Taiwan Expands Eligibility for INTENSE Program to Attract Foreign Talent
Taiwan is opening its doors wider to foreign students by relaxing the eligibility requirements for the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (INTENSE Program) starting in the 2025 spring semester. This expansion aims to attract more global talent, particularly in fields crucial to Taiwan’s economy, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), finance, and semiconductors.
The Ministry of Education made the announcement on Saturday, revealing that the program will now be available to foreign students already studying in Taiwan, in addition to those applying from abroad. This adjustment is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to strengthen its workforce and retain international talent in response to the country’s low fertility rate and increasing demand for skilled professionals.
Relaxed Eligibility Requirements for 2025 Spring Semester
Who is Eligible for the INTENSE Program?
The eligibility criteria for the INTENSE Program have been broadened to include foreign junior and senior university students who have completed at least two years of study at universities in Taiwan. This marks a significant shift from the original rules, which only allowed international students who had completed at least two years of study abroad or had a junior college or bachelor’s degree to apply.
- Eligible Students: Foreign university students in Taiwan who have completed two years of study by the spring of 2025.
- Program Launch: Classes will begin in the spring semester of 2025, with university reviews expected to conclude by the end of January.
Course Offerings and Focus Areas
INTENSE Program Classes
The expanded program will offer 62 INTENSE classes across 22 Taiwanese universities. The focus will be on high-demand sectors, particularly those that contribute significantly to Taiwan’s technological and industrial development. Among the core fields offered are:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Semiconductors
- Finance
This initiative comes as Taiwan seeks to position itself as a global leader in these industries, with a particular emphasis on semiconductors, a sector in which Taiwan is already a world leader.
Financial Support for International Students
To make the program even more attractive, the Taiwanese government will provide several financial incentives for eligible international students:
- Tuition Fees: Covered for the full duration of the program (up to two years).
- One-Way Flight: The government will cover the cost of one-way flights to Taiwan.
- Living Allowance: Each student will receive a monthly stipend of NT$10,000 (approximately US$313), funded by partnering companies in Taiwan.
These provisions aim to alleviate the financial burden on international students and make studying in Taiwan more accessible.
Commitment to Stay in Taiwan Post-Graduation
In return for the financial support, students enrolled in the INTENSE Program will be required to work in Taiwan for at least two years after graduation. This stipulation is part of Taiwan’s strategy to retain international talent and build a more sustainable workforce in key sectors that are essential for the country’s economic growth and technological development.
INTENSE Program Growth and Past Success
The INTENSE Program was first launched in the fall semester of 2024, with 40 classes offered across 20 universities. During the inaugural semester, 366 students qualified for the program, the majority of whom came from countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The expansion for the 2025 spring semester is part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to ramp up its efforts to attract foreign talent and bolster its skilled workforce. The Ministry of Education is optimistic that the program’s growth will continue as more international students choose Taiwan as their destination for higher education and career development.
Table: Key Details of the INTENSE Program
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (INTENSE Program) |
| Eligibility | Foreign university students in Taiwan who have completed two years of study |
| Classes Offered | 62 INTENSE Program classes across 22 universities |
| Fields of Study | STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Semiconductors, Finance |
| Financial Support | Tuition fees, one-way flight, monthly living allowance (NT$10,000) |
| Post-Graduation Requirement | Work in Taiwan for at least two years |
| Students Enrolled (Fall 2024) | 366 students from Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines |
| Program Launch (Spring 2025) | Expansion to include foreign students already studying in Taiwan |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can apply for the INTENSE Program in the 2025 spring semester?
The expanded eligibility allows foreign junior and senior university students in Taiwan who have completed at least two years of study to apply for the INTENSE Program. Previously, it was limited to students studying abroad.
Q2: What fields of study are included in the INTENSE Program?
The program focuses on high-demand sectors including STEM, semiconductors, and finance, which are vital to Taiwan’s economic and industrial growth.
Q3: How much financial support is provided to INTENSE students?
The Taiwanese government covers tuition fees, provides a one-way flight, and offers a monthly living allowance of NT$10,000 (US$313) for eligible students.
Q4: Is there a work requirement after graduation?
Yes, INTENSE Program students are required to work in Taiwan for at least two years after completing their studies. This is to help retain skilled talent within the country.
Q5: Which countries do most of the INTENSE students come from?
In the fall 2024 semester, the majority of INTENSE students came from Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
