Taiwan MOE Scholarship Recipient, Muskan Dhawan from India, is Pursuing an IMBA at the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology

My name is Muskan Dhawan, and my Chinese name is 王笑笑, which means “to smile.” It was given to me because my name, Muskan, also means smile. I am from India.

I completed my graduation in English Honours and then pursued a postgraduate degree in Defence and Strategic Studies. Currently, I am pursuing my second master’s degree - an International Master’s in Business Administration (IMBA).

Coming from a business family, I have always been fascinated by international business, which inspired me to study it in depth. I believe that combining my academic background-English Honours, Defence and Strategic Studies, and now International Business will give me a unique perspective and skill set. My goal is to apply this diverse knowledge to build a career in the field of international business.

Taiwan Ministry of Education Scholarship Details

I have been awarded the Taiwan Ministry of Education Scholarship, and I am currently studying at the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. Under this scholarship, the tuition fee of 40,000 NTD per semester is directly paid to the university by the government. If the tuition exceeds this amount, the remaining fee is waived by the university.

In addition to the tuition coverage, I also receive a monthly stipend of 20,000 NTD, which is deposited directly into my Taiwanese bank account. However, expenses such as student insurance, national health insurance, and internet fees are not covered by the scholarship and must be paid personally by students.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in English Honours and then pursued a Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies. After that, I obtained a diploma in the Chinese language. My academic background gave me a strong foundation in international relations, geopolitics, and cross-cultural communication.

Because of my knowledge in geopolitics and Chinese, I was selected for a four-month internship under the Taiwan Education and Experience Program, where I worked with the Social Affairs Bureau of the Taichung Government. This opportunity not only enhanced my practical experience but also allowed me to build valuable connections in Taiwan.

Additionally, my Chinese language skills gave me an advantage. While Chinese is not a mandatory requirement for the Taiwan Ministry of Education Scholarship, it certainly adds extra value. The language proficiency, combined with recommendations from Taiwan, strengthened my application and helped me secure the scholarship, giving me a preference over other candidates.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology?

• How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology?

I first learned about the available institutions and scholarships during my four-month stay in Taiwan. During that time, I personally reached out to several universities to learn more about their programs, syllabi, and infrastructure. This direct interaction gave me a clearer understanding of the academic environment and opportunities available. In addition, I gathered information about scholarships through official government channels and university representatives I met during my stay. This helped me prepare my application more effectively and choose the right institution for my academic and professional goals.

• Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I did not take standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT. For my application, I only went through one English proficiency test followed by an interview. Since I had mentioned that I could speak some Chinese, my interview was conducted in Chinese, which gave me the opportunity to demonstrate my language skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the MOE Taiwan Scholarship Program?

To prepare for the scholarship, I brushed up on my Chinese language skills, which helped me stand out during the application and interview process. I also collected recommendation letters from Taiwanese contacts I had built during my internship experience, as these added strong credibility to my application.

In addition, I spent time researching different institutions to understand their academic strengths, curricula, and facilities. I carefully prepared a clear explanation of why I wanted to study in Taiwan and, more specifically, why I chose that particular institution, aligning my academic background and career goals with the opportunities offered.

How Is (was) Your Experience at the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology?

My experience at the institution has been very enriching. The professors are highly knowledgeable and supportive, and the curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical understanding and practical applications. The university also offers excellent infrastructure and learning resources, which have helped me adapt smoothly. Beyond academics, I truly value the multicultural environment, which allows me to interact with students from different backgrounds and broaden my perspective.

How Do You Rate the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology Academically and Why?

Academically, I think the institution is excellent. The courses are well-planned, the professors are supportive, and I feel I am gaining both knowledge and practical skills. The international environment also adds a lot to the learning experience.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Mandarin? 

In English

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out were three key factors. First, my Chinese language skills gave me an advantage, as they showed my willingness to engage with the local culture and academic environment. Second, my internship experience in Taiwan under the Taiwan Education and Experience Program demonstrated that I already had exposure to Taiwanese society and government institutions. Finally, the recommendation letters from Taiwanese professionals added credibility and strong local support to my application. Together, these factors helped me distinguish myself from other candidates.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I believe I would not change much, as I feel I approached it in a smooth and organized manner. I prepared well in terms of language skills, research, and gathering recommendations, which helped me successfully secure the scholarship and admission. However, I would continue to stay even more proactive in networking and exploring opportunities early on, as there’s always room to learn and improve.

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

My advice for those looking to apply for a similar scholarship would be: start early and prepare thoroughly. Focus on building relevant skills, such as language proficiency, and gain practical experience through internships or projects related to your field. Research the institutions carefully to understand their programs and culture, and make sure your application clearly reflects why you are a good fit. Finally, seek strong recommendations and build genuine connections with professionals or mentors, as their support can make a significant difference.