Taiwan
1 Master’s Degree Program Awards: National Taiwan Normal University Award in Translation and Interpretation
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length12 Months |
Award Type
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
- Yes
Award Profile
Awards are available to pursue a full-time Master’s Degree in Translation and Interpretation (TCSL) at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). The program is taught in Mandarin and English.
The Graduate Institute of Translation and Interpretation at National Taiwan Normal University is commonly regarded as one of the finest programs of its kind in the world. Each year roughly twenty students are admitted into the MA program. Admission is competitive with an acceptance rate of roughly 9%. To be considered for admission, students must demonstrate a strong command of both English and Mandarin Chinese. International students are encouraged to apply.
The MA program has two distinct and separate tracks, with two fairly distinct emphases: the Conference Interpretation track, with a focus on the spoken word, and the Translation and Interpretation track, whose focus is on the written word. Students in the Conference Interpretation track are expected to complete courses in consecutive interpretation (Chinese to English; English to Chinese), simultaneous interpretation, and the like. Students in the Translation and Interpretation track enroll in courses that enhance their ability to produce written translations in a variety of disciplines (business and legal documents, literary translations, subtitle translations, and so on). Courses offered in recent years include Translation Exercises: Chinese to English, History of Translation, Translation Theory, and Translating the New Testament.
Interested students must indicate which of the two programs they are applying to. It is possible to apply to both programs, but even students who are admitted to both can enroll in just one of the two. More information can be found on the departmental website.
Fulbright students are expected to fulfill Teaching Assistant duties while studying for their degree. Internship opportunities are available.
Attending GITI is a rich and rewarding experience. Students find that their knowledge of both Chinese and English is enhanced. Friendships are formed that last for a lifetime. New and unexpected career opportunities open up. Since GITI is located in Taiwan, American students studying at the program will also gain a unique and invaluable perspective on the enormous complexities surrounding US-Taiwan-China relations.
The award is co-sponsored by the National Taiwan Normal University.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant is initially awarded for 12 months; renewal for the second year are dependent upon the grantee’s academic success with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale.
Grants begin in September 2027, prior to the FSE Welcome Reception (usually the Friday after Labor Day).
Orientation
The post-arrival orientation will be held the Thursday and Friday after Labor Day.
Candidate Profile
Candidates must have received a Bachelor's degree prior to enrollment and intend to pursue a two-year Master’s degree. Strong academic credentials in their area of specialization are expected. A good capacity for studying and living in a cross-cultural setting is necessary. Grantees cannot be accompanied by dependents.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
A Vibrant and Welcoming Society
Taiwan is a vibrant democracy boasting a thriving economy, rapid technological advancement, and a dynamic media landscape. It is widely recognized as a safe and foreigner-friendly environment, characterized by democratic freedoms and a diverse, inclusive society. While Mandarin Chinese is the primary language, English proficiency is widespread, particularly in major cities and academic circles.
Quality of Life and Convenience
Taiwan offers an exceptionally high quality of life with a relatively low cost of living. It is a haven for food lovers, offering everything from world-class dining to famous night markets. Living accommodations are comfortable, and high-speed internet is ubiquitous. Transportation is extremely convenient; comprehensive Metro (MRT) systems operate in Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, making travel efficient and affordable. Additionally, Taiwan’s natural beauty is easily accessible, with mild winters and sunny summers making it ideal for exploring the outdoors.
World-Class Healthcare
Taiwan’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world, known for its high quality, accessibility, and affordability. State-of-the-art medical facilities and friendly service make clinical visits convenient and stress-free, ensuring peace of mind for international residents.
Academic Environment and Calendar
Taiwan places a strong emphasis on education, boasting an adult literacy rate of over 98%. The higher education landscape includes over 160 institutions, comprising public and private universities, junior colleges, and technical institutes. The academic environment is rigorous yet supportive.
- Academic Calendar: The academic year runs from mid-September to late June.
- First Semester: September to January.
- Second Semester: Late February to June (start dates vary slightly based on the Lunar New Year).
Resources
- Government Portal: Visit Taiwan’s Government Portal for information on history, politics, diplomacy, economy, science, technology, education, and culture.
- Alumni Reflections: Read about the experiences of former U.S. grantees in research and teaching on the Reflection and Research website.
Eligibility
9 Months
Residency Requirements
- Current Residency in Taiwan: Candidates currently residing in Taiwan (or those who will be living there during the 2026-2027 academic year) will not be considered.
- Time Abroad: Candidates who have lived outside the United States for five or more consecutive years in the six-year period preceding the date of application is ineligible.
Citizenship and Visa Status
- Dual Citizenship & Permanent Residency: Individuals with dual U.S.-Taiwan citizenship or Taiwan permanent residency are not eligible. All Fulbright U.S. Student award recipients must enter Taiwan on a J-type academic and cultural exchange visa. Please note that individuals with dual U.S.-Taiwanese citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible to meet these document requirements.
*Note: It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify their citizenship status and eligibility prior to application. - Applicants born in the People of China (PRC): Due to specific Taiwan visa regulations, applicants born in the PRC must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a visa:
- Have held U.S. citizenship for at least 4 years
- Provide additional documentary evidence to certify that they have resided in the U.S. for a duration of 4 years and above
- Provide the documents sufficient to prove the loss of mainland China citizenship when applying for a visa at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the U.S.
Important: The Fulbright Program cannot be guaranteed visa issuance by the TECO and an Alien Resident Certificate by National Immigration Agency after arriving in Taiwan. All applicants must meet Taiwan’s entry requirements for applications of Taiwan visas. Please directly contact the TECO to get details on the visa application.
Academic Requirements
Doctoral Degree Holders: Applicants with completed doctorates at the time of the start of the award are not eligible.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Special Application Instructions
Applicants must select “NTNU Translation” in the Award Name field of the application.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
The applicant's Chinese proficiency is required of CEFR B2 or its equivalent.
Applicants selected as semi-finalists will be required to share their Chinese proficiency certificate at CEFR B2 level or its equivalent with the Fulbright Commission in Taiwan. Applicants do not need to include their Chinese Proficiency Test Certificate in the Fulbright U.S. Student application.
Please note: the Chinese proficiency test dates are limited and irregular, so we encourage you to check available test dates and schedule your exams as early as possible. Ideally, after submitting your online application, you should begin monitoring test schedules and make arrangements to take your exams. Waiting until after receiving a notification in January about your semi-finalist status may be too late to secure a test date. Please submit your Chinese proficiency results to Fulbright Taiwan (chinesetestresult@fulbright.org.tw) by February 5, 2027.
For applications to the master's programs in Chinese language teaching, the submission of Chinese proficiency test results is required. Only ACTFL, CEFR, TBCL, and New HSK are accepted as Chinese language proficiency tests.
Chinese language level is equivalent to advanced proficiency at the time of application. The score reports of the Chinese proficiency test must include both of the oral and reading results which indicate “Advanced” for the Mandarin-taught Master’s Degree Program Awards application. The Chinse Proficiency test scores are valid for two years, starting from the day of the exam.
Please see the Chinese Proficiency Test Comparison List as follows:
- TBCL: Taiwan Benchmarks for the Chinese Language (5)
- New HSK: New Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (6)
- CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (B2)
- ACTFL: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (Advanced)
Foreign Language Proficiency Level by Grant Start
If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
No letter of affiliation is required upon application. The grant is contingent upon acceptance by both the Fulbright commission in Taiwan and the university program.
Mandatory University Application:
Applicants MUST submit a separate application directly to the university. To be eligible for this Fulbright award, candidates must apply to and be accepted by the university’s program.
Application Resources:
For details regarding the online application portal and specific application periods, please refer to this page.
Important Notes:
- Check deadlines: Applicants are responsible for checking the university’s international admission guidelines and adhering to the university’s specific application deadlines.
- Direct Contact: Students are encouraged to contact the university programs directly regarding curriculum requirements and their candidacy.
- Submission of Admission Letter: Once a Fulbright finalist receives an official admission offer from one of the above programs, a copy of the admission letter must be provided to Fulbright Taiwan to finalize the grant.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
The grant provides recipients with full tuition support at National Taiwan Normal University, housing in a student dormitory, round trip airfare, a monthly living allowance, and national health insurance as long as the candidate maintains satisfactory academic standards. Tuition waivers for the number of credits required for graduation are granted to graduate students. Students may enroll for additional credits, but they will be responsible for the added tuition and fees.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Total Monthly Stipend: NT$25,000
- Base Stipend: NT$18,000 per month
- Living Allowance: NT$7,000 per month
Note:
- The actual payment amount is based on the above-mentioned Taiwan dollar.
- Currency exchange rates are subject to fluctuation (usually between NTS$30 and NT$32 to US$1).
- The funds will be paid in NTD to a local Taiwan bank account.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Settling in allowance
Settling-in allowance and baggage allowance of NT$36,000, upon arrival.
Note:
- The actual payment amount is based on the above-mentioned Taiwan dollar.
- Currency exchange rates are subject to fluctuation (usually between NTS$30 and NT$32 to US$1).
- The funds will be paid in NTD cash upon arrival. It is paid to help meet some immediate expenses and cover the costs of extra baggage brought to and taken from Taiwan.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Health insurance (in addition to ASPE)
- Housing placement
- Mid-year seminar
- Transportation pass
Note:
- Full Tuition Waiver: Covered by the grant benefits.
- Student Dormitory: Housing provided by the host institution.
- Health Insurance: National Health Insurance (NHI) premium paid by Fulbright Taiwan during the effective period of their grant after the grantee receives an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
- Round-trip Airfare: Direct roundtrip economy-class ticket provided.
- Visa Exemption: Exemption from Taiwan visa application fee (US$185)
- Tax Exemption: Exemption from Taiwan income tax on the Fulbright stipend.
- Transportation pass: A loaded EasyCard provided upon arrival for local transportation.
- Events: Welcome Orientation, Thanksgiving Dinner, Mid-year Conference, and Farwell Reception.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Taiwan offers an exceptionally high quality of life with a cost of living significantly lower than that of major U.S. cities. For students, this means your stipend goes a long way, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle, travel, and cultural exploration.
Money Matters:
- Currency: The official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD/NT$)
- Buying Power: The average monthly cost of living is estimated around NT$26,829 (approx. US$894).The affordability of daily essentials makes Taiwan incredibly livable for students.
- Banking: While cash is king at local night markets and small eateries, credit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Line Pay) are widely accepted in retail stores and convenience chains.
Dining:
- The "Latte Index": In Taiwan, you can enjoy a full, delicious meal of dumplings, noodles, or a bento box for NT$60-NT$120 (US$2.00-US$4.00)—often less than the price of a small latte in the U.S.
- Campus & Night Markets: University cafeterias offer healthy meals for under US$3. For dinner, Taiwan’s famous night markets provide a feast of snacks and local dishes for just a few dollars.
- Comfort Food: If you crave a taste of home, a Big Mac meal costs around US$6.00.
Getting Around:
- The "EasyCard": This is your all-access student pass. For about US$3.30, you buy the card and load it with cash. It pays for the Metro (MRT), buses, YouBike (public bikes), and even snacks at convenience stores.
- World-Class Transit: The Metro (MRT) systems in major cities are clean, safe, and reliable. A trip across the city typically costs less than US$1.00-US$2.00.
- Taxis & Rides: Uber and local taxis are safe and affordable, with daytime base fares starting at just US$2.80.
Housing:
- Dormitory Provided: The host institution provides a student dormitory, significantly reducing your living expenses.
- Off-Campus Options: Should you choose to live off-campus in the future, rent is surprisingly reasonable compared to U.S. college towns. A room in a shared apartment typically ranges from US$260 to US$530 per month.
- Utilities: Central heating is rare (and rarely needed), but air conditioning is standard in all modern housing.
Healthcare:
- No "Medical Bill Shock": Taiwan’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world. It is efficient, accessible, and incredibly affordable.
- Typical Costs: Once enrolled in the National Health Insurance (NHI), a visit to a clinic—including consultation and medication-typically costs between US$7.00 and US$17.00. You can see a doctor without the anxiety of high deductibles or long wait times.
Connectivity & Fun:
- Stay Connected: Unlimited 4G/5G data plans are affordable (approx. US$15-US$25/month), and free Wi-Fi is widespread in cafes and public spaces.
- Culture & Entertainment: A movie ticket costs about US$10-US$13. World-class museums, like the National Palace Museum, charge less than US$12 for admission (often less with a student ID).
The Great Outdoors:
- Hiking is a national pastime. With countless trails just a short bus or MRT ride from the city center, accessing Taiwan's stunning nature is completely free.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
The Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (Fulbright Taiwan) will book the grantees in a hotel for the first four nights close to the office. The grantees are offered a one-time-only settling-in allowance.
The host institution will offer grantees a student dormitory at the university in a two-person dorm room.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Additional Online Resources
Learn Chinese in Taiwan: https://lmit.edu.tw/lc
List of Universities and Colleges in Taiwan: https://english.moe.gov.tw/cp-21-14441-4EC5E-1.html