Overview:
Taiwan has expanded its scholarship program for Palauan students to 20 full scholarships annually, with increased stipends and a new technical and vocational pathway aimed at fostering careers at home. More than 60% of program graduates currently serve in Palau's government agencies.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan is expanding educational opportunities for Palauan students, offering 20 full scholarships annually and exploring a new technical and vocational pathway aimed at preparing young Palauans for careers at home.
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Palau said the Taiwan Scholarship Programme has supported Palauan students for more than 20 years. The current 20 scholarships are offered through the Taiwan MOFA Scholarship, the TaiwanICDF Scholarship, scholarships for Central Police University, and scholarships in public health.
“For Taiwan, Palau is family, and investing in Palau’s young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can support Palau’s future,” the Embassy said.
The number of scholarships available to Palauan students has nearly tripled, rising from seven in 2024 to 20 today. The Embassy said it has also raised the monthly stipend to NT$33,000, or roughly US$1,000, to help students concentrate on their studies.
Scholarship recipients are expected to return to Palau after graduation. The Embassy said more than 60 percent of its graduates now serve in Palau government agencies, while others contribute through the private sector and community organizations.
“Our scholarship recipients commit to returning home to serve Palau after graduation,” the Embassy said. “This reflects the purpose of the programme: it is a concrete expression of Taiwan’s commitment to supporting Palau’s economic and social development, building the human capacity Palau needs in its own institutions.”
The Embassy described Taiwan-educated Palauans as an important link between the two countries, saying their understanding of both nations helps joint projects succeed.
“Every Palauan who studies in Taiwan helps the world know Taiwan better, and helps Taiwan know Palau better,” the Embassy said. “The friendships they build in classrooms and communities across Taiwan become lasting ties between our two peoples.”
Chief of Staff to the President of Palau, Landisang L. Kotaro, was highlighted as an example of the programme’s impact. A graduate of National Chengchi University’s International Master’s Program in Asia-Pacific Studies, or IMAS, Kotaro returned to her alma mater on Nov. 3, 2026, to deliver a lecture to students and faculty.
Kotaro is a recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Taiwan Alumni Award. The Embassy said her return to NCCU showed “how far a Taiwan education can carry a Palauan leader, and how much she now gives back to both nations.”Looking ahead, Taiwan said it is exploring a “Taiwan Scholarship 2.0” focused on technical and vocational education. The Embassy said the initiative would create opportunities for Palauans seeking practical, industry-linked training rather than a traditional university degree.
“Not every path to serving Palau runs through a traditional university degree,” the Embassy said. “Palau needs skilled professionals in areas. Taiwan’s technical and vocational universities are known for hands-on, industry-linked training.”
The Embassy said the proposed pathway is intended to give more young Palauans the skills to build careers in Palau and contribute directly to the country’s development.
“Taiwan and Palau share a vision of mutual prosperity,” the Embassy said. “We look forward to seeing many more Taiwan-educated Palauans lead our two nations forward together.”