Taiwanese government funds 3,847 students for overseas study and internships

Taiwan's Ministry of Education is investing NT$460 million (approximately $14 million USD) to send 3,847 university students abroad for study and internships through its "Xuehai Program" this year. This initiative aims to provide young Taiwanese with invaluable international experience and bolster their future career prospects.

The program encompasses four distinct components: Xuehai Feiyang, which supports overseas academic study; Xuehai Xizhu, focused on short-term overseas research; Xuehai Zhunmeng, facilitating overseas internships; and the New Southbound Xuehai Zhunmeng, specifically for internships in Southeast Asian countries.

This year, Xuehai Feiyang will fund 94 institutions with up to NT$5.4 million per school. Xuehai Xizhu will support 173 students, each receiving up to NT$550,000. Xuehai Zhunmeng will provide grants to 110 institutions, with a maximum of NT$3.2 million per school. The New Southbound initiative will fund 190 projects across 68 institutions, each receiving up to NT$2 million.

To ensure broader access, Xuehai Xizhu has expanded its eligibility criteria to include students receiving government subsidies for disadvantaged students and those with parents holding disability certificates. The ministry also clarified that students qualifying for low-income or medium-low-income subsidies will not lose their domestic social welfare benefits if their overseas study or internship exceeds 183 days.

Since its inception in 2007, the Xuehai Program has benefited over 60,000 students. The Ministry of Education encourages students to seize these opportunities to connect with the global community, build professional networks, and explore their career paths.