By Roy Mabasa  The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines has unveiled a list of scholarship programs for qualified Filipino students, especially those who wish to pursue degree studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degrees) or for those who would like to learn Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan. Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (Manila Bulletin) In a statement released on Friday, TECO said the new offer was in view of the huge demand and positive response from Filipino students who took part in the program in the past years, prompting Taiwan‘s Ministry of Education (MOE) to offer more slots of the scholarships for Filipinos to pursue their studies in their country’s northern neighbor. The MOE program, according to TECO, “presents the opportunity for Filipinos to learn Mandarin Chinese, not only through highly qualified teachers in more than 50 language institutions, but also the chance to experience the rich and vibrant Taiwanese culture, and broaden their international perspectives in their daily lives there.” Over the years since the introduction of the scholarship programs to the Philippines, Taiwan has partnered with various Philippine institutions and universities to attract more young and capable talents to study in Taiwan. It was noted that more and more Filipinos have become interested in pursuing their studies there due to various reasons, most particularly for being the Philippines’ closest neighbor and Taiwan for being known as one of the safest countries to reside in the world. Also, Taiwan provides a very affordable and “high-quality living standard” environment for those staying there and possesses some of the world-renowned professors and high-class university facilities worldwide. TECO will accept applications for the following scholarship programs: 1. Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship: Grants a 4-year scholarship for undergraduate studies, a 2-year scholarship for Master’s, and a grant of up to 4 years for Doctoral Degree. The MOE will shoulder up to 40,000 NTD each semester for the corresponding tuition and miscellaneous expenses. The remaining costs will be shouldered by the scholarship recipient. An additional 15,000 NTD will be given to recipients undertaking university undergraduate studies, 20, 000 NTD for those pursuing their Master’s and Ph.D. as the monthly stipend. The application is from February 1 to April 30, 2020. Website:http://edu.law.moe.gov.tw/EngLawContent.aspx?Type=E&id=250 2. Huayu (Mandarin) Enrichment Scholarship: Allows applicants to choose to pursue either intensive Mandarin courses(2 months or 3 months) or up to 12 months Mandarin courses, subject to TECO’s approval. The grant provides a monthly stipend of 25,000 NTD to cover all the expenses (tuition, miscellaneous, etc.) The application is from February 1 to March 31, 2020. Website: http://edu.law.moe.gov.tw/EngLawContent.aspx?Type=E&id=70 3. International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF): The grant covers the full tuition fee, living expenses, economy class airfare tickets, and textbook costs. Scholars pursuing Master’s will receive a monthly stipend of 15, 000 NTD and 17, 000 NTD for those pursuing doctoral degrees. The application is from January 1 to March 15, 2020. Website: http://www.icdf.org.tw/ct.asp?xItem=12505&CtNode=30316&mp=2 TECO reminded applicants that they can only apply for one scholarship program and must process first their university admission to their preferred university in Taiwan. In addition, applicants have to comply and submit necessary requirements to the TECO office in Manila for review and recommendation based on the indicated deadlines of each program. Scholarship guidelines and additional requirements prescribed by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines can be found at its official website at https://www.roc-taiwan.org/ph_en/cat/38.html