About Us
Program Description
Since the establishment of the Master's Program of Austronesian Studies at National Taitung University in 2003, the academic environment for Austronesian studies in National Taitung University (NTTU) have matured a great deal and more teachers are available. In 2021, National Taitung University has been approved by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan for the establishment of the " Ph.D. Program of Austronesian Studies ", and will start to enroll students in 2022. This is the first all English doctoral program in Taiwan focusing on the studies of Austronesian culture. It emphasizes the study of Austronesian culture from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
In terms of cultural diversity, Taitung County ranks first in Taiwan. There are seven Austronesian speaking indigenous groups: Amis, Paiwan, Bunun, Rukai, Puyuma, Tao, and Kavalan. Not only having a rich traditional cultural diversity, it is also possible for researchers to have closer opportunities to observe how different ethnic groups tackle the contemporary issues, which shows strong vitality and lively creativity. The physical proximity and social connection between the College of Humanities and local Austronesian communities provide a valuable resource for Ph.D. students to learn, in context, of practical problems solving, and to apply theoretical knowledge to the innovative construction of Austronesian communities.
The Center of Austronesian Culture of National Taitung University was established in 2014, it has since actively engaged in academic and cultural exchanges with overseas Austronesian-speaking countries. In order to respond to the further academic needs of young scholars from these countries, this doctoral program will serve as an institutional mechanism to recruit graduate students from these countries. And on this basis, it will expand the link between the various educational resources of National Taitung University and these Austronesian speaking countries, so as to contribute to the building of Taitung University as a regional hub of international academic network.
Why PSA?
The PhD Program in Austronesian Studies (PSA) at National Taitung University offers an excellent and distinctive academic environment for advanced research into Austronesian languages, cultures, history, and societies. Located in eastern Taiwan, this program is grounded in a region of unparalleled cultural diversity and historical significance within the broader Austronesian world.
At the heart of PSA is the Center of Austronesian Culture (CAS), a research hub dedicated to the interdisciplinary study and promotion of Austronesian cultural heritage. The center’s mission emphasizes not only theoretical scholarship but also collaborative, community-engaged research that bridges academic inquiry and real-world cultural practice. PSA candidates benefit from CAS’s commitment to fostering international research networks, facilitating cross-cultural dialogue, and supporting projects that span anthropology, linguistics, cultural studies, heritage management, and community development.
The geographic location of Taitung provides a unique living field for doctoral research. The region’s rich indigenous cultures, active socio-cultural landscapes, and deep historical ties to Austronesian linguistic and cultural traditions make it a highly dynamic setting for fieldwork and comparative analysis. Students are encouraged to undertake original research rooted in local and transregional contexts, contributing new insights to global Austronesian studies.
Moreover, PSA is structured to provide robust academic mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to diverse research methodologies. Through participation in ongoing projects, workshops, and international exchanges, doctoral candidates are prepared to engage critically with contemporary issues in cultural preservation, social transformation, and heritage discourse.
In summary, the PhD in Austronesian Studies at National Taitung University offers:
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A strategic geographic and cultural research environment central to the Austronesian world
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A strong institutional foundation via the Center of Austronesian Culture
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Interdisciplinary academic training that integrates theory, fieldwork, and community engagement
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Opportunities for international collaboration and scholarly contribution
This program is especially suited for scholars committed to advancing global understanding of Austronesian cultural dynamics through rigorous, innovative, and socially relevant research.