International Ph.D. Program in Gerontology and Long-Term Care
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2025 Fall Admission for International PhD Programe in Gerontology and Long-Term Care
We welcome applications from overseas health professionals who are dedicated to aging health and long-term care.
- lMaster’s degree holders or expected graduates by July 2025.
- lBachelor’s degree holders with 6+ years of study, 2+ years of professional training, and publications.
- lBachelor’s degree holders with 5+ years of professional experience and publications.
FAQ
We have compiled below a list of frequently asked questions from previous applicants. Should you have any additional inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
1. Requirements for applicants with a specific background
We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and relevant practical and research experience in healthcare for older people to our program. In fact, our faculty members come from various professional backgrounds, including gerontology, public health, rehabilitation, psychology, management, medicine, and nursing, all of whom have academic prestige.
| Rehabilitation | Nursing | Public health | Psychology | Medicine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shu-Chun Lee Gong-Hong Lin Li-Fong Lin Chun-De Liao |
Chiou-Fen Lin Chia-Chi Chang Megan Liu Huei-Ling Chiu Ing-Jy Tseng |
Mei-Ju Chi Hsin-Yen Yen |
Cheng-Chang Yang | Dorothy Bai |
2. Academic requirements for applying for a doctoral program
Applicants must satisfy one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Individuals who have obtained a master’s degree or are graduating from master’s degree programs.
- Individuals who have obtained a bachelor degree requiring six or more years of study（e.g. Medicine, Dentistry, Doctor of Pharmacy / Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy etc.）and received two or more years of professional training with publications equivalent to a master’s thesis.
- Individuals who have obtained a bachelor degree and who have five or more years of practical experience related to their field of study with publications equivalent to a master’s thesis.
Applicants applying as “equivalent Master’s degree” shall submit a proof of working / training experience and publications equivalent to a master’s thesis. The publications equivalent to a master’s thesis level refer to an SCI / SSCI paper with either the first or corresponding author, but ultimately, recognition by the Review Committee is required.
3. Admission quota for doctoral programs in each academic year
4 doctoral students are recruited each academic year.
4. Details about the application process and key deadlines
Applications are only accepted online via the TMU admission system. Please refer to our Office of Global Engagement website for the most up-to-date information on application requirements, deadlines, and the selection process（Link）. We strongly recommend applying for the fall semester, as available slots for the spring semester may not always be guaranteed.
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | |
|---|---|---|
| Application period | November-February | July-August |
| Online interview | March | October |
| Announcement of the results | April | November |
| Start of the semester | September | February |
5. Information on potential funding opportunities
There are three scholarships that our students commonly apply for and receive：
- Type A Scholarship: Every international student at TMU receives a partial scholarship that covers a monthly stipend of NT$ 16,000 and a tuition waiver for two years. Applicants who receive this scholarship may apply for the college’s scholarship in their third year to continue supporting their studies.
- Taiwan Ministry of Education（MOE）Elite Scholarship: If you are from a New Southbound or African country and hold a university lecturer position in your home country, you may apply for the MOE Elite Scholarship in the first month of your semester. This scholarship provides a monthly stipend of NT$ 25,000 for three years, but you will be responsible for paying the tuition fees（NT$ 50,000 per semester）.
- NSTC Graduate Research Fellowship（NSTC-GRF）Pilot Program: This program is open to first-year Ph.D. students enrolled in the first semester of their current year. Each fellowship recipient will receive a monthly stipend of NT$ 40,000 for up to three years.
Please note that you can apply for all three scholarships simultaneously, but you can only receive one. You can find more information about the scholarship in the links below.
Type A Scholarship：Link
MOE Elite Scholarship：Link
NSTC-GRF：Link
6. Required documents for application
Please submit your documents as early as possible when preparing your application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Academic credentials
• Master’s degree (or above) graduation certificate, or documents of equivalent educational level（Applicants applying for an “equivalent Master’s degree” shall submit a graduation certificate of highest degree, proof of working / training experience and publications equivalent to a master’s thesis）.
• Full transcript of highest academic degree including explanation of grading system. - Proof of nationality with English name, date of birth, gender and photo（e.g. passport）
- Photograph: a close-up color shot of the head and shoulders（no hats）within the last 6 months.
- English proficiency
• All applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in English for admission, so you need to submit an English proficiency certificate at CEFR B2 （Vantage）or above. Please refer to FAQ-8 for English proficiency test comparison chart.
• Applicants will be exempt from submitting English proficiency scores if their highest degree was completed entirely in an English-speaking country or if they are a citizen of an English-speaking country. For more details on approved English-speaking countries, please refer to FAQ-9. - Statement of Purpose
• Please provide detailed descriptions of your research interests and potential research proposals. - Resume and personal statement
- Applicants shall provide a latest 3 months financial statement reflecting at least USD 4,000.
7. Supporting documents for application
In addition to the required documents, you are encouraged to submit additional supporting evidence, such as certificates of professional licenses, letters of recommendation, copies of published papers, certificates of participation in seminars, courses, or conferences, and certificates of awards.
Providing additional favorable documents can add highlights to your application, helping you stand out among numerous applicants and increasing your chances of admission to the PhD program.
8. English proficiency test comparison chart
You will need to submit an English proficiency certificate at CEFR B2（Vantage）or above to satisfy the required competence level for our program. Please refer to the English Proficiency Test Comparison Chart below.
| English Proficiency Test | Competence Level |
|---|---|
| CEFR | B2 Vantage |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 72 |
| TOEFL (ITP) | 543 |
| IELTS | 5.5 |
| TOEIC | 785 |
| Duolingo | 100 |
| Cambridge Main Suite | First Certificate in English (FCE) |
| BULATS ALTE | 60 (LEVEL 3) |
| GEPT | High-Intermediate |
9. A list of English-speaking countries
Applicants will be exempt from submitting English proficiency scores if their highest degree was completed entirely in an English-speaking country or if they are a citizen of an English-speaking country.
| EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC | AFRICA | EUROPE | NORTH AMERICA | LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Commonwealth of Australia 02 New Zealand 03 Republic of Fiji 04 Republic of India 05 Federated States of Micronesia 06 Republic of Nauru 07 Independent State of Samoa 08 Republic of Singapore 09 Solomon Islands 10 Tuvalu 11 Republic of Vanuatu 12 Cook Islands 13 Republic of Kiribati 14 Republic of the Marshall Islands 15 Niue 16 Republic of Palau 17 Independent State of Papua New Guinea 18 Republic of the Philippines 19 Kingdom of Tonga 20 Kingdom of Eswatini |
21 Republic of The Gambia 22 Republic of Ghana 23 Kingdom of Lesotho 24 Republic of Liberia 25 Republic of Namibia 26 Federal Republic of Nigeria 27 Republic of Seychelles 28 Republic of Sierra Leone 29 Republic of South Africa 30 Republic of South Sudan 31 Republic of Zambia 32 Republic of Zimbabwe 33 Republic of Botswana 34 Republic of Cameroon 35 Republic of Kenya 36 Republic of Malawi 37 Republic of Rwanda 38 Republic of the Sudan 39 Republic of Uganda 40 United Republic of Tanzania 41 Federal Republic of Somalia 42 Republic of Mauritius |
43 Republic of Ireland 44 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 45 Republic of Malta |
46 Canada 47 United States of America |
48 Barbados 49 Belize 50 Antigua and Barbuda 51 Commonwealth of The Bahamas 52 Commonwealth of Dominica 53 Grenada 54 Cooperative Republic of Guyana 55 Jamaica 56 Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis 57 Saint Lucia 58 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 59 Republic of Trinidad and Tobago |
10. Length of study
According to Taipei Medical University regulation, PhD programs shall be completed within 2 to 7 years from the initial year of enrollment; however, in general, we expect doctoral students to graduate within 3-4 years based on students’ research progress.
TMU has two semesters a year, so we encourage students to complete all courses in the first three semesters（1st – 3rd semester）, the qualifying exam in the 4th semester, and the final defense in the 6th semester. This timeline ensures graduation within three years. Please be reminded that before applying for the final defense, students must publish an SCI / SSCI paper, present at an international conference（either one oral or two poster presentations）and complete a thesis draft.
| First-year PhD | 1st semester | On-site courses | Graduation requirements:
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd semester | On-site courses | ||
| Second-year PhD | 3rd semester | On-site courses | |
| 4th semester | Qualifying Exam | ||
| Third-year PhD | 5th semester | ||
| 6th semester | Third-year PhD |
11. Degree Conferred
This program is part of the College of Nursing but operates independently from the PhD Nursing program. Therefore, the graduation certificate will state that you have obtained a ” Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology and Long-Term Care,” and it will not mention the College of Nursing.
Please note that this program features a diverse faculty and student body from various professional backgrounds, including nursing and other healthcare professions. The curriculum design spans aging policy, aging health care, long-term care, chronic disease management, palliative and hospice care, and industry connections, with a deep and broad focus on gerontology. Thus, we sincerely welcome healthcare professionals who wish to highlight their expertise in aging care to apply for our program.
12. Application Fee
- The application fee is NT Dollars $2,000 NTD or US$80 for international student admission.
Payment from outside of Taiwan: US$80
Please remit the payment using the following details:
Benificiary’s Name: Taipei Medical University
Benificiary’s Address: No.250, Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
Benificiary’s Bank Name: Bank Sinopac
Benificiary’s Bank Address: 4F, No.17, Po Ai Rd., Taipei 10044, Taiwan
Benificiary’s Account Number: 147 004 0100039 9 (14 digits)
SWIFT Code: SINOTWTP Important: Please indicate your application number(s) on the “Remittance memo” or “Payment reference”. - Payment from within Taiwan: NTD$ 2000
Please remit the payment using the following details:
Benificiary’s Name (戶名): Taipei Medical University (臺北醫學大學)
Benificiary’s Bank Name (收款銀行): Bank Sinopac (永豐銀行)
Benificiary’s Account Number (帳號): 147 004 0100039 9 (14 digits)
Bank Code (銀行代碼): 807
Important: Please indicate your application number(s) on the “Remittance memo” or “Payment reference”
- Terms of payment
(1)Payment can only be made in TWD or USD via bank transfer.
(2)The application fee must be paid before submitting your application.
(3)You must upload your payment receipt along with your application.
(4)Your application will only be processed if the full amount is paid and the receipt is uploaded.
(5)Fees are non-refundable, even in cases of application cancellation, disqualification, or errors.
Students’ Feedback
TMU hosts a culturally diverse student body, with over 6,000 international students enrolled from more than 40 different countries. This diversity is a testament to the university’s global appeal, supported by extensive research opportunities and English-taught graduate programs. TMU has become a hub for students across various regions, particularly in Asia.
01
Vu Thi Thuy Mai
“Considering pursuing an international PhD in Gerontology and Long-Term Care at Taipei Medical University (TMU) offers several compelling advantages. TMU’s renowned reputation in healthcare and research, combined with Taiwan’s aging population, provides a rich context for studying these fields. With access to expert faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a diverse cohort of peers, TMU offers a stimulating academic environment. I’m eager to embrace the challenges, expand my horizons, and contribute meaningfully to gerontology and long-term care.”
Lecturer at Community Health Department, NamDinh University of Nursing, Vietnam
MSc Public Health, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam
02
Nguyen Dieu Hang (Lisa Nguyen)
“Enrolling in The International Ph.D. Program in Gerontology and Long-Term Care has proven to be a remarkable opportunity for me. Initially, upon my admission, I felt overwhelmed by the daunting learning journey ahead. However, I have been met with enthusiastic support from both the college and the university. My advisor has provided dedicated guidance, and professors and friends have consistently extended their willingness to assist me in any situation. The curriculum is meticulously designed, equipping me with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to enhance my research abilities. Additionally, the learning facilities are top-notch, offering students a convenient and comfortable space for academic pursuits. Selecting TMU as my academic institution has undoubtedly been the correct decision.”
Deputy Dean, Faculty of Nursing, Duy Tan University, Danang City, Vietnam
MSc Nursing, Nam Dinh University of Nursing, Vietnam
03
Anung Ahadi Pradana
“Joining the International PhD Program in Gerontology and Long-term Care at TMU is akin to opening a new gateway to advancing the science of gerontology and enhancing the quality of life for older adults. It will broaden your horizons and knowledge in research and other scientific fields of gerontology on a global scale.The presence of several professors at TMU with global research and scientific achievements is another reason I am drawn to this program. These factors have convinced me to pursue a PhD at Taipei Medical University, an internationally renowned university that also prioritizes research on the elderly population. Through the programs offered, I have gained the knowledge and abilities to provide comprehensive care, promote healthy aging practices, utilize various technologies, conduct research in gerontology, and develop managerial and policy-making skills to foster an environment that supports the dignity and autonomy of older adults.”
Lecturer, Mitra Keluarga School of Health Sciences, Indonesia
MSc Nursing Science, University of Indonesia, Indonesia
04
Widiyaningsih
“The decision I made to join the International PhD Program in Gerontology and Long-term Care has provided me with many opportunities to learn from great professors. The program prepares students to become independent and professional researchers, offers a closer look at healthcare for older adults and long-term care services, and encourages collaboration with international researchers.”
Lecturer, Karya Husada University of Semarang, Indonesia
MSc Medical Surgical Nursing, Arellano University, Indonesia
05
Khanittha Pitchalard
“Drawing on my nursing background, I am pursuing a Ph.D. program in Gerontology and Long-Term Care at TMU, a leading university in Taiwan. This program not only fuels my passion for providing exceptional care to older adults but also equips me to contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of gerontology within an aging society.”
Associate Professor, Community Nursing at School of Nursing, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand
MSc Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Thailand