Frequently Asked Questions

about TIGP

general topics

  1. What is the TIGP?
    • The Taiwan International Graduate Program is a Ph.D. program, started in 2002, by Academia Sinica, the foremost research institution of Taiwan. In cooperation with top universities in Taiwan, Academia Sinica offers advanced, inter-disciplinary Ph.D. Programs, (currently) in eight fields that span the natural and physical sciences, as well as computational linguistics. TIGP students will learn in all-English teaching and research environments, and enjoy access to world-class faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities at Academia Sinica and partner universities.
  2. Why has Academia Sinica started this international program?
    • As the foremost research institution of Taiwan, the mission of Academia Sinica strives for much more than the pursuit of in-depth academic research. Among our goals is to promote international cooperation and scholarly exchanges, and to cultivate an intellectual environment to nurture young scholars. In light of our multi-faceted aims, and recognizing the current trend of educational internationalization, Academia Sinica set up the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) in 2002, in order to attract young scholars from around the globe to its campus for Ph.D. studies.
  3. How many programs are offered this year?
    • We currently offer eight program options, including:
      1. Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics
      2. Molecular Science and Technology
      3. Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences
      4. Bioinformatics
      5. Molecular and Cell Biology
      6. Nano Science and Technology
      7. Molecular Medicine
      8. Computational Linguistics and Chinese Language Processing

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applying

applying to TIGP

  1. What type of degree should I have to be eligible for applying?
    • Candidates who have completed a Bachelor (B.S.) and/or Master of Science (M.S.) degree are eligible to apply.
  2. What are the standardized testing requirements?
    • Requirements vary by program, but most options require GRE general exam scores (or an acceptable substitution) and, in some cases, additional GRE subject test scores.

      All applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency by way of one of the following standardized instruments: TOEFL, GEPT (for applicants from Taiwan), or IELTS.

      Please refer to guidelines on the [applying page »] for detailed application information, including links to the individual program Websites.
  3. Are GRE and TOEFL tests mandatory for application?
    • Most of the TIGP program options require the GRE general exam; some options allow applicants to substitute research papers or other documentation of academic potential for this criterion. Please see the [substitution guidelines »] for details. Also, please check program-specific guidelines, via the [programs portal »] for additional admissions criteria.

      The TOEFL, or some alternative demonstration of English proficiency (GEPT or IELTS), is required from all applicants. Please see the [applying page »] for details.
  4. What other supporting documents are required?
    • In addition to the specified standardized test scores, applicants are asked to provide transcripts, documentation of degrees (B.S. and/or M.S.), three (3) letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose (not exceeding three pages), and a passport-size photograph. Optional supporting documentation may include (if available) academic papers, publications, documentation of awards and honors, etc. Please refer to the [applying page »] for details.
  5. Do admission criteria vary from program to program?
    • Yes. Programs may differ in their standardized test score requirements (English proficiency; GRE subject exam scores), for example, and other criteria. Please review carefully the specific requirements of your program, via the [programs portal »] as you prepare your application.
  6. How and when should I apply?
    • All applications for 2007 enrollment are due no later than 31 March, 2007. Candidates may now apply [online »], or send all application materials to the TIGP admissions office:

      Admissions Office
      Taiwan International Graduate Program
      128 Academia Road, Section 2
      Nankang, Taipei 115
      Taiwan, R. O. C.

      All application forms can be downloaded from the [applying page »].
  7. Is there an application fee?
    • TIGP requires no application fee.
  8. How much research experience do I need?
    • To apply for admission, there is no set requirement for research experience. In some cases, however, demonstrated research experience (e.g., in publications or other supporting documentation) may be an acceptable substitute for GRE exam scores and, generally, may serve to strengthen a candidate’s application profile.

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academics

enrollment & academics

  1. What kind of fellowship will I receive, if I’m successful in admissions? What is the value of the fellowship?
    • Every TIGP student receives a full fellowship (through Academia Sinica) for the first three years. In subsequent years, financial support will come from the thesis advisor.

      Stipend levels are about USD 11,000 per year, and will be awarded for the first three years. Thereafter, students who perform well academically will continue to receive financial support from their thesis advisors (for two additional years).
  2. How much tuition and credit fee do I need to pay?
    • TIGP annual tuition is about USD 1,400. On arriving at Academia Sinica, students will also face reasonable living and housing costs.
  3. How soon can I choose an advisor?
    • All students are required to select a thesis advisor before the end of the first year of study.
  4. Which university will offer the Ph.D. degree to TIGP students? Are there separate university requirements that I require to fulfill to be eligible for the award of the Ph.D.?
    • Please refer to our [partners page »] for a complete listing, by program. You can find detailed information about the Ph.D. requirements of your particular program by visiting its Website, via the [programs portal »].
  5. My question is not answered here, whom should I contact?
    • You can find general and program-specific contact information on our [contact page »].

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