Taiwan has officially opened applications for its highly regarded Taiwan International Internship Program 2026, a paid summer research opportunity designed for international students who want real laboratory experience before applying for a PhD. Hosted by Academia Sinica, the country’s top research institution, this program invites overseas undergraduates and master’s students to spend their summer in Taiwan working directly with research teams, gaining hands-on scientific training, and strengthening their academic profile for the 2026–2027 doctoral admission cycle.
This internship is not a short academic visit or observation-based program. It is a structured pre-doctoral research experience that allows participants to actively contribute to ongoing projects while learning how research is conducted in a global, high-impact environment. For students planning to apply for PhD programs in the near future, TIIP functions as an early research bridge, helping applicants gain clarity, confidence, and credible international exposure.
Why the Taiwan International Internship Program Stands Out?
The program is hosted by Academia Sinica in Taiwan and supported by its partner universities, offering interns access to advanced laboratories, research mentors, and interdisciplinary scientific communities. Academia Sinica is internationally respected for research in life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and emerging technologies, making this internship especially attractive for students targeting research-intensive doctoral programs.
Beyond academic training, the program also introduces interns to Taiwan’s research culture and working environment. Participants benefit from close interaction with supervisors, exposure to international research standards, and opportunities to build academic connections that can support future PhD applications.
Financial Support and Living Arrangements Explained Clearly
One of the strongest features of the Taiwan International Internship Program is its financial support. Selected interns receive a monthly stipend of NTD 30,000 before tax during their two-month internship period. This stipend is designed to cover daily living expenses in Taiwan and allow students to focus fully on their research work.
In addition to the stipend, the program covers half of the economy-class round-trip airfare from the intern’s home country to Taipei. When multiple interns travel from the same location in the same intake, reimbursement is calculated based on the lowest available fare, with a capped amount. Affordable on-campus accommodation is arranged for interns, reducing housing stress and keeping participants close to their research facilities. These financial provisions make the program accessible even for students without independent funding.
Who Should Apply and Who Is Not Eligible?
The Taiwan international internship program is open to foreign (Non-Taiwan National) undergraduate students in their final year, current master’s students, and individuals who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree. It is specifically designed for pre-doctoral candidates, meaning students currently enrolled in a PhD program are not eligible. Applicants who have previously participated in the Taiwan International Internship Program are also not allowed to apply again, as the program prioritizes first-time participants.
In addition, current employees or research assistants working at Academia Sinica are not eligible. This ensures that the internship remains focused on external international talent seeking their first structured research experience in Taiwan.
Apply: https://tigp.sinica.edu.tw/pages/3127
Application Timeline and Internship Periods
Applications for the upcoming Taiwan internship intake open on 15 December 2025 and close on 15 January 2026. The internship itself lasts two (02) months, with three intake options available across the summer 2026.
Successful candidates may join the first cohort running from early May 2026 to the end of June 2026, the second cohort from June to July, or the third cohort from July to August. This flexible scheduling allows students to choose a period that fits their academic calendar while still benefiting from a full research immersion experience.
For international students planning ahead for PhD admissions in the 2026–2027 academic cycle, the Taiwan International Internship Program offers a rare combination of paid research training, international exposure, and academic mentorship. It is a practical, well-supported way to strengthen a research profile, gain clarity on doctoral ambitions, and experience one of Asia’s most respected research ecosystems before taking the next academic step.