Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholar, Anisa from Indonesia, Pursues a Master’s in Industrial Management at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), Taiwan

My name is Anisa Putri Kurniawati, but you can simply call me Anisa. I come from Indonesia, a country with more than 17,000 islands, a wealth of cultures and traditions, and people who are known for their warmth and hospitality. One thing I always love to share about my country is its food. If you ever get the chance to visit, you should try rendang and nasi goreng, which I think capture the richness of Indonesian culture in a single bite.

Growing up, I developed a strong interest in how technology and management can come together to solve real problems in society. I was especially drawn to issues of efficiency, innovation, and sustainability, which I believe are becoming increasingly important in today’s world. This passion eventually led me to pursue further studies abroad, where I could broaden my perspective, challenge myself, and gain the skills to contribute more meaningfully in the future.

Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship to pursue my Master’s degree at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) from 2023 to 2025. Around the same time, I was also offered a scholarship directly from NTUST, but since I had to choose only one, I decided to accept the MOE Taiwan Scholarship.

The scholarship provides generous support by covering tuition and academic fees up to NT$40,000 per semester, along with a monthly living stipend of NT$20,000. One of the advantages of studying at NTUST is its partnership with the MOE. If tuition fees go beyond the NT$40,000 covered by the scholarship, NTUST steps in to cover the remaining amount. This arrangement has been a huge relief, especially after hearing from friends at other universities who have to pay the excess costs themselves.

Another benefit of the MOE Scholarship is that it simplifies several administrative matters. For example, it includes visa fee exemptions, which made my transition to Taiwan much smoother. Altogether, this scholarship has been more than financial support. It has given me the peace of mind to concentrate fully on my studies and research, without worrying about additional costs or unnecessary obstacles.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at Telkom University, Indonesia. During my undergraduate years, I focused on business analysis and technology adoption in agriculture, which gave me valuable experience in applying management frameworks to real-world problems. I also took part in several competitions that strengthened my problem-solving skills and allowed me to put theory into practice.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I pursued a master’s degree in Industrial Management at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, supported by the MOE Taiwan Scholarship. At this stage, my research shifted toward sustainable warehousing, with a particular focus on how artificial intelligence can improve efficiency while reducing energy consumption. This experience has not only expanded my technical knowledge but also deepened my awareness of the importance of sustainability in industrial systems.

How Did I Prepare to Apply to the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST)?

To prepare for my application, I invested a lot of time in carefully researching universities and programs that matched both my academic background and my research interests. I explored the curriculum in detail, reviewed the research focus of different labs, and identified professors whose work closely aligned with what I wanted to pursue. I also reached out to them early by email. Since professors often receive so many messages, I believed contacting them ahead of time would not only increase the chance of getting a response but also show my genuine interest and seriousness.

On the academic side, I dedicated myself to maintaining a strong performance during my undergraduate studies, while also seeking opportunities outside the classroom. I took part in several competitions related to my field, which challenged me to apply theory into practice, sharpened my problem-solving skills, and gave me broader exposure to real-world issues.

How Did I Find Information About Scholarships and the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST)?

I first heard about the MOE Taiwan Scholarship from one of my sisters’ friends who had previously been awarded the same opportunity. His story inspired me to learn more, and from there I started to explore the details on my own. I carefully went through the official information available online and followed each instruction step by step. Since every country has its own application portal, I used the Indonesian site Study in Taiwan (https://studiditaiwan.blogspot.com/) as my main reference. It became a very helpful guide throughout the process and gave me confidence that I was on the right track.

When it came to choosing an institution, I spent a lot of time comparing universities and studying the research areas of different labs. I wanted to make sure I found a place that truly fit my academic interests and long-term goals. Along the way, I also identified professors whose research aligned with my own and reached out to learn more about their work. This process not only helped me choose the right program but also gave me a clearer vision of how I could grow as a researcher in Taiwan.

Did I Take Any Standardized Tests?

For the MOE Taiwan Scholarship, applicants need to provide proof of English proficiency. The scholarship accepts several types of tests, including TOEFL ITP, TOEFL iBT, and IELTS. Interestingly, the scholarship itself does not set a strict minimum score. Instead, each university may define its own standards depending on the program, which is why it is always important to carefully check the requirements on the official website of the institution you are applying to.

In my case, I chose to take the TOEFL ITP. My decision was quite practical. It is more affordable compared to other tests, widely recognized by Taiwanese universities, and a score above 550 is generally considered sufficient for both scholarship and admission purposes. This choice allowed me to meet the requirement without spending too much, while still showing my readiness to study in an English-based academic environment.

How Did I Prepare to Apply to the MOE Taiwan Scholarship?

To prepare for the MOE Taiwan Scholarship, I knew from the start that the selection was entirely based on document review. That meant the strength of my application would depend on how clear, complete, and well-prepared my documents were. I carefully studied the instructions on the official website and followed them step by step, making sure I did not miss even the smallest detail.

The required documents covered many aspects of my profile. These included the scholarship application form, copies of my passport and family card, my most recent diploma and transcripts, and proof that I had applied to a university in Taiwan for the Fall semester, since the scholarship is only available for Fall intake. I also submitted two recommendation letters that were signed and sealed, an English proficiency certificate, and my curriculum vitae, which highlighted my academic background, achievements, and relevant experiences. In addition to these, I prepared a detailed study plan that described what I intended to research during the two years of study, complete with a timeline of activities and goals. Along with the study plan, I wrote a motivation letter explaining why I wanted to study in Taiwan and how the program aligned with both my academic and professional aspirations. Finally, I included additional certificates from competitions to further strengthen my application.

I made sure to organize the documents in the exact order listed on the website and combined them into a single file to make the review process straightforward. Among all the requirements, I found that the study plan and motivation letter were the most crucial. They gave me the opportunity to explain my vision, demonstrate my commitment, and show that my choice of Taiwan was not random but a deliberate decision that made sense for my goals.

One important lesson I learned is to never wait until the last minute. Submitting early not only helps to avoid unexpected technical issues but also reflects your seriousness as an applicant. In the end, my preparation was not about special tricks or shortcuts. It was about being thorough, organized, and disciplined in following the guidelines. I believe this attention to detail gave my application the strength it needed.

How Is (Was) My Experience at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST)?

Studying at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my life, shaping me both academically and personally. What I appreciate most is the strong research culture and the openness of professors who are always supportive of students’ ideas. I am part of the Center for IoT Innovation, a lab that focuses on exploring how technology can bring smarter and more efficient solutions to industry. Being in this environment has given me the chance to work on exciting projects, learn from passionate peers, and see how research can directly connect with real-world challenges. More than just technical skills, I have gained confidence in problem-solving, collaboration, and thinking creatively about the future of the industry.

Beyond academics, NTUST provides a very welcoming atmosphere for international students. The university offers orientation activities, support services, and plenty of opportunities to connect with classmates from different countries. This diversity has enriched my learning experience and made group work truly inspiring. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by people who bring different perspectives, which makes every discussion more meaningful.

As a Muslim student, I was initially unsure about how I would adapt in a place where Muslims are a minority. Thankfully, living in Taipei has been very comfortable. Halal food is accessible, and the campus provides prayer facilities. The Muslim student community also organizes regular prayers and study circles, which make me feel at home and spiritually supported even far from Indonesia.

On a personal level, Taiwan has been a wonderful place to live. The people are friendly, the public transportation is convenient, and the food culture is amazing. I have discovered so many new dishes that have become part of my daily life. Of course, there were challenges such as adapting to a new language and academic system, but these experiences have helped me grow into someone more resilient and adaptable.

What Do I Think Made My Application Stand Out?

I think what made my application stand out was not one single factor, but the combination of clarity, consistency, and effort I put into preparing the documents. Since the MOE Taiwan Scholarship selection is entirely document-based, I knew that my study plan and motivation letter would be very important. In my study plan, I carefully explained what I intended to research during my two years of study, complete with a clear timeline and realistic goals. I wanted the reviewers to see that I had a concrete plan and that I was ready to use my time in Taiwan productively.

In my motivation letter, I shared why I chose Taiwan as my study destination and how it fits into my long-term academic and professional journey. I emphasized the strengths of Taiwan’s education system and research environment, and I connected this with my interest in industrial management and sustainability. By doing this, I hoped to show that my choice of Taiwan was not random, but a deliberate decision that made sense for my goals.

I also believe the alignment between my academic background and my proposed research played a role. My bachelor’s degree, my interests, and my master’s research topic were all connected in a logical way, which gave my application a sense of coherence. On top of that, I included supporting documents such as my GPA, English proficiency certificate, recommendation letters, and even certificates from competitions I joined during my undergraduate years. All of these helped strengthen my profile.

Lastly, I paid a lot of attention to organization. I followed the exact order of documents as requested on the website, combined them into one file, and submitted everything well before the deadline. This may seem like a small detail, but I think it shows seriousness and professionalism, which can leave a positive impression on the reviewers.

Overall, I don’t think it was about being extraordinary, but rather about being thorough, organized, and intentional in every part of the application.

What Advice Would I Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

If you are planning to apply for the MOE Taiwan Scholarship, my biggest advice is to be sincere. Tell your story honestly, explain why you want to study in Taiwan, what motivates you, and how this connects with your personal journey. Reviewers can usually sense when your words are genuine, so being authentic is always more powerful than trying to sound perfect.

Another important part is the study plan and motivation letter. A study plan should not be just a formality, but a clear roadmap that describes what you want to research, how you will approach it, and why Taiwan is the right place for you. The motivation letter should also go beyond your personal goals and show how your studies can create an impact in the future.

Consistency is what ties everything together. When your academic background, your current interests, and your future aspirations all connect in a single story, it makes your application stronger and easier for reviewers to trust.

Good preparation also plays a big role. Start early, polish your documents, organize everything carefully, and request recommendation letters well in advance. Submitting early not only reduces stress but also reflects your seriousness and professionalism.

Above all, believe in yourself. Many people doubt whether they are good enough, but this scholarship is not about being perfect. It is about showing potential, sincerity, and determination. If you can communicate those qualities through your documents, you already have a strong chance to succeed.