國立屏東大學 iSMART 專班 Introducing iSMART program

國立屏東大學iSMART 企業新型專班專班計畫

 

ISMART Program

or

International Industrial Talents Education special program (INTENSE Program)

  1. Introduction of the program

Background

In line with the National Development Council's strategy to expand international talent recruitment, the Ministry of Education (MOE) launched the “International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (INTENSE or ISMART program) “ in 2024.

Goal

The program integrates resources from the government, industry, and universities, aiming to attract more excellent international students to study and employment in Taiwan.

  1. Key Features
  1. Recruit International Student Study, Internship(if needed), Employment (in Taiwan).
  2. Taiwan's government and enterprises collaborate to provide scholarships (coveringtuition and living fees) to support the studies of international students in Taiwan.
  3. Students who receive scholarships from government and enterprisesareobligated to stay in Taiwan for work after graduation (in accordance with the scholarship duration).

  1. Focus Areas & Course Types

Fields of study in the program

Prioritizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Finance, and Semiconductor-related fields.

Course Types

NPTU is currently promoting Master's degree classes mixed with domestic students.

  1. Government Scholarships

First year

    1. All international students will be granted tuition subsidy NTD$100,000 after admission.
    2. Airfare with a maximum of NT$9,000 for Asian countries and NT$35,000for European and American countries.
    3. Administrative expenses with a maximum of NT$10,000 for Asian countries and NT$25,000 for European and American countries.

Second year

  1. Tuition subsidy will be awarded to the best candidates after review their performances.
  2. Moreover, in Chinese-taught classes their Chinese language proficiency must reach TOCFL level B1 or above, and those in English-taught classes must reach TOCFL level A2 or above.

  1. Industry Support
    1. The enterprise provides each student with a monthly living allowance at least NT$10,000during the study period (1 to 2 years).
    2. Provided Internship positions(with pay above the minimum wage) during study if the enterprise provides internship.
    3. The enterprise will sign a contract with the students, ask them to stay and work in Taiwan after graduation (the time-period is in proportion to the time of providing the living allowance).
    4. The enterprise also collaborate on student enrollment and internship programs.
    5. Limited to STEM, Semiconductor and Finance fields

  1. Requirement for enrollment
    1. Required documents may include previous transcripts, study/research plans, language proficiency certificates, etc.
    2. For admission to Chinese-taught classes, the Chinese Language Proficiency Test (TOCFL) must be A2 or above.
    3. For admission to English-taught classes, the English Language Proficiency level must be at least CEFR level B1or above.

  1. Student’s Rights and Responsibilities
    1. Depending on the duration of receiving the scholarship and living allowance, students must fulfill the obligation to work in Taiwan, with priority employment rights granted to the companies providing the living allowance.
    2. Upon graduation, students who fail to fulfill the employment obligation are required to repay all subsidies and allowances received (from both the government and the company).

  1. International Talent Circulation Bases

In 2024, three International Talent Circulation Bases have established in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines to provide necessary administrative support. (e.g., Free Chinese courses, workshops).

  1. Incentives for Foreign Partner Universities
    1. Provide pathways and support for students to study abroad.
    2. Students have the opportunities to work for internationally leading companies in Taiwan.
  2. Conclusion: Key Elements of The Program
    1. Must include a collaborating enterprise.
    2. Must involve a collaborating department at NPTU which that is related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Finance, or the Semiconductor field.
    3. Must meet the requirement for enrollment.

※ Should the Ministry of Education (MOE) make any changes to the program, NPTU may update the content at any time and inform participants accordingly