Young people are the driving force behind Taiwan's sustainable development and transformative innovation. To provide more opportunities for the younger generation to explore the world and achieve personal success, the Executive Yuan approved the Youth Overseas Dream Fund program in November 2024. Starting in 2025, the program will allocate NT$10 billion (US$306.8 million) in funding over a four-year period to assist young people aged 15 to 30 through one of its "dream workshop," "soaring overseas" or "annual flagship plan" pathways. By leveraging national resources, the program aims to encourage youth in various fields to engage in international exchanges, broaden their global horizons and acquire professional expertise, so that upon completing their studies, they can return to Taiwan and contribute what they have learned, thereby enhancing the nation's competitiveness in the new era.
Pathways to new horizons
■ Dream workshop: Young people can submit proposals for their own overseas aspirations, and the government will provide specialized resources and institutional guidance to help bring their ideas to life. Each case can receive a maximum subsidy of NT$2 million (US$61,000), ensuring that even young people from difficult financial backgrounds have the chance to fulfill their dreams.
■ Soaring overseas: Taiwanese ministries, agencies and non-governmental organizations are working with international organizations, foundations, think tanks, youth councils, etc. to provide opportunities for overseas internships and training programs in various thematic categories. For example: study animal conservation at a zoo in Japan, intern with the French Parliament or at a French entrepreneurial hub, learn culinary skills in Italy, join an environmental sustainability organization in Sweden, or work with Major League Baseball in the U.S. Each case can receive a maximum subsidy of NT$1.5 million (US$46,000).
■ Annual flagship plan: The plan's main theme for 2025 will be "environmental sustainability," reflecting the government's policy goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environment are actively developing opportunities for 60 or more applicants to participate in exchanges and work programs with various international environmental sustainability groups.
■ A "wishing pool" for dreams: Young people can visit the iYouth platform website to share their dreams and let the government lend a helping hand.