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School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Huayu BEST Scholarship

Huayu BEST Scholarship

Learn Chinese & Experience Taiwan with $1,000 Scholarship

When: June 1 to July 31, 2025
Application deadline: April 4, 2025
Contact: epps.taiwan@utdallas.edu

The School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences is partnering with the Taiwan Ministry of Education to award Huayu (Mandarin) Scholarships for students interested in learning Mandarin (Huayu 華語) in Taiwan.

Recipients of the scholarship will be supported with stipends to study at the National Chung Hsing University (Taichung) for two months. The intensive but activity-oriented program provides the best opportunity for U.S. students to learn to speak and understand the Chinese language in an immersive environment.

For more information, see our FAQ.

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Taiwan Studies Initiative

Discover what it’s like to learn Chinese in Taiwan!

Hear from Our Student!

Student Spotlight: Life and Learning in Taiwan

Alejandra Bernal

Public Policy, Bachelor of Science

In Alejandra’s Own Words

It was the adventure of a lifetime! The quality of education you receive while immersing yourself in the rich culture was the most priceless gift.

It was the best place to learn Chinese, the opportunities to learn and practice are endless!

I have been missing the walkable cities, affordable quality food, and kind people since I left!

You will leave Taichung a much more mindful person. Whether it is from all the concentration of using chopsticks for every meal or practicing the cultural customs that exist on the other side of the world. You will come back with an awareness you wouldn’t have gained anywhere else.

Taylor Crockett

Social Data Analytics and Research, Master of Science (May 2023 graduate); International Political Economy Bachelor of Science, Collegium V Honors at UT Dallas; Dual-Degree, Graduate Institute of Data Science and Information Computing, National Chung Hsing University

In Taylor’s Own Words

My language partner became my closest friend in Taiwan! She not only helped me practice my Mandarin, but showed me hidden gems across the city and was there for me when I needed to navigate the healthcare system.

Taking the train around Taiwan was like unlocking new adventures every weekend! The transportation system makes it so easy to explore every corner from the coast to the mountains.

You can eat really well on a student budget! The food scene is plentiful and affordable.

Taiwanese people are warm and welcoming. Like the coffee shop owner who started giving me ‘regular customer’ discounts, or the students who went out of their way to make sure I had people to chat with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application
  1. Who can apply this program?
    Open to all full-time UTD students.

  2. I am not a U.S. citizen, can I still apply?
    Yes, if you are NOT an overseas Chinese student or a national of the R.O.C.

  3. What documents do I need to submit in order to apply?
    Please submit the following documents by March 30.
    * One letter of recommendation
    * A short study plan (Under 600 words)
    * Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    * GPA

  4. What’s the timeline?
    * Deadline to apply: April 4, 2025
    * Study Abroad in Taiwan: June 1-July 31, 2025
Stipend and Visa
  1. How much will I get from the scholarship?
    NTD (New Taiwan Dollars) $50,000 (approximately U.S. $1,580).

  2. How often and when will I receive the scholarship?
    You will receive a monthly scholarship around the 5th of each month (can be postponed to the next business day in case of holidays).

  3. Are there other scholarships available for U.S. students?
    International Education Fund Scholarship
    Please contact the UT Dallas Office of International Education.

    Critical Need Language Awards
    Award: $3,000
    Deadlines: October or March (depends on program start date)

    Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)
    Award range: $3,000-7,000
    Deadline: Early April of each year

    EPPS Undergraduate Scholarship
    Please visit the website for more details.

  4. How do I apply for a visa? What type of visas should I apply for?
    For U.S. citizens: If you wish to enter Taiwan as a tourist or short-term visitor (less than 90 days), you do NOT need a visa. Please note, no extensions or changes of status are permitted.

    For visa-waiver travel: Your U.S. passport must be valid through the number of days you intend to stay.

    For visa application information, please visit the website of the Taipei Economic and Cultural office in Houston.
Cost
  1. About how much is the cost of living in Taiwan ?
    Approximately U.S. $400/month. The total cost depends on each person’s living habits.

  2. How much is airfare?
    About U.S. $1,900 around May 30-July 31.

  3. How much is accommodation?
    Around U.S. $400-800/month.

  4. Do I need to pay tuition fees?
    Yes. You are required to pay a total of NTD $18,000 (approximately US $580).
Chinese Language Course
  1. Where will I be learning Mandarin during this program?
    You will be studying at National Chung Hsing University, which is located in central Taiwan.

  2. How long is the Chinese class every day?
    The class will be start from 9:10 a.m. to noon, every Monday to Friday. If there are any natural disasters (such as a typhoon holiday) or a national holiday (such as National Day) during the course, you will not need to attend the class.

  3. What if I don’t understand Chinese?
    Classes at NCHU are divided into eight levels, from beginner’s level to intermediate level. Students will take a placement test before school begins for us to assign them to the class that best suits their level. All classes are taught in Chinese and use Mandarin Phonetic Symbols and Pinyin for pronunciation.

  4. What is the absence policy?
    The recipient must take 15 hours of the language course each week. If a student is absent from class without a proper leave request, then the student will be ineligible to receive the scholarship.
Hand in Hand Internship

1. What is the “Hand in Hand” Internship?
The “Hands Together Project” is a collaborative project with the Taiwanese junior high and elementary schools. It aims to leverage BEST scholarship program participants’ English and Chinese language skills to assist Taiwanese elementary and junior high school students in their learning.