Mr Andy Cheu-An Bi, Director of the Education Division, speaking at the University of Central Lancashire

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote Taiwan as a study destination, prior to the start of each new scholarship application period, the Education Division of the Taipei Representative Office in the U.K. regularly participates in activities at higher education institutions all around the country promoting Ministry of Education programmes.

The Education Division took part in an event held at the University of Central Lancashire on Wednesday December 8, focussed on study, research, and internship opportunities in Asian countries. It was hosted by Dr Niki Alsford, Professor in Asia Pacific Studies at the university’s School of Humanities, Language and Global Studies. He is also the co-Director and co-Founder of the Northern Institute of Taiwan Studies. 

Promotional activities have had to be held online for a long time now in compliance with strict Covid-19 restrictions, and this was the first time in nearly two years that the Education Division has been able to take part in an information session of this kind in person. It had been widely promoted throughout the university, resulting in an impressive turnout of more than twenty students.

Mr Andy Cheu-An Bi, Director of the Education Division, gave a PowerPoint presentation introducing the Ministry of Education Huayu Enrichment Scholarships—to study Mandarin at a language center at a university in Taiwan for up to one year—and the Ministry of Education Taiwan Scholarships—to undertake a degree at a university in Taiwan. He explained each scholarship programme’s eligibility criteria, application procedure, and selection process, and the financial support that each provided. He also outlined other opportunities for funding that Taiwan’s government provides or supports and discussed the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL). Passing TOCFL at a certain level is a requisite for admission to many university programs and for applying for some scholarships.
Following the presentation, students were able to ask questions and seek further information, and as help themselves to hand-outs and brochures supplied by the Education Division.