to or above TOCFL Level A2. Applicants whose previous degree was taught in Chinese or who majored in the Chinese language must provide supporting documentation.
- English-taught programs: Submit proof of English proficiency equivalent to or above CEFR Level B1. Applicants from countries where English is an official language are exempt. Applicants who obtained their previous degree in an English-speaking country or from a program taught entirely in English must provide relevant proof.
Other Opportunities
Why Study at Tzu Chi University?
Please watch the video below to see if Tzu Chi University is what you’re looking for.
How to Apply for Tzu Chi University Scholarships
Applications are accepted online only. Paper submissions will not be accepted. Each applicant may apply to a maximum of three departments or graduate institutes. However, if admitted to more than one, you may register and enroll in only one.
To apply, complete the online application and upload all required documents in PDF format. There is no application fee. To signify your interest in a scholarship, select the scholarship option during the online application process, complete the Scholarship Application Form, and upload the required documents. Applicants for the Biomedical English-Taught Credit Program Scholarship and the Overseas Nursing Scholarship will be required to attend an interview.
Required Documents
- Applicant Information Form (automatically generated by the system after completing the online application).
- Proof of Nationality: Applicant’s passport or national identification document; proof of residence in the applicant’s country of domicile (if applicable); proof of parents’ nationality. Applicants who formerly held or currently hold ROC nationality, hold permanent residency in Hong Kong or Macao, or were formerly citizens of Mainland China must submit additional documents according to their individual circumstances.
- Affidavit and Declaration Forms: Checklist and Affidavit for International Students; Affidavit for International Student Application for Admission.
- Proof of Financial Support: A financial statement issued by a bank within the last three months under the name of the applicant or the applicant’s parents, showing a minimum balance of USD 3,300 or NTD 100,000; or a certificate of a full scholarship provided by the government, the university, or a private organization.
- Certificate of Highest Education or Diploma: High school diploma for undergraduate applicants; Bachelor’s for master’s applicants; master’s for PhD applicants. Applicants who are expected to graduate may submit a stamped “Certificate of Expected Graduation” or “Certificate of Enrollment.”
- Official Transcript of the Highest Academic Qualification (including grading scale explanation).
- Proof of Language Proficiency: TOCFL Level A2 or above for Chinese-taught programs; CEFR Level B1 or above for English-taught programs.
- Scholarship Application Form: To be completed and submitted based on the applicant’s eligibility and financial need.
- Departmental Review Documents: Upload all required supporting materials in accordance with each department’s admission requirements.
Important : Once all application materials and identity information have been submitted, no modifications will be accepted for any reason. All submitted documents will not be returned. Admitted students must have their foreign academic credentials verified by a Republic of China (Taiwan) overseas mission. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of admission.
For Spring 2027, the application period runs from to . For more details on Tzu Chi University Scholarships for international students, please visit the Office of Global Affairs website or the admissions portal.