Taiwan Strengthens Educational Partnerships with Europe at EAIE 2025 in Sweden

Taiwan Expands Educational Ties with Europe at EAIE 2025

The 35th European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference and Exhibition was recently held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from September 9 to 12, 2025. This prominent event gathered nearly 50 delegates representing 19 academic institutions from Taiwan, all coordinated by the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET). The primary aim for Taiwanese representatives was to strengthen academic partnerships between Taiwan and European institutions, fostering global collaboration in higher education.

FICHET's Chairperson, Prof. Tsai-Yen Li, emphasized the importance of the EAIE as a pivotal platform for Taiwanese universities. This stage provides a unique opportunity to connect with European institutions regarding student exchanges, research collaborations, and broader academic partnerships. The event also saw attendance from key representatives such as Dr. Klement Ruey-sheng Gu from the Taipei Mission in Sweden, along with other educational division leaders, showcasing a unified effort to enhance Taiwan’s position in the global academic arena.

Over the last five years, more than 27,000 European students have chosen to study in Taiwan, predominantly from EU member states, demonstrating a robust interest in Taiwanese education. Simultaneously, over 50,000 Taiwanese students have pursued their studies across Europe, indicating a positive trend in educational exchanges between the two regions.

The relationship between Taiwan and the European Union is marked by close cooperation not only in education but also in trade and cultural exchanges. Prof. Li accentuated education as a cornerstone of this bilateral relationship, underscoring its significance for future interactions.

Since 2006, Taiwan’s Ministry of Education has been proactive in supporting students through scholarships, offering up to $16,000 per year to Taiwanese students who meet criteria for the Erasmus+ Mundus Joint Master Degree program but did not secure EU funding. To date, 131 individuals have benefited from this initiative. Additionally, the Taiwan-Europe Semiconductor Short-term Training Program, launched in 2022, has welcomed 348 European students and professionals for short-term training opportunities in Taiwan, further solidifying academic ties.

To foster networking and collaboration during the conference, FICHET organized a “Taiwan Night” dinner on September 10. This event, which saw nearly 100 participants, included representatives from various Taiwanese academic institutions alongside their European counterparts, providing a vibrant atmosphere for meaningful exchanges and potential future collaborations.

Looking forward, FICHET remains dedicated to facilitating international educational exchanges. The foundation's efforts aim not only to strengthen the academic connections between Taiwanese universities and their European peers but also to cultivate a sustainable cycle of talent development and innovation. This comprehensive approach is designed to elevate Taiwan's global influence in higher education, ensuring that Taiwanese institutions remain competitive and interconnected on the international stage.

In a world where education plays a pivotal role in fostering global understanding and cooperation, Taiwan’s efforts at the EAIE 2025 mark a significant stride towards enhancing its partnerships within Europe, ultimately benefiting students and institutions alike. The ongoing engagement from Taiwan illustrates a commitment to building bridges that will enhance educational opportunities and collaborative potentials for years to come.