25 Vincentians Graduate from Taiwan Universities as 36 More Earn Scholarships 

By S.Browne. Updated 1:30 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Twenty-five Vincentians have graduated from universities across Taiwan this year, marking another milestone in the long-running education partnership between St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China (Taiwan), which has helped hundreds of nationals pursue tertiary education over the past two decades.

The graduates, who completed studies in fields ranging from engineering and computer science to nursing, education and international relations, are part of a scholarship programme that continues to supply the country with graduates in key areas of national development.

According to a press release issued by the Embassy of St Vincent and the Grenadines in Taiwan, another 36 Vincentians have accepted scholarships to begin their studies this year, with some expected to complete a year of Mandarin Chinese language training before starting their degree programmes.

Most of this year’s graduates received scholarships funded by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). One graduate studied under a university basketball scholarship, while at least two others financed their own education.

Among the 22 graduates supported by Taiwan government scholarships, 13 earned bachelor’s degrees, seven completed master’s degrees, and two attained doctoral qualifications in aquatic immunology and genetics, and business administration.

Their qualifications span a broad range of disciplines, including mechanical and electrical engineering, biomedical imaging, psychology, forestry and natural resources, culture and creative industries, diplomacy and computer science.

The Embassy noted that many of the graduates chose to be featured in its 2026 Graduation Yearbook, the sixth edition of the publication celebrating Vincentian scholarship recipients in Taiwan.

In a message to the graduates, Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday said their achievements reflected the opportunities created through the enduring relationship between the two countries.

“Take time to appreciate the importance of that decision. It has led you to this moment,” Dr Friday said, referring to the graduates’ decision to study in Taiwan.

He said their success demonstrated the value of the 45-year diplomatic partnership between St Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan.

“Over the decades, our partnership has remained strong, rooted in mutual respect and shared investment in education, development, and progress. Your success today is a living testament to the benefits of that enduring friendship,” the Prime Minister stated.

Dr Friday also encouraged the graduates to use their education to help advance St Vincent and the Grenadines while continuing to represent the country proudly wherever their careers take them.

Ambassador of St Vincent and the Grenadines to Taiwan, Kenton X. Chance, who himself studied in Taiwan on a government scholarship between 2006 and 2012, said the graduates had overcome the unique challenges of living and studying far from home.

“I know that being so far from home, in an unfamiliar country, where the language is so different, requires a kind of fortitude that those who have never experienced it might never fully understand… You have stayed the course, you have overcome the obstacles, and you are graduating,” Ambassador Chance said.

Taiwan has remained one of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ closest development partners since diplomatic relations were established in 1981. In addition to providing assistance in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, information technology and infrastructure, Taiwan’s scholarship programme has enabled generations of Vincentians to obtain university degrees in specialised fields that support national development.

According to the Embassy, 321 Vincentians have been awarded university scholarships in Taiwan since 2004. With this year’s intake of 36 new scholarship recipients, that number is expected to continue growing as both countries deepen their cooperation in higher education.

The Embassy said it is preparing to welcome the new students and will provide support to help ease their transition to studying and living in Taiwan.

END