📋 Main Info at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | KMU International Student Scholarship |
| Host University | Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) |
| Country | Taiwan 🇹🇼 |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD |
| Funding Coverage | Up to NTD 260,000 per year — tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipend depending on type |
| Eligibility | International students applying for a degree programme at KMU |
| Deadline | Reviewed each academic year — apply simultaneously with your KMU admission application |
| Study Fields | Medicine, health sciences, pharmacy, nursing, and all programmes offered by KMU |
| Official Application Link | https://enroll.kmu.edu.tw/scholarships/ |
KMU International Student Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide to Studying at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan
Taiwan has rapidly become one of the most exciting and affordable destinations in Asia for international students pursuing degrees in medicine, health sciences, and biomedical research. At the heart of this growing academic reputation stands Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) — a world-renowned institution specializing in medical and health-related education, located in the vibrant southern city of Kaohsiung.
For international students dreaming of earning a degree at KMU without the burden of overwhelming tuition costs, the KMU International Student Scholarship offers a remarkable range of financial support options — from full packages covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend, to partial awards that ease the cost of studying in Taiwan significantly.
In this complete guide, we walk you through everything you need to know: scholarship types, benefits, eligibility, required documents, how to apply, and key tips to strengthen your application.
About Kaohsiung Medical University — Why Study at KMU?
Founded in 1954, Kaohsiung Medical University is one of Taiwan’s most prestigious and specialized institutions in the field of medicine and health sciences. Located in Kaohsiung — Taiwan’s second-largest city and a major international port — KMU is home to a diverse academic community of students from across Asia and the world.
KMU offers undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral degree programmes across medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, public health, biomedical science, and more. Its affiliated teaching hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUH), is one of the largest and most advanced medical centers in southern Taiwan, offering students unparalleled clinical exposure during their studies.
For international students, KMU provides a welcoming and well-supported environment with dedicated offices for global affairs and student services, English-taught programmes, and a strong network of alumni across Asia and beyond.
KMU International Student Scholarship — Types and Benefits
The KMU International Student Scholarship is not a one-size-fits-all award. It is structured into multiple types to accommodate students at different academic levels and with varying financial needs. Here is a full breakdown of each scholarship type:
Type A Scholarship — Full Support Package
Value: NTD 200,000 to 260,000 per year
Type A is the most comprehensive scholarship level offered by KMU. It covers three major cost areas:
- A monthly living stipend to support day-to-day expenses while studying in Taiwan
- Accommodation coverage — your on-campus or university-arranged housing costs are included
- Full tuition fee coverage for your degree programme at KMU
This award is available exclusively to PhD students and represents the highest level of financial support KMU provides to international scholars.
Type B Scholarship — Accommodation and Tuition
Value: NTD 80,000 to 140,000 per year
Type B covers two key expenses:
- Accommodation costs for the duration of your study
- Full tuition fees for your enrolled programme
This scholarship type is available to Master’s degree students and provides substantial relief from the two largest financial burdens international postgraduate students typically face.
Type C Scholarship — Tuition Support
Value: NTD 70,000 to 80,000 per year
Type C focuses specifically on tuition fee coverage. It is the most widely accessible scholarship type, open to:
- All undergraduate students
- Master’s students (who may apply for Type B or Type C)
- PhD students (who may apply for any type)
This award is ideal for students whose main financial concern is covering the cost of their degree programme itself.
Type D Scholarship — Department-Allocated Award
Type D is open to all international undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students at KMU. However, the content and value of this scholarship are proposed and distributed by each individual academic department or institute. The total amount awarded under Type D cannot exceed the value of a Type A scholarship. Eligibility and award amounts vary depending on the department you are enrolled in.
INTENSE Program Grant — Industry-Linked Scholarship Opportunity
In addition to the standard scholarship types, KMU offers a unique industry-integrated funding opportunity called the INTENSE Program Grant, designed for students who wish to combine academic study with industry experience in Taiwan.
What the INTENSE Grant Covers
Students enrolled in the INTENSE programme receive:
- A monthly living allowance of NTD 10,000 for the duration of their enrolment
- An industry-academia grant of NTD 120,000 per semester funded by a partner enterprise
- Coverage of initial administrative expenses upon first arrival in Taiwan
- A one-time airfare allowance to help with travel costs
Employment Obligation
Recipients of the INTENSE Program Grant are expected to work in Taiwan for a period corresponding to the duration of the enterprise grant received. Students who receive a one-year grant must work in Taiwan for one year after graduation; those who receive a two-year grant must work in Taiwan for two years.
This makes the INTENSE Grant particularly suitable for students who wish to build a career in Taiwan’s growing healthcare, pharmaceutical, or biomedical industry after completing their degree.
Taiwan Government Scholarships — Additional Funding for KMU Students
Beyond KMU’s own scholarships, international students at KMU may also be eligible for funding through the Taiwan Fellowships and Scholarships (TAFS) programme, administered by the Taiwan Ministry of Education. This programme includes three categories of support:
- Fellowships for research scholars visiting Taiwan for academic research
- Huayu Enrichment Scholarships for students wishing to study Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan
- Scholarships for Degree Students pursuing a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a recognized Taiwanese university
For more information on Taiwan government scholarships, students can visit the official TAFS portal or contact the Republic of China embassy or representative office nearest to their home country.
H2: KMU Scholarship Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?
International Student Status
The KMU International Student Scholarship is open to all prospective international degree students applying to study at Kaohsiung Medical University. You must be applying for a full degree programme — undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD — at KMU.
Degree Level and Scholarship Type Matching
Eligibility for each scholarship type depends on your academic level:
- Undergraduate students may only apply for Type C
- Master’s students may apply for Type B or Type C
- PhD students may apply for Type A, B, C, or D
Applying for a scholarship type that does not match your academic level may negatively affect your application outcome.
Academic Merit
Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic merit. The KMU International Academic Committee reviews all applications each academic year and awards scholarships to eligible students following approval by the university President.
One Scholarship Rule
Each student may only hold one scholarship at a time. It is not permitted to receive both a KMU scholarship and any other Taiwanese government scholarship simultaneously. Students must apply according to each scholarship’s individual regulations to protect their eligibility.
Admission is Not a Guarantee
It is important to note that gaining admission to KMU does not automatically mean you will be awarded a scholarship. The scholarship selection is a separate evaluation process based on merit and the availability of funds.
Required Documents for the KMU Scholarship Application
While KMU processes scholarship applications simultaneously with the general admissions application, you should prepare the following documents:
Academic Records
- Completed KMU online admission and scholarship application form
- Official academic transcripts from your most recent educational institution
- Copies of your graduation or degree certificates
- Proof of language proficiency relevant to your chosen programme (English or Chinese)
Personal Documents
- A copy of your valid passport showing your nationality
- A personal statement or study plan outlining your academic goals, reasons for choosing KMU, and future career plans
- A well-written motivation letter addressed to the scholarship selection committee
Supporting Materials
- Academic reference letters from professors or teachers who can speak to your academic ability and character
- Any relevant awards, publications, research experience, or extracurricular achievements
- For financially need-based components — documentation of your household financial situation where applicable
Programme-Specific Requirements
- Some departments at KMU may request additional documents as part of their Type D scholarship evaluation. Check directly with your target department for any specific requirements.
How to Apply for the KMU International Student Scholarship — Step by Step
Step 1: Review the Available Scholarship Types
Before applying, carefully review the four scholarship types (A, B, C, D) and identify which one you are eligible for based on your intended degree level. Make sure you apply for the correct type to avoid disqualification.
Step 2: Submit Your KMU Admission Application
The scholarship application is completed simultaneously with the KMU university admission application. Visit the KMU Admissions portal at enroll.kmu.edu.tw and complete the online application form for your chosen degree programme.
Step 3: Indicate Your Scholarship Interest
Within the same online application form, indicate your interest in the KMU International Student Scholarship and select the appropriate scholarship type. Do not submit these as separate applications — they must be completed together.
Step 4: Upload All Required Documents
Attach all supporting documents to your application including transcripts, certificates, your personal statement, reference letters, and any additional materials requested by your department.
Step 5: Submit Before the Application Deadline
Check the KMU Admissions website for the specific intake deadline for your chosen academic year. Scholarship applications are reviewed annually, and late applications will not be considered.
Step 6: Await the Selection Decision
After submission, your application will be reviewed by KMU’s International Academic Committee. Successful scholarship recipients are announced following approval by the university President. Scholarship lists are reviewed every academic year and are subject to merit-based evaluation throughout your studies.
KMU Scholarship Deadline and Academic Calendar
KMU’s scholarship and admission application cycle is tied to the academic year intake schedule. The university typically has:
- February intake — for programmes commencing in the spring semester
- September intake — for programmes commencing in the autumn semester
Application deadlines vary depending on your chosen programme and intake period. Always check the latest deadlines directly on the KMU Admissions website at enroll.kmu.edu.tw or by emailing the admissions office at enr@kmu.edu.tw.
Tips for a Strong KMU Scholarship Application
Apply for the right type. This is the single most important step. Applying for a scholarship type that does not match your academic level — for example, an undergraduate student applying for Type A — can disqualify your entire application. Double-check before submitting.
Submit early. KMU processes scholarship applications alongside admissions. The earlier you apply, the more time the committee has to review your profile before the deadline.
Write a focused personal statement. Clearly explain why you chose KMU specifically, what you plan to study, and how your education in Taiwan aligns with your long-term career goals. Be specific, personal, and professional.
Highlight academic strength. Since scholarships are awarded on merit, your academic record is your most important asset. Strong grades and any awards or recognitions you have received will significantly improve your chances.
Contact the Office of Global Affairs. For any questions about your scholarship eligibility, required documents, or the application process, KMU’s Office of Global Affairs (OGA) is your primary point of contact for international students. You can reach them through the contact details on the KMU website.
Frequently Asked Questions — KMU International Student Scholarship
Can I receive both a KMU scholarship and a Taiwan government scholarship? No. Students may only hold one scholarship at a time. Receiving a KMU scholarship and a Taiwanese government scholarship simultaneously is not permitted.
Is the scholarship automatically awarded with admission? No. Admission to KMU does not guarantee a scholarship award. The scholarship is a separate merit-based selection process reviewed by the International Academic Committee.
Can I apply as an undergraduate student for Type A or Type B? No. Undergraduate students are only eligible for Type C. Applying for a higher scholarship type than your academic level allows may affect your application result.
How long does the scholarship last? Scholarships are reviewed each academic year. Recipients who maintain satisfactory academic performance continue to be eligible for renewal throughout their degree programme.
What is the INTENSE Program Grant and how is it different from the standard scholarship? The INTENSE Grant is an industry-linked funding programme that combines a monthly stipend with an enterprise grant. Unlike standard scholarships, it comes with a post-graduation employment obligation in Taiwan. It is best suited for students interested in building a career in Taiwan’s healthcare or biomedical industry.
Where can I get more information? For international students, contact the Office of Global Affairs at KMU. For overseas Chinese students, contact the Office of Student Affairs. You can also email the admissions team directly at enr@kmu.edu.tw.
Final Thoughts: Is the KMU Scholarship Worth Pursuing?
For students passionate about medicine, health sciences, pharmacy, nursing, or biomedical research, Kaohsiung Medical University offers one of the most focused and reputable academic environments in all of Asia. Taiwan’s low cost of living, safe and welcoming society, and world-class healthcare education system make it an outstanding destination for international study.
The KMU International Student Scholarship — with awards ranging from targeted tuition support all the way up to comprehensive packages worth NTD 260,000 per year covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend — makes this world-class education genuinely accessible to deserving international students worldwide.
If you are considering a career in medicine or health sciences and want to study in Asia in a structured, internationally respected environment, KMU is absolutely worth your application — and its scholarship programmes could make the entire journey financially manageable.
Start your application today at enroll.kmu.edu.tw and take the first step toward your future in Taiwanese healthcare education.