Master & Ph.D. Student Recruitment 2027 – MATE Lab, NCKU Taiwan

The Marine Technology and Engineering Laboratory (MATE Lab), part of the Department of Systems and Naval Mechatronic Engineering (SNAME) at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan, is currently recruiting international students for its Master’s and Ph.D. programs.

About the Program & Research Areas

MATE Lab is dedicated to integrating theoretical research with practical applications in marine engineering and technology. The lab focuses on offshore wind power systems and intelligent ocean vehicles to address challenges in extreme marine environments and support energy transition. Students also have access to the advanced facilities and research resources of the Underwater Technology Research Center (UTRC).

The primary research areas include:

• Application of Computational Mechanics: Hydrodynamic simulation (propeller performance, vehicle motion) and offshore wind engineering analysis (aerodynamic performance of wind turbines, mooring systems).

• Smart Vehicle Development: Involving Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

• AI Algorithm Application: Intelligent image recognition for target detection, deep reinforcement learning for vehicle control systems, and Digital Twin system development.

Qualifications & Language Requirements

• Master’s program applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), while doctoral applicants must possess a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field.

• Candidates from all countries with backgrounds in engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or related disciplines are welcome.

• Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in numerical modeling, marine systems, or AI-driven control technologies.

• English Proficiency: Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: TOEFL 94-120, IELTS 7.0-9.0, or TOEIC 800-990. This requirement may be waived for applicants from recognized English-speaking countries.

• Applicants with Chinese language ability will be given preference.

Financial Support & Scholarships

Admitted students can expect a monthly stipend provided directly by the laboratory:

• Master’s Student: At least TWD 8,000/month.

• Ph.D. Student: At least TWD 20,000/month.

Additional university and government scholarships are available (Note: These scholarships cannot be combined):

• NCKU Distinguished International Student Scholarship: Basic tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend of NT$10,000 (Master’s) or NT$16,000 (Doctoral).

• NCKU Elite Doctoral Scholarship: Full tuition and credit fee waiver plus a monthly stipend of NT$25,000.

• MOE Elite Scholarship: NT$300,000 per year, eligible for current university lecturers or professors from South or Southeast Asian countries.

• MOE Taiwan Scholarship: Tuition coverage up to NT$40,000 per semester and a monthly stipend of NT$20,000.

Application Timeline (Spring Semester, February 2027 Entry)

• Online Application Opens: July 1, 2026.

• Application Deadline: September 15, 2026.

• Application Review Period: September 16 – November 29, 2026.

• Admission Results (Including Scholarships): November 30, 2026.

• Admission Letters Mailed: Mid-December, 2026.

How to Apply

Please email the following required documents directly to Prof. Yu-Hsien Lin (vyhlin@mail.ncku.edu.tw) and copy (CC) Miss Su (10709070@gs.ncku.edu.tw):

1. Statement of Purpose: A motivational letter outlining your interested research topic(s) and the reasons behind your choice.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).

3. Academic Transcripts.

4. Relevant Publications or Research Experience (if available).

For more details on the admission prospectus and online application procedures, please visit the official NCKU OIA portal: https://oia.ncku.edu.tw/p/404-1032-229816.php?Lang=en.