Taiwan’s expanding role as a strategic education and innovation partner for India took centre stage during a special presentation by Dr. Wang Wei-Chung, Director of the Program Office for Taiwan Education Centre in India and Professor at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU). Speaking at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in New Delhi, Dr. Wang emphasised that Taiwan’s higher education ecosystem is uniquely positioned to support India’s next generation of students, researchers, and professionals through collaboration, scholarships, and industry-linked learning.

I wanted to write about this because India and Taiwan’s growing education partnership shows how academic cooperation can strengthen global innovation networks. As students increasingly look beyond traditional destinations like the US and UK, Taiwan offers a powerful blend of affordability, technology-driven education, and research excellence. This topic matters because it reflects how Asia is shaping its own education and knowledge ecosystem — one that is open, practical, and future-focused.

Strengthening India–Taiwan Academic Collaboration

The event at TECC brought together representatives from 10 top Taiwanese universities, including five national and five private institutions, alongside officials from the Talent Taiwan – International Talent Taiwan Office. The gathering showcased Taiwan’s higher education strengths — from research and innovation to multilingual teaching and strong links between academia and industry.

Dr. Wang highlighted that Taiwan has become one of Asia’s most dynamic education destinations, particularly in engineering, AI, data science, semiconductors, and sustainability studies. He said the collaboration between Indian universities and Taiwanese institutions is expanding rapidly, with joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and dual-degree programmes now in motion.

“Taiwan is not only a study destination but also a bridge for India’s youth to access cutting-edge technology and global opportunities,” Dr. Wang noted. He added that Indian students are now among the top five international student groups in Taiwan — a sign of growing trust and recognition of Taiwan’s academic standards.

Taiwan’s Vision: An Innovation-Driven Education Model

Taiwan’s higher education system is known for its strong focus on practical learning and innovation. Universities in Taiwan combine classroom study with hands-on industry training, helping students gain real-world experience even before graduation.

During the event, Dr. Wang explained how Taiwan’s Smart Education Model aligns well with India’s vision of Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Through technology partnerships and student mobility programmes, Taiwan hopes to contribute to building a generation of skilled Indian professionals ready to lead in global industries like technology, manufacturing, and green energy.

He also pointed out that Taiwan offers a welcoming environment for international students, supported by affordable tuition, English-taught programmes, and robust post-study opportunities. The Ministry of Education in Taiwan has expanded its scholarship schemes, making higher studies more accessible to Indian students.

Key Attendees and Institutional Support

The session was attended by several dignitaries and education officials from Taiwan and India. Ms. Jill Lai, Assistant Representative and Director of Education, TECC, New Delhi, and Dr. Lung-Jieh Yang, Counsellor and Director of the Science and Technology Division, TECC, were present during the programme.

Robert Hsieh, Deputy Representative, TECC, made a presentation titled “Welcome to Taiwan’s Smart School”, offering insights into Taiwan’s digital education initiatives and student support systems. His presentation highlighted how Taiwan’s education sector has integrated artificial intelligence, digital classrooms, and multilingual learning to prepare students for global roles.

The event also provided a platform for Indian education leaders and counsellors to engage directly with Taiwanese universities, discuss collaboration models, and explore opportunities for student exchange, research cooperation, and cultural partnership.

Taiwan’s Growing Popularity Among Indian Students

Taiwan has been gaining steady popularity among Indian students, especially those seeking quality education in science, technology, and business at a reasonable cost. According to TECC estimates, more than 3,000 Indian students are currently studying in Taiwan — a number that has nearly doubled in the past five years.

Most Indian students choose universities such as National Tsing Hua University, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), and Tamkang University, among others.

Several factors have contributed to Taiwan’s growing appeal:

• Affordable tuition and cost of living compared to Western countries
• English-taught programmes in engineering, business, and sciences
• High employability due to Taiwan’s strong industry–academia links
• Scholarship opportunities under initiatives like the Taiwan Fellowship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarships
• Safe and multicultural campus life with growing Indian communities

Taiwanese universities also offer research opportunities in semiconductor technology, renewable energy, and data-driven sciences — areas where India is investing heavily under its national missions.

Shared Goals: Education as a Bridge for Partnership

Dr. Wang’s message resonated with a larger strategic context — that education and research cooperation form the foundation of stronger India–Taiwan relations. Both nations are looking to expand partnerships not only in trade and technology but also in people-to-people ties.

He emphasised that Taiwan’s goal is not just to attract Indian students but to build long-term academic partnerships that promote mutual growth. “Education is the foundation of all innovation. By learning together, India and Taiwan can create the knowledge networks needed for a sustainable and advanced future,” Dr. Wang said.

Taiwan’s education institutions are also exploring collaborations with India’s top universities and IITs, focusing on semiconductor design, renewable energy research, and AI-driven learning tools. These initiatives aim to strengthen the talent pipeline between the two nations, aligning academic goals with industrial needs.

Towards a Future of Collaboration and Growth

The partnership between India and Taiwan in education comes at a time when global industries are looking for skilled professionals who can blend technical expertise with cross-cultural understanding. Taiwan’s practical and research-oriented education model, paired with India’s youthful population and growing academic aspirations, creates a mutually beneficial partnership.

Dr. Wang concluded his remarks by saying, “The future belongs to those who can collaborate across cultures, share knowledge, and innovate responsibly. Taiwan is ready to be India’s trusted education partner in that journey.”