KMU University Scholarships 2026 in Taiwan (Fully Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) is one of Taiwan’s leading medical-sciences universities, offering fully funded scholarships to international students. Applications for the Spring 2027 intake are currently open.
This guide explains the KMU International Student Scholarship, eligibility, required documents, and the real visa, health insurance, and post-study work process for international students in Taiwan.
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Scholarship Overview
KMU is located in Kaohsiung City, southern Taiwan (not Taipei, as some sources incorrectly state). It offers undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programmes, many taught fully in English.
The KMU International Student Scholarship is merit-based and reviewed each academic year by KMU’s International Academic Committee. Admission to KMU does not automatically guarantee a scholarship award.
KMU University Scholarships 2026 Details:
| University: | Kaohsiung Medical University |
| Degree level: | Masters, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Taiwan |
| Last date: | 12 October 2026 |
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Financial Benefits
KMU offers four scholarship types, each covering different combinations of tuition, accommodation, and stipend. Eligible types vary by degree level.
Undergraduates may apply only for Type C; master’s students for Types B and C; and Ph.D. students for any type. Recipients cannot combine a KMU scholarship with another Taiwanese government scholarship.
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| Scholarship Type | Annual Value (NTD) | Coverage | Eligible Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | NT$200,000-260,000 | Monthly stipend, accommodation, tuition | Ph.D. only |
| Type B | NT$80,000-140,000 | Accommodation and tuition | Master’s, Ph.D. |
| Type C | NT$70,000-80,000 | Tuition fee only | Undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D. |
| Type D | Up to Type A value | Set by individual department/institute | All levels |
Recipients also receive a miscellaneous fee subsidy of NT$27,636 for the academic year. Tuition itself ranges from roughly USD 1,560 to 4,830 per semester depending on the programme.
Available Study Programs
Medicine and Post-Baccalaureate Medicine: KMU’s flagship School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine trains students who already hold a bachelor’s degree toward an M.D.-equivalent qualification.
Dentistry and Pharmacy: The School of Dentistry and School of Pharmacy offer both undergraduate and graduate tracks, including a Master’s in Clinical Pharmacy.
Public Health and Biomedical Sciences: Graduate institutes cover public health, biomedical science and environmental biology, and medicinal and applied chemistry.
Nursing, Therapy, and Allied Health: Programmes include Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology.
Emerging Fields: Newer options include the Master’s Programme in AI Application in the Health Industry and Ph.D. programmes in biomedical engineering and life sciences.
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Comparing Taiwan’s Top Universities for Medical and Health Sciences
KMU is one of several strong options for international students focused on medicine and health sciences in Taiwan. Here’s how it compares with two other well-known institutions.
| University | City | Notable Strength | Approx. Tuition/Semester (Grad, USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) | Kaohsiung | Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health | $1,600-2,030 |
| National Taiwan University (NTU) | Taipei | Taiwan’s top-ranked comprehensive university | Varies by program |
| Taipei Medical University (TMU) | Taipei | Medicine and biomedical research | Varies by program |
Always confirm current tuition and ranking figures directly on each university’s admissions page, since these are reviewed annually.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility follows Taiwan’s Ministry of Education rules for international students, plus KMU’s own scholarship conditions:
- Hold a nationality other than the Republic of China (Taiwan) and meet MOE’s international-student status rules.
- Undergraduate applicants need a senior high school diploma from overseas recognised by Taiwan’s MOE.
- Master’s applicants need a bachelor’s degree; Ph.D. applicants need a master’s degree, both verified by an R.O.C. representative office.
- Meet each programme’s language requirement – generally CEFR B1 English or TOCFL A2 Chinese, unless your prior degree was taught in that language.
- For the scholarship specifically: undergraduates need a 70+ average from the previous academic year; graduate and PhD students need an 80+ average.
- Not hold another Taiwanese government or university scholarship at the same time.
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Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Highest-Level Diploma | Verified by an R.O.C. representative office |
| Official Transcripts | All semesters of your most recent qualification |
| Financial Statement | Proof of funds issued within the last 6 months |
| Proof of Nationality | Passport copy or equivalent |
| Study Plan | Outlines academic goals and chosen program |
| Two Letters of Recommendation | From academic or professional referees |
| Passport-Size Photograph | Per application portal specifications |
| Self-Check Eligibility & Declaration Form | Confirms you meet MOE eligibility rules |
Application Process
1. Confirm your eligibility. Check both status eligibility (international student rules) and educational eligibility for your intended degree level.
2. Register an account. Create your profile on the official application portal, admission.kmu.edu.tw.
3. Choose your programme(s). You may apply to up to three programmes in a single application cycle.
4. Read and accept the declaration. Incomplete required fields will prevent the form from saving.
5. Upload required documents. Include transcripts, diplomas, financial statements, and your study plan before the deadline.
6. Arrange two referees. Each programme you apply to needs its own set of referee details submitted through the portal.
7. Print, sign, and re-upload your form. A signed scanned copy is required alongside the online submission.
8. Submit before October 12, 2026, 17:00 Taiwan time. Late applications are not accepted.
9. Await departmental review. Departments evaluate applications from mid-October through mid-November 2026.
10. Check your result. Results are announced December 4, 2026, ahead of February 2027 enrolment.
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Student Visa Guide
KMU does not sponsor visas directly – international students apply for a resident visa for study through a Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in their home country before travelling.
Important: If you enter Taiwan visa-exempt or on a landing/visitor visa, you generally cannot switch to a study resident visa from inside Taiwan. You’d need to leave and apply at a TECO abroad instead.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Resident Visa for Study |
| Where to Apply | TECO (Taiwan’s overseas mission) in your home country |
| Processing Time (Abroad) | Typically 2-5 working days; varies by TECO |
| Processing Time (In Taiwan) | 8 working days for Resident Visa conversions |
| ARC Application | Within 30 days of arrival at the National Immigration Agency |
| Financial Proof | Bank statement or scholarship confirmation showing sufficient funds |
| Required Documents | Passport, admission letter, financial proof, photos, health check where required |
Health Insurance
New international students are not immediately eligible for Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) – most must wait about six months after arrival before NHI coverage begins.
During that gap, KMU requires a private group health insurance plan, priced at roughly USD 160 for the first six months, plus a small student accident insurance fee of about USD 14 per semester.
Once eligible, NHI costs approximately USD 170 per semester and is mandatory for all long-term residents, covering the large majority of standard medical costs.
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Accommodation and Living Costs
KMU offers on-campus dormitory housing (Dorm A) at roughly USD 400 per semester, generally the most affordable and convenient option for new international students.
Students who prefer off-campus housing in Kaohsiung can expect to pay at least USD 150-230 per month, depending on location and apartment size.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Dormitory | ~$400/semester |
| Off-Campus Housing | $150-230/month |
| General Living Expenses | $270-500/month |
| Campus Network Fee | ~$25 first year (~$4/semester for dorm residents) |
Post-Study Work Opportunities
Graduates who want to work in Taiwan need a separate work permit from the Ministry of Labour, plus a matching resident visa – this is not part of the KMU scholarship and must be arranged after graduation.
Most professional work permits require at least a bachelor’s degree and a monthly salary meeting Taiwan’s white-collar wage threshold, currently around NT$47,971 for standard categories.
Taiwan also runs an Employment Gold Card for qualified professionals, combining work permission and residence in one document, and offers an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) after several years of continuous, qualifying legal residence.
Biotech, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and Taiwan’s large semiconductor and tech sector are among the more active employers of international graduates, particularly those from medical and science backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KMU scholarship really fully funded? Type A (Ph.D. only) covers tuition, accommodation, and a stipend. Types B-D cover a narrower combination, so “fully funded” depends on which type you’re awarded.
What is the deadline for the Spring 2027 intake? October 12, 2026, at 17:00 Taiwan time, with the application window open since July 13, 2026.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL? English-taught programmes generally require CEFR B1 English proficiency or proof your prior degree was taught in English – check each department’s specific requirements.
What GPA do I need to keep the scholarship? Graduate and Ph.D. students generally need an 80+ average; undergraduates need 70+, reviewed each academic year.
Can I use an education loan to cover costs beyond the scholarship? Yes – many students combine a partial KMU scholarship (like type C or B) with a home-country education loan for remaining tuition or living costs.
Is health insurance mandatory? Yes. Private insurance is required for your first six months, followed by mandatory NHI enrolment once eligible.
Can I work part-time as an international student? Degree-seeking students can apply for a limited-hours work permit through the Ministry of Labour during term time, subject to approval.
Should I use an immigration consultant? It’s optional – TECO offices and KMU’s Office of Global Affairs provide direct guidance, so a consultant isn’t required, though some applicants prefer the extra support.
Conclusion
KMU’s scholarships offer real, meaningful funding for international students in medicine, health sciences, and related fields – but coverage varies by type, and visas, health insurance, and post-study work are handled separately.
Apply only through KMU’s official portal and verify every deadline, requirement, and figure directly on the university’s site before submitting.
Official Resources
| Website Type | Official Website | Latest Deadline / Info | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Scholarship Page | enroll.kmu.edu.tw/scholarships | Spring 2027 intake: October 12, 2026, 17:00 | Applications Open |
| University Admissions | enroll.kmu.edu.tw/admission-application | Application period: July 13 – October 12, 2026 | Applications Open |
| Official Application Portal | admission.kmu.edu.tw | Online submission required | Applications Open |
| Student Visa (Bureau of Consular Affairs) | boca.gov.tw | N/A | Official |
| Immigration (National Immigration Agency) | immigration.gov.tw | N/A | Official |