A scholarship can change more than just the path to education. The 2026 Foxconn Scholarship Program has launched, offering NT$50,000 per recipient to help young people pursue their dreams with greater peace of mind.
To support college students from underprivileged backgrounds who are pursuing their education, the Hon Hai Education Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 “Hon Hai Scholarship Whale” College/University category, including master’s and doctoral programs, through September 28. Each selected student will receive NT$50,000 to help ease their financial burden and allow them to devote more time to their studies and future goals.
In addition to financial assistance, many recipients say the Foxconn Scholarship Whale has provided invaluable encouragement, giving them the confidence to continue moving forward.
Jiang Minzhe, a fifth recipient of the 2021 scholarship, is one such example. Coming from a single-parent family, he began working part-time at age 15 because his mother, who had a long-term mental illness, was unable to work. He supported himself through university by washing dishes, delivering food at a night-market steakhouse, working as a restaurant server, and serving as a tour guide at a tourist factory.
He vividly remembers his junior year of university, when his mother was admitted to an acute psychiatric ward. While caring for his family and preparing for graduate school entrance exams, the pressure became overwhelming. During those most difficult days, he received the Foxconn Scholarship Whale, which immediately eased his financial burden and made him feel that his efforts were recognized. The support strengthened his determination to pursue his dreams.
Now, after completing his social work studies at National Chengchi University, Jiang has returned to Yilan to work in long-term care services, hoping to become a source of support for more families. He says, “Someone supported me when I needed it most, so now, I want to be a source of strength for others.”
Another recipient, Hsu Ruo-ting, has also demonstrated how education can transform a life. During her studies, she faced pressure from her father to drop out and work, but she remained determined to complete university and pursue her aspirations. When she received the Foxconn Scholarship Whale, she felt she had gained not only timely financial assistance but also the encouragement of someone who believed in her and was willing to help.
Today, Hsu is pursuing entrepreneurship and hopes to pass on the support she received by encouraging other students facing similar challenges. She believes that as long as they continue striving forward, they can create opportunities to change their lives.
One became a social worker caring for disadvantaged families, while the other embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. Although their paths are different, both recipients gained the courage to shape their futures with Foxconn’s support. This reflects the core value of the Foxconn Scholarship Whale program: giving hardworking students the opportunity to go further and, in turn, become a source of hope and support for others.
The Hon Hai Education Foundation sincerely invites eligible underprivileged college, master’s, and doctoral students to apply and seize this opportunity to pursue their education and build a brighter future.