Author: Hammad Ishaq
Last verified on: September 22, 2025

Overview: What the Program Is, Who Runs It, Purpose

• What it is: KMU Scholarships (also called “KMU International Student Scholarship”) are funding opportunities offered by Kaohsiung Medical University to international students wishing to enroll in degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD). The scholarship helps cover tuition, and in some cases, accommodation and other living expenses. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

• Who runs it: Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), a private medical university in Taiwan, under its Admissions & Student Recruitment Division, plus coordinated via the Office of Global Affairs / International Student Office. (admission.kmu.edu.tw)

• Purpose: To attract qualified international students, promote global academic exchange, strengthen KMU’s international profile, and support students in health sciences / medical / biological / related fields. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

Benefits / Funding: Amounts, Duration, What Is / Isn’t Covered

From KMU’s official “Scholarships” page for prospective degree students:

• Duration: Each scholarship is for one academic year, and renewable in certain cases depending on program length and academic performance. (But details of renewal are not fully specified on the official page.) (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

• What’s covered / not covered:

  • Covered: Tuition fee waiver; for Type A and B, accommodation; for Type A, stipend for living costs. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

  • Not explicitly covered: Travel/airfare to Taiwan; health insurance (unless separately required or optional); food beyond basic living stipend; visa processing or other administrative costs. As of last verification, the official page does not specify coverage for airfare, visa fee, insurance in the standard KMU scholarship. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

Eligibility

International applicants must meet several criteria. Based on KMU’s official guidelines:

• Citizenship / Residency

  • Must be of foreign nationality (i.e., not a citizen of the Republic of China (ROC/Taiwan) nor Chinese nationality. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

  • If dual ROC nationality, additional requirements or renunciation may apply. (Details vary; older guideline PDFs specify that “never had household registration in Taiwan” or “renounced ROC nationality at least 8 years before application” etc.) (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

• Academic Level

  • For Bachelor’s / undergraduate: Completed senior high school diploma (or equivalent), recognized overseas school or bilingual foreign school; must satisfy KMU / Taiwan MOE recognition and verification via ROC representative office. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

  • For Master’s: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university; credentials may need verification by ROC representative office. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

  • For PhD: Master’s degree or higher. Same recognition rules. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

• Fields of Study: Many fields are accepted, especially medicine, pharmacy, health sciences, biological sciences, medicine-related research. As of verification, KMU offers wide variety of programs. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

• Other conditions

  • Applicants may apply for up to three programs. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

  • You must apply through KMU’s international student admission portal; follow declaration/terms. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

  • “Applicants should not be overseas Chinese students who already studied in Taiwan in certain ways, or placed via the University Entrance Committee for Overseas Chinese Students” under specific circumstances. (This pertains to “overseas Chinese student” status, which has separate rules.) (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

Timeline & Deadlines

For Spring 2026 intake at KMU:

• There is also an “eligibility review” period between July and November. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit KMU’s Admissions Portal
   Go to the KMU international student admissions website: KMU Application for International Students. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

2. Register an account
   Choose the program level (Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD), set up a personal account (email, profile). You can apply to up to three programs. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

3. Fill the application form & declaration
   Read all terms (including the declaration), fill out your personal, academic info, program preferences. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

4. Apply for the scholarship
   If interested, simultaneously fill in the KMU Scholarship Application Form (if separate appendices in guidelines). (bmephd.kmu.edu.tw)

5. Upload required documents
   Scanned/verified copies of diplomas/transcripts, proof of nationality, photographs, recommendation letters, etc. (bmephd.kmu.edu.tw)

6. Print, sign, and upload signed forms
   Some forms (application + scholarship) require signing in physical copy then uploading the scanned signed version. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

7. Referees / Recommendation Letters
   Provide contact information or upload referee letters as required. At least two referees per program. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

8. Submit before deadline
   Confirm everything is filled, upload done, then formally submit before the deadline (Oct 9, 2025). Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

Required Documents Checklist

Here are the essential documents you must prepare and upload, based on KMU’s official guidelines:

• Completed KMU Online Application Form (for admission) and KMU Scholarship Application Form (if applicable). (bmephd.kmu.edu.tw)

• Passport copy or proof of nationality. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

• Highest academic diploma (Bachelor for Master’s, Master’s for PhD); or senior high school diploma for undergraduate applicants. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

• Official academic transcripts, each verified by ROC representative office if required. (bmephd.kmu.edu.tw)

• Passport-sized photograph. (bmephd.kmu.edu.tw)

• Study plan or statement of purpose (in English or Chinese, as required by department). (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

• Two letters of recommendation. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

• Proof of language proficiency (English or Chinese), or proof that previous instruction was in English; requirements may vary by department. (bmephd.kmu.edu.tw)

• Proof of diploma recognition / verification via ROC representative office (if diploma is overseas) or equivalent. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look For

KMU uses merit-based review by departments/institutes followed by approval from their International Academic Committee and President. Key criteria include:

• Academic performance: GPA, grades, transcripts; performance in relevant subjects.

• Relevance of the chosen program: How your background aligns with what the program offers or expects.

• Quality of study plan / statement of purpose: Clarity of goals, research interests (for graduate programs), how KMU fits.

• Recommendations / reference letters: Strength and relevance of referees, their insights into your capability.

• Language ability: English or Chinese proficiency may be needed, especially if instruction is in English or courses demand Chinese.

• Foreign / international student regulations compliance: Nationality, prior studies, overseas Chinese status. Applications violating rules (e.g., past ROC residency / high stay in Taiwan) may be disqualified. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

Practical Tips to Strengthen an Application

• Start gathering documents early, including getting verification from ROC representative office if needed.

• Make sure your transcripts/diplomas are translated to English or Chinese as required and are clearly legible.

• Strong, relevant letters of recommendation—choose referees who know your academic or research work well.

• Write a study plan / statement that connects your past work, your future goals, and how KMU’s programs/resources will help you.

• Be mindful of language requirements; even if English proficiency test is not strictly mandatory for all, having a certificate or proof helps.

• Apply for up to three different programs to increase chances, but ensure each application is complete and tailored.

• Submit well before the deadline to avoid technical or upload issues.

• Double check whether you fall under any “overseas Chinese student” category or dual nationality status that may alter eligibility.

Official Links & Apply Now

• KMU Scholarships page (Scholarships Opportunities for prospective degree students) – official description of Types A, B, C, etc.
  (Scholarships ‒ Kaohsiung Medical University) https://enroll.kmu.edu.tw/scholarships/ (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

• Admission & Application portal (for International Students, Undergraduate / Master / PhD) – where you register, apply, upload documents.
  (KMU Application for International Students) https://admission.kmu.edu.tw (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

Apply now via the Admission Portal above before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I hold another scholarship (e.g. from my country or Taiwan government) and still get KMU scholarship?
   KMU guidelines do not clearly state whether holding another scholarship is permitted / disallowed; this may depend on the scholarship’s terms. It is safest to check the specific terms for both awards or ask KMU directly. As of last verification, the official page does not specify “no double scholarships” in all cases. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

2. Does the KMU scholarship cover health insurance or travel expenses?
   The official KMU scholarship benefits list does not include travel/airfare, visa processing, or insurance in the standard KMU scholarship (Types A-C). Applicants may need to arrange insurance themselves unless specified by department. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

3. What if I have dual nationality with Taiwan or have lived in Taiwan before?
   Dual nationality or previous residence / study in Taiwan, or having ROC status, can affect eligibility. There are additional rules regarding “overseas Chinese students” or dual nationals—some require that you never had household registration in Taiwan or have renounced ROC nationality a certain number of years ago. Check KMU’s “Regulations Regarding International Students Undertaking Studies in Taiwan” for details. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

4. Is English proficiency test (TOEFL / IELTS) always required?
   Not always. It depends on the department or program. In many cases, proof that your prior degree instruction was in English or a certificate of English proficiency will help. Some programmes may also accept Chinese proficiency if courses are in Chinese. (bmephd.kmu.edu.tw)

5. How many programs can I apply for in one application cycle?
   You may apply for up to three programs (undergraduate / graduate) in the same admissions cycle. (enroll.kmu.edu.tw)

Call to Action

Ready to take the next step? Visit the KMU Admissions & Application Portal now, register your account, prepare your documents, and submit your application before 9 October 2025.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to verify details from official KMU sources, requirements (especially for specific programs or departments), dates, and amounts can change. Always double-check the official KMU pages or contact KMU admissions for your specific case.