The Ministry of Education of Taiwan has rolled out the red carpet for international students worldwide under its Excellent Mandarin Programme (EMP) – and it’s not just for students of one university! Thanks to a dynamic partnership between National Taiwan University (NTU) and I-Shou University (ISU), this immersive Mandarin scholarship is now within your reach, no matter where you’re currently studying!
Whether you’re a language lover, a future diplomat, or just craving cultural immersion and international experience, this fully-supported program promises not only language mastery but also a cultural transformation – all while giving back through English support to local students in Taiwan.
What’s in it for You?
- Learn Mandarin in Taiwan: 15 hours of weekly classes with cultural exploration.
- Live in Southern Taiwan for 3 months – the region known for its friendly locals, warm weather, and scenic coastline.
- Cultural Exchange: Support ISU’s mission to become a bilingual university by 2028 by helping students improve their English (4+ hours weekly).
- Get Paid to Learn: Generous scholarship of NT$25,000/month (~£660) from ISU.
- Low Expenses: Your course, housing, insurance, etc., are covered under NT$17,500 (~£470) monthly.
- Bonus Funding: Additional financial aid may be available through the UK’s Turing Scheme for select applicants (review your financial eligibility).
Programme Dates – Choose Your Adventure
You can select either of the two seasonal batches for your Mandarin journey:
- Autumn Intake: 1 September to 14 November 2025
- Winter Intake: 1 December 2025 to 13 February 2026
Whether you’re seeking a language deep dive over your fall term or want to turn your winter break into a productive language adventure, EMP offers the flexibility you need.
Why This Programme Is a Game-Changer?
- Open to all students from any academic background
- Ideal for undergrads, postgrads, and even research students
- Combines language acquisition, cultural immersion, and international work experience
- Adds a bilingual twist to your résumé/CV – a massive plus in today’s global job market.
This opportunity is more than just a language course – it’s a cross-cultural, skill-building expedition that allows you to live, learn, and give back in one of Asia’s most vibrant learning environments.
Apply: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/studenthub/study-abroad/study-abroad-opportunities/short-term-opportunities
The Excellent Mandarin Programme (EMP) offers two intake periods for interested applicants. For those wishing to participate in the autumn session, the program will run from September 1 to November 14, 2025, while the winter session will take place from December 1, 2025, to February 13, 2026.
