Q01.Am I eligible for a fellowship?

If you are enrolled in a full-time PhD program or equivalent in a field relevant to your proposed research, have completed all the requirements for your PhD degree (except for the dissertation) by the appropriate date specified on the “Dissertation Fellowship” portion of this website, and are not a citizen of Taiwan, you are eligible for a Dissertation Fellowship.

If you possess a PhD or equivalent in a field relevant to your proposed research, received your PhD no more than seven years ago, and are not a citizen of Taiwan, you are eligible for a Postdoctoral Fellowship.

If you are a practitioner devoted to the promotion or building of democracy or human rights (and have an MA in a relevant field or at least two years of relevant work experience) at the time of application and are not a citizen of Taiwan, you are eligible for a Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowship.

If you are a well-established scholar or expert devoted to the promotion and building of democracy and human rights, and you are not a citizen of Taiwan, you are eligible for an International Visiting Fellowship.

Q02.What resources are available to me as a TFD Fellow?

As a Fellow at the TFD, you will receive a work station at the TFD with internet access, access to the TFD’s collection of research materials in English and Chinese, close interaction with the knowledgeable TFD staff, access to a network of scholars, political activists, NGOs, and other democracy and human rights practitioners in Taiwan, invitations to TFD events, and the support of the TFD in using its facilities for your own workshops, seminars, or presentations.

Q03.Are citizens of Taiwan eligible for fellowships?

Citizens of Taiwan are not eligible for fellowships. The fellowship program is designed to bring foreign scholars to Taiwan to conduct democracy and human rights development research and promotion projects.

Q04.If I am a PhD candidate or recently received my PhD, but I am more interested in an International Visiting Fellowship than a Dissertation Fellowship or Postdoctoral Fellowship, may I apply for an International Visiting Fellowship?

You may still apply, but your chances of received an International Visiting Fellowship will be extremely low. International Visiting Fellowships are highly limited and competitive. International Visiting Fellows are typically seasoned professionals in their fields.

Q05.How can I receive my stipend if I do not have a bank account in Taiwan?

If you do not have a bank account in Taiwan, you have two options for receiving your stipend payments: the TFD can give you your stipend in cash or can transfer funds into your foreign bank account. Before you arrive in Taiwan, please let us know what you would prefer. That way, we can give you your first payment as soon as possible.

Q06.When are payments made? How many payments are made over the course of my fellowship?

Payments are made monthly and the amounts are depending on your fellowship category. Usually the TFD Fellows sign a receipt in the end of the previous month so that they can receive the stipend in the beginning of the coming month. However, the actual date depends on you and your case officer’s schedule. The payment application process may take 1-2 weeks to complete and you will be informed by the case officer upon allocation. 

Q07.Does the TFD have a network of associated scholars whom I can get in touch with?

Yes, the TFD does have a network of associated scholars who can meet with TFD Fellows to discuss their projects. Once you have been accepted as a Fellow, you may ask program supervisor for assistance in contacting these scholars.

Q08.Can I apply for a fellowship to cover my tuition expenses?

The fellowship stipend is intended to assist with living expenses in Taiwan, not for tuition.

Q09.Can I travel outside of Taiwan during my fellowship?

All fellows are expected to inform program supervisor before leaving Taiwan during the period of their fellowships. The TFD generally does not grant funding for time spent outside of Taiwan.

Q10.What happens if I am unable to conduct a phone interview?

The TFD will not deny a candidate simply because he is unable to conduct a phone interview, but phone interviews provide applicants with the chance to give the TFD information that may not be in their written applications.

Q11.Can I use my title as a Fellow in op-eds, conference papers, etc. that I publish while I am in Taiwan?

If you are a Dissertation Fellow, you are required to submit a copy of the final draft of your doctoral dissertation upon its completion; the dissertation should include an acknowledgement of the support of the TFD.

If you are a Postdoctoral Fellow on the research track, you are required to complete a substantial piece of writing for publication, which should include an acknowledgement of the support of the TFD.

For other types of publications that you produce as a result of your fellowship, you are encouraged to acknowledge the TFD’s support whenever appropriate.

Q12.How do I get a Taiwan visa? Will the TFD help me get a visa?

Please contact the Taiwan representative office closest to you for questions regarding visas. You may visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ official website for more information (http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2). The TFD is not responsible for your visa, but you may contact the grant officer (fellows@tfd.org.tw) with questions regarding visas.

Q13.Am I responsible for my housing in Taiwan?

Yes, you are. The TFD neither provides housing nor takes responsibility for finding housing for Fellows.

Q14.Will the TFD help to plan and coordinate my research while I am in Taiwan?

The TFD can help you with logistical issues, but you are responsible for planning and conducting your own research. Applicants who receive fellowships typically have clear, detailed research plans in their applications that reflect that those applicants have made adequate preparations to begin their research upon their arrival in Taiwan.

Q15.Can I borrow digital cameras or tape recorders from the TFD?

Yes, the TFD can lend you a digital camera or digital recorder for particular meetings or events that are relevant to your research. Please speak to program supervisors when you need to borrow these items.

Q16.If my fellowship application is denied, when can I apply again?

If your fellowship application is denied, you may apply again as early as the next application cycle. You may not apply again in the same cycle.

Q17.Can I submit an application in Chinese?

Yes, applications may be submitted in either English or Chinese.

Q18.Will the TFD provide me with an interpreter for interviews if I need one?

The TFD may be able to help guide your search for an interpreter, but you are ultimately responsible for finding your own interpreter.

Q19.If I have been accepted as a Fellow, may I apply for funding in addition to my stipend for activities related to my fellowship project?

If you have been accepted as a Fellow, you may not apply for funding in addition to your stipend for activities related to your fellowship project. The TFD grants fellowship stipends with the understanding that no additional funding will be granted to the Fellow for activities related to that Fellow’s project.

Q20.If I want to organize an event that is part of my research, such as a workshop or lecture, will the TFD provide a venue and funding?

The TFD will consider, on a case-by-case basis, paying for refreshments and related facilities for activities related to your research that are held at the TFD.

Q21.If I travel outside of Taiwan during my fellowship, will my fellowship status or my funding be affected?

The TFD generally does not continue funding for time spent outside of Taiwan during the fellowship. However, the TFD will consider, on a case-by-case basis, continuing funding for international travel that is directly related to the Fellow's approved research topic. Please consult the TFD staff before traveling abroad.

Q22.Whom should I contact if I have questions about the fellowship program?

If you have any questions regarding the fellowship program, please contact the grant officer at fellows@tfd.org.tw