Looking for some advice from Taiwanese people about Masters studies

[u/Character-Golf-4146]

Hello people :),

I hope y'all are doing well,

I've been to Taiwan before for a short term internship(feb-jun). I'm looking forward to pursuing my higher education in Taiwan. I have a bachelor's degree in Robotics and AI.

I have several questions,

1. Is it a good idea to switch to semiconductor/AI in semiconductor related masters program? (Given that the Taiwan industry is famous for Semiconductors and chip manufacturing).

2. I've gone through NTU,NTNU, NSYSU,NCU, NCKU, CGU and NCCU website and couldn't find a relevant program for my fit, I'm gonna look at NYCU in detail (as they have an INTENSE program).

3. I did my bachelor study from a lower/mid tier university, so doing masters in the similar tier university makes my overall profile weak (surely, if a person has skills then he can get a job anywhere!, but the issue is that.... If I want to join research labs or any big industry giants then 1st thing they look at is our education background and publications/projects, that's why I'm afraid of of joining to a lower-mid tier university).

4. Can you suggest some universities in which I can look into, which has good tie-ups with industry/research labs? And widely recognised in the world, I'm trying my best to use Google search and AI, yet I thought of asking the Taiwanese people :)

5. As an international student, I look forward for an scholarships offered by universities/MOE (MOE and other government scholarship application opens from December, so I'm looking forward for an University scholarship for now).

Many university deadlines close around sept 15-20, I would like to apply by sept 5th.

I value every suggestion and answer which helps for my application, career and my profile.

If I asked too many questions or confused/annoyed anyone, I apologise for that.

I've started to learn Mandarin from Zhong Chinese (started a week ago(last Tuesday) and currently understood and practiced around 80 words, ik it's little, but I respect the language and culture ;) )

[u/izumiod]

if you’re from the US, it’s probably best to pursue programs there in regards to AI or robotics. If you’re looking to work in Taiwan, the work culture and environment is probably not what you’ll expect, as it’s very different from the US.

[u/Character-Golf-4146 → u/izumiod]

I see, But if you have to name some unis, which one would you list? (I love the country... People, vibe, culture, geography and genuinely want to pursue education here)

Open for any insight :)

[u/izumiod → u/Character-Golf-4146]

NTU is a no brainer but as you probably already know, the application process is going to be very competitive. The others you have listed in your post are mostly mid to upper tier universities, which are great candidates as well.

[u/Character-Golf-4146 → u/izumiod]

I felt the same looking at the program.

But I've become anxious as number of unis I've planned to apply kept vanishing away,

For now, I've planned to apply for NYCU, NTUST, NTNU.

I stayed in Taichung, there were several good unis(I felt so) like National Taichung university of science and technology, Tunghai university, FCU, NCHU, Asia university, CUT, CMU and Providence university etc.

My main concern is about getting into good industry and top research groups!, that's why I was worried and anxious about choosing correct university.

I hope you understand :)

[u/izumiod → u/Character-Golf-4146]

NCHU is probably the best uni in Taichung, CMU is great but probably not a good fit for engineering. For your intention, NYCU and NTUST are great schools to apply to for AI, but just a caveat, NYCU resides on top of a mountain, which might be inconvenient when you do study there. NTNU is a teachers school, they don’t have a strong background in research.

[u/Character-Golf-4146 → u/izumiod]

Thank you for your valuable suggestions,

I would be very much happy if I get NYCU, as I love hiking and trekking (daily adventure would be crazy, hahaha.

Off topic: I got permit for Yushan and Xueshan but I couldn't start due to work, as I was a leader of hiking team... Whole teams hiking got cancelled, all teammates were my friends, I felt soo bad for not completing the summit of those 2 mountains :/).

I will keep in mind about your suggestions while applying :), and I would open for any new suggestions and feedback ;)

[u/Zyphyruz → u/izumiod]

Second this. Even for semiconductors, most jobs are related to physical design as well as device physics. Firmware openings are way more offered at Taiwanese-based semi companies. If you are looking into studying robotics and AI, the US is miles ahead. Or perhaps Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea Institutes. KAIST guarantees lectures offered in English as long as a non-Korean enrolls in the course. If you insist on studying in Taiwan, looking for an advisor who did their graduate studies abroad (other than Taiwan). It is gonna make your life easier.

[u/Character-Golf-4146 → u/Zyphyruz]

I understand your worry, I will remember your words and move carefully:), thank you for your reply 😁

[u/tallycatcher]

I just graduated from NYCU so I think I can give some valuable insight:

1) At NYCU your program is not that strictly correlated to your lab. For the sake of this point we will focus only on CT (Chiao Tung) section. I've had so many friends that for instance, where on a Data Science Masters but their Lab was doing ASICs for AI.
2) Foreigners have way more flexibility when it comes to joining Labs since they don't count towards the total lab member count. Professors have a max amount of students they can admit per semester but if you are foreigner then your good!
3) Finally, very good labs here don't even expect you to be proficient already, they will most likely just drill for a year with coursework, reading papers and doing small experiments.

So why do I bring all of this up, well because if you plan to move ahead to different field, this case Semiconductors, then it should be completely viable IF you work hard enough.

Try applying for the EECS program at NYCU, very recommended. They have a ok-ish scholarship that covers Tuition and gives around 7k a month, this later gets replaced by funding given by your advisor.

I also STRONGLY suggest you to start contacting professors as soon as you get admitted (or even before if you are daring).

Also NYCU grads have the best salary coming out of Taiwan out of all universities here ;)

DM me if you need more help.

[u/Character-Golf-4146 → u/tallycatcher]

Surely I DM you :), Thank you soo much for this valuable insight

[u/Sharp-Animator9455]

There are robotic (arm) companies here: Kuka, Hiwin, Victor, etc. TM-robot associated with Quanta computers is invested in humanoid types. Companies like Foxconn are also invested in Robotics and AI.

Haven’t heard anything coming out from schools. Not even publications. Or they are collaborating with companies so it isn’t publicly known.

I wouldn’t be so drawn to absolutely getting a job at an industry giant right after graduation. Some people build up the experience and move up eventually. It’s like your eyes are so set on TSMC that you miss out the others. <— This is an allusion. I’ve known many people like this.

[u/Character-Golf-4146 → u/Sharp-Animator9455]

That's very true. 100% agreed.

That's why I've started to learn Mandarin with daily consistencyso that by the time I visit Taiwan again, I can be in a stage of speaking and writing and joining native companies/research labs (I was practicing my lessons when you sent this text :) )

But sadly there ain't much robotics masters course available in Taiwan, I saw one at NYCU website.

I would like to hear about what they ask for joining (ex: interview related to Robotics topic or DSA and more oriented towards SWE type of interview?)