The Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) hosted a welcome party and orientation for the recipients of the Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship on Oct. 20 at the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation.
More than 800 new students attended, along with diplomats from various countries stationed in Taiwan, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Outstanding students from around the world are encouraged to pursue degrees or study Mandarin in Taiwan through the Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship programs. For the 2025–26 academic year, more than 1,500 students from over 80 countries have received scholarships.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Education Liu Kuo-wei (劉國偉) encouraged students to focus on their studies while exploring Taiwan’s diverse culture, local cuisine, and warm hospitality. Liu noted that many former recipients have excelled in their fields and even built careers in Taiwan. He expressed hope that the new students will come to see Taiwan as their second home.
Two senior scholarship recipients shared their experiences at the event. Hourng Sopheakanika, a Cambodian master’s student at Chang Gung University’s College of Management, urged newcomers to stay open-minded and face challenges with courage. “Every challenge you encounter in Taiwan is a new bridge leading to growth,” she said.
Francisco Javier Leon Aguilar, a Guatemalan doctoral student at National Taipei University of Technology, said studying in Taiwan helped him develop critical thinking and leadership skills. He described his decision to study in Taiwan as the “most beautiful unexpected choice” of his life.
For 21 years, the MOE’s Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship programs have supported international students pursuing degrees or Mandarin studies in Taiwan. Officials hope these programs will deepen students’ understanding of Taiwan’s educational system and culture, strengthen international ties, and promote talent exchange.
Whether graduates stay in Taiwan or return home, they are expected to serve as cultural ambassadors and champions of “Study in Taiwan,” said the MOE.
