Frequently Asked Questions
IDAS Program
Students must complete the program within 7 years (excluding 2 years with an approved leave of absence).
There is no specific minimum time frame, but students need to carry out their research for at least 2 years under the supervision of an advisor.
The general requirements are: complete 30 credits (10 courses), complete the research ethics online course, pass a Qualifying Exam (QE) on one of the 4 available tracks, pass a proposal defense and a final dissertation defense.
Other requirements (depending on the year of enrollment) are: publish an article in an English journal, attend an English international conference, have working experience as either teaching assistant or research assistant.
Students must pass the course during their first year.
Yes. The track only affects the QE. The dissertation does not need to be about any of the QE topics.
The QE is an open essay style exam with citations and references.
Students can retake the QE once.
Yes, students can have an external advisor.
Students have to wait at least 2 months in between.
Students must have at least 2 external members in their committee.
Students can arrange another final defense only once.
Studying at NCCU & Living in Taiwan
Yes. NCCU gives scholarships to new students who do not have any other scholarship, such as the Taiwan Scholarship (students should try to apply for this one first since it covers more expenses). The scholarship is assigned by NCCU during the admission process. Students cannot apply by themselves.
Yes, international students can apply for a work permit. The maximum working hours are 20 hours per week.
Yes, NCCU has dorms for students. PhD students can have their own room.
Yes, NCCU has a Chinese Language Center with well-trained professionals to help students learn Mandarin. Moreover, graduate enrolled students can also register for Part-Time Mandarin Courses.
NCCU Master’s and PhD. students can refer to the Graduation Gown & Cap Rental Procedure for rental details.
