Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What if my GPA is below 3.7?
Although admitted students typically have a GPA of 3.7 or above, we recognize that GPA does not fully reflect a student's academic potential. We also consider applicants who demonstrate strong academic promise, such as those with significant academic improvement or meaningful personal or educational challenges described in their personal statement. If you are passionate about scientific research and committed to pursuing graduate studies, we encourage you to apply.
Q2. Can exceptions be made for first-year students with advanced standing or graduating seniors?
No. The CID Future Scientists Fellowship is only open to sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors who will have completed at least two years of university study (excluding university credits earned during high school or equivalent education) before the program begins. Students graduating before December 2027 are not eligible.
Q3. I am an international student studying in Taiwan. Am I eligible?
No. The program is currently open only to Republic of China (Taiwan) citizens enrolled at Taiwanese colleges or universities.
Q4. I am a Taiwanese citizen studying at a university outside Taiwan. Am I eligible?
No. The program is currently open only to Republic of China (Taiwan) citizens enrolled at Taiwanese colleges or universities.
Q5. What should I do if I encounter technical issues while completing the application?
If you experience any issues with the application form or uploading documents, please email epoch.school@epoch.org.tw with the subject line "CID Future Scientists Fellowship."
Q6. Who should write my recommendation letters? How are they submitted?
Two recommendation letters are required.
- At least one letter must be from your research supervisor.
- After your application is submitted, recommendation request emails will be sent to your referees.
- Once both recommendation letters have been received, you will receive a confirmation email.
- If you do not receive the confirmation, please follow up with your referees.
Recommendation letters must be submitted by 12:00 PM (UTC+8), October 21, 2026.
Q7. Which faculty members and laboratories are available for matching? Should I contact professors before applying?
All faculty members in MIT Biology, MIT Physics, MIT Chemistry, MIT Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and the MIT Koch Institute are available for laboratory matching. Applicants are encouraged to explore the department websites and identify faculty members whose research interests align with their own.
Please do not contact faculty members directly regarding admissions or laboratory placement. Faculty preferences are used solely to help the selection committee understand your research interests and facilitate laboratory matching. Contacting faculty during the application process may complicate the matching process and affect the fairness of mentor assignments.
Q8. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 12:00 PM (UTC+8), October 20, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to ensure all required materials are received on time.
Q9. How do I apply?
Applications are expected to open on August 10, 2026.
'To apply:'
- Complete and submit the online application form together with all required materials.
- Recommendation request emails will be sent to your referees after your application is submitted.
- Once all recommendation letters have been received, you will receive an application completion confirmation by email.
Q10. Does admission to the CID Future Scientists Fellowship guarantee admission to an MIT graduate program?
No. Participation in the CID Future Scientists Fellowship does not guarantee admission to an MIT graduate program.
However, fellows will have valuable opportunities to work closely with MIT faculty, staff, and graduate students, helping them better prepare for future graduate school applications.
Q11. Can I enroll in courses during the fellowship?
No. The CID Future Scientists Fellowship is a full-time immersive research program. Participants are expected to devote their time to laboratory research, project deliverables, seminars, workshops, and community-building activities. Enrolling in courses at MIT or any other institution during the program is not permitted.
Q12. Is there any cost to participate?
No. Participation is fully funded. Fellows receive financial support covering visa fees, MIT application and visiting student fees, round-trip airfare, nine weeks of accommodation, health insurance, and a weekly stipend of US$450.
Q13. What if my final exams conflict with the program schedule?
Participants are required to attend the program at MIT for its full duration. If your final examinations overlap with the program, you should arrange to take your exams in advance with your university.
