Admission

News

2025 SPRING ADMISSION is CLOSED (Fall 2025 admission will be open from December 2024 to March 2025)

We welcome applications from overseas health professionals who are dedicated to aging health and long-term care.

  • Doctors and nurses.
  • Healthcare professionals(physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, dietitians and social workers etc.)
  • Public health, gerontology and long-term care professionals.

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.

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

Applicants must satisfy one of the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Individuals who have obtained a master’s degree or are graduating from master’s degree programs.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

4 doctoral students are recruited each academic year.

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-March July-August
Online interview April October
Announcement of the results May November
Start of the semester September February

There are three scholarships that our students commonly apply for and receive:

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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

Please submit your documents as early as possible when preparing your application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

  1. 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.
  2. Proof of nationality with English name, date of birth, gender and photo(e.g. passport)
  3. Photograph: a close-up color shot of the head and shoulders(no hats)within the last 6 months.
  4. 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.
  5. Statement of Purpose
    • Please provide detailed descriptions of your research interests and potential research proposals.
  6. Resume and personal statement
  7. Applicants shall provide a latest 3 months financial statement reflecting at least USD 4,000.

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.

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

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

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:

  • A published SCI/SSCI paper
  • One oral or two poster presentations at an international conference
  • A thesis draft
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

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.

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

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