CGU Scholarships for International Doctoral Students 2024

Chang Gung University (CGU) offers scholarships to support international doctoral students pursuing advanced studies. This comprehensive guide will outline the benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and more about the CGU Scholarships for International Doctoral Students.

Overview of the CGU Scholarships

The CGU scholarship program is designed to attract talented international doctoral students, providing financial aid to ease the financial burden of their studies. The scholarship offers a monthly stipend, extra scholarships for outstanding students, and support through various stages of the doctoral program.

Key Benefits:

• Monthly stipend: NTD 30,000 (50% supported by the academic advisor, 50% matching from CGU).
• Extra stipend for outstanding students: Up to NTD 12,000 per month.
• Tuition waiver: For Ph.D. students, tuition fees are waived from the third year onwards, and only credit fees (NTD 3,813 per semester) are required.

Disbursement Schedule

The disbursement of the scholarship is organized as follows:

• Monthly Stipend: Students receive a monthly stipend of NTD 30,000, split equally between the student's academic advisor and CGU. If the academic advisor can no longer provide support, CGU will suspend its share of the stipend until the student finds a new advisor willing to provide funding.
• Extra Scholarship: For exceptional students, an additional monthly stipend of up to NTD 12,000 can be granted based on certain academic achievements (discussed later in the article).
• Payment Schedule: The stipend is paid in two installments each semester: one at the middle and one at the end of the semester.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is open to international students applying for a doctoral program at CGU. The eligibility criteria are divided into pre-admission and post-admission requirements.

Pre-Admission Criteria

1. Language Proficiency:Applicants must have obtained one of the following language proficiency certificates within five years before admission:
   • TOEFL ITP score of 523 or above
   • TOEFL iBT score of 69 or above
   • TOEIC score of 700 or above
   • IELTS band score of 5.5 or above
   • Foreign Language Proficiency Test (FLPT-English) total score of 240
   • Linguaskill Business score of 160 or above
2. Outstanding Students:International students who meet the basic language requirements and also fulfill one of the following conditions can receive an additional monthly stipend:
   • Option I: Achieve a GRE Quantitative Reasoning score between 160 and 170. The stipend increases by NTD 1,000 for each additional point above 160. For example, a score of 160 awards NTD 2,000, a score of 161 awards NTD 3,000, and so forth.
   • Option II: Hold a master's degree from a university ranked among the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings within the last three years. These students can receive an additional NTD 7,000 per month.

Post-Admission Criteria

Once admitted to the doctoral program, students must maintain academic excellence and meet the following conditions to continue receiving the scholarship:

• Academic Advisor’s Evaluation: Scholarship recipients must pass regular evaluations by their academic advisor.
• Chinese Courses: International students must take and pass basic Chinese courses during their first year at CGU.
• Qualifying Examination: Doctoral students must pass the qualifying examination for doctoral candidacy before the start of their third year of study. Those who fail to pass the examination on the first attempt but pass within six months may still retrospectively claim scholarships for the fifth semester.

Extra Scholarship for Outstanding Students

CGU offers an additional scholarship for exceptional students who go beyond the basic requirements. This extra financial support is aimed at students who show academic excellence before or during their studies.

1. Option I (GRE Scores):As previously mentioned, students with high GRE Quantitative Reasoning scores (160-170) can receive an extra monthly stipend based on their score. Students who qualify for this option before the second semester can apply for retroactive approval to claim stipends for the previous semester.
   • GRE Test Administration fees can be subsidized once for international students who are already enrolled at CGU. Students must retake the exam externally and submit the score report and receipt to the Office of International Affairs.
2. Option II (Top 500 University): Students who graduated from a university ranked in the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings in the last three years are eligible for an extra NTD 7,000 per month.

Application Process

The CGU scholarship application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Pre-Admission Requirements

Ensure you meet the pre-admission criteria before applying. This includes having valid language proficiency test scores and GRE scores (if applicable). Also, check if your university is ranked in the QS Top 500 if you’re applying for the extra scholarship.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Once you meet the pre-admission criteria, submit your CGU doctoral application along with all necessary supporting documents (language certificates, GRE scores, etc.) to the CGU Office of International Affairs. Be sure to complete the application form accurately to avoid delays in processing.

Step 3: Admission and Advisor Support

After receiving an offer of admission, you must secure an academic advisor who is willing to support your research. The advisor’s funding is a critical part of the scholarship structure, as half of your monthly stipend will come from your advisor.

Step 4: Post-Admission Requirements

Upon admission, you must fulfill all post-admission requirements, including passing basic Chinese courses in the first year and successfully completing your qualifying examination for doctoral candidacy.

To learn more and how to apply, visit CGU Doctoral Official Application page.

Supporting Documentation

To ensure your application is processed smoothly, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Language Proficiency Certificate: Submit your valid TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, or equivalent language test scores.
• GRE Scores (optional): If applying for the extra scholarship based on GRE scores, provide your official GRE Quantitative Reasoning score report.
• Master’s Degree Certification: If you are applying for the extra scholarship based on your master’s degree from a QS Top 500 university, include official transcripts and proof of graduation.

Selection Process and Criteria

The selection process for the CGU Scholarship is highly competitive, and awards are given based on a combination of academic merit, language proficiency, and potential for research excellence. The following factors play a key role in the selection:

• Language Proficiency: Meeting the minimum language proficiency requirements is mandatory for all applicants.
• Academic Excellence: GRE scores and university rankings are used to assess academic excellence.
• Advisor’s Evaluation: Your academic advisor’s evaluation of your research progress will determine the continuation of your stipend.
• Timely Progress: To retain the scholarship, you must complete your qualifying examination and meet other academic milestones within the specified timeframe.

Tenure and Placement

The CGU scholarship is provided for a maximum of four years, divided into eight semesters. The scholarship is disbursed in 12 monthly payments annually. There is no provision for students studying beyond the normal study period of four years.

Financial Assistance

The CGU scholarship is designed to cover the following financial aspects of your doctoral study:

• Monthly Stipend: NTD 30,000 per month, including support from your academic advisor and CGU.
• Extra Stipend: NTD 2,000-12,000 per month for outstanding students based on GRE scores or graduation from a top 500 QS-ranked university.
• Tuition Waiver: Starting from the third academic year, tuition fees will be waived, and students will only need to pay the credit fee (NTD 3,813 per semester).

General Conditions

• Scholarships are awarded on a semester basis.
• If you lose your academic advisor’s support, you must find a new advisor to continue receiving your stipend.
• The scholarship can be claimed retroactively if criteria are met within the first semester after admission.
• If the qualifying examination is not passed before the third year, scholarships for the fifth semester may still be claimed if the exam is passed within six months.
• The scholarship is not available for students beyond four years of study.

FAQs and Enquiries

Q: Can I apply for the extra scholarship after starting my doctoral program?

A: Yes, students who meet the GRE or university ranking requirements before the second semester can apply for retroactive approval of the extra stipend.

Q: What happens if my academic advisor stops providing financial support?

A: If your academic advisor stops supporting your research, CGU will suspend its matching stipend until you find a new advisor.

Q: Can I extend the scholarship beyond four years?

A: No, the scholarship is only available for a maximum of four years.

The CGU Scholarships for International Doctoral Students offer exceptional financial support and academic opportunities for students seeking to advance their research careers. By meeting the eligibility criteria, submitting the necessary documentation, and maintaining academic excellence, international students can receive a fully funded doctoral education at one of Taiwan’s leading universities. This program is an excellent opportunity to engage in world-class research while benefiting from CGU’s robust academic and financial support system.

Click here to visit, Chang Gung University Official Application website.