As one of Thailand’s leading research institutions, Kasetsart University offers a diverse range of academic disciplines and welcoming learning environment. With careful planning and application, earning a Kasetsart University scholarship can help make your educational dreams achievable.
About Kasetsart University
A Brief History
Founded in 1943, Kasetsart University is Thailand’s oldest institute of higher education devoted to agricultural and allied sciences. It was established to meet the growing need for skilled agricultural experts and researchers in Thailand. Today, Kasetsart University has grown into a comprehensive university with over 30 colleges and research institutes across six campuses nationwide. With over 30,000 students enrolled each year, it remains a leader in agricultural studies while expanding into other fields like engineering, business, education and more.
Academics and Research
Kasetsart University is organized into 6 faculties and 32 colleges offering courses at the undergraduate, master’s and PhD level. Popular programs include agriculture, engineering, international business, resource management, veterinary medicine and environmental sciences. The university also has several research centers focused on sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, food innovation and rural development issues. Kasetsart University academics and researchers regularly publish in high impact journals and collaborate on projects that address real-world problems facing Thailand and beyond.
Campus Life
With six campuses located near Bangkok and in other provinces, Kasetsart University provides students options for the campus experience that fits their needs. The main campus sits on sprawling green spaces perfect for study or relaxation in Bangkok’s Lak Si District. Modern facilities, recreation areas and on-campus housing are available to enhance the university experience. International and domestic student groups also organize various cultural activities and events throughout the year. Overall, Kasetsart aims to give students an education that goes beyond the classroom with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Now that we have an overview of Kasetsart University, let’s dive into the specifics of financial aid options. We’ll start with exploring scholarship opportunities available for prospective and current undergraduate students.
Kasetsart 50th Scholarship
As part of its golden jubilee celebrations in 1993, Kasetsart University established this prestigious scholarship available to high-achieving incoming freshmen. A limited number of full tuition scholarships are awarded each academic year to applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and leadership potential based on their high school transcripts and exam scores. There is no application process – students who meet the stringent criteria will be automatically considered. Renewal for up to 4 years of study requires maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.20 each semester.
Kasetsart Merit Scholarship
This scholarship program aims to attract talented students who exhibit strong academic performance but may need some financial assistance. A select group of applicants are offered 30-50% tuition waivers based on their high school GPA, introductory exams and personal statement. The application window is in March-April each year for the upcoming fall semester. Scholarships are renewable for up to 4 years with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Kasetsart Best Student Scholarship
For current Kasetsart undergraduates, this scholarship acknowledges top academic achievers each semester. Students who earn one of the top 10 GPAs amongst their college peers will be granted a 100% tuition waiver for the following semester. No separate application is needed – recipients are identified based on grades alone. It allows high-performing students to focus fully on their studies without tuition costs.
Postgraduate Scholarships
Now we’ll explore options for supporting your master’s or PhD studies at Kasetsart University. At the postgraduate level, many scholarships involve conducting research assistant duties or teaching lessons to gain valuable experience alongside your degree.
Royal Golden Jubilee PhD Scholarship
One of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Thailand is the Royal Golden Jubilee PhD Program, which is available to Kasetsart University graduate students. Full funding is provided to pursue a doctoral degree, including a monthly stipend, tuition fees and conference/research allowance. In return, you’ll carry out research and teaching responsibilities. Highly competitive, you need an excellent academic history and strong research proposal to be selected.
Graduate Assistantship Program
Many Kasetsart University colleges offer graduate research or teaching assistant positions funded by the university. Master’s and PhD students can apply during admission to gain partial or full tuition remission plus a modest monthly wage. Typical duties involve assisting faculty with research experiments, field studies, data analysis and classroom instruction. It’s a great way to gain hands-on experience while reducing your education costs.
External Scholarships
In addition to university-run programs, Kasetsart graduate students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities from private organizations, partner institutions abroad and government initiatives. The International Affairs Office provides guidance on applying to select programs that support international study exchanges or research collaborations. This includes Fulbright, ASEAN and New Zealand scholarships best suited for Kasetsart applicants.
Applying for Scholarships
Now that we’ve overviewed the major KU scholarship programs, let’s outline the important application steps and criteria to consider:
- Research eligibility requirements: Check that you meet the academic standards, residency criteria if applicable, and intended program/college fit before applying. Pay attention to deadlines.
- Assemble your application documents: This varies by scholarship but may include transcripts, language certifications, personal statement, reference letters, research proposals and CV/resume outlining your experience and interests.
- Emphasize your strengths: Highlight factors like excellent grades, leadership roles, research experience, extracurricular involvement, career goals and how you can contribute to Kasetsart University’s mission through essays.
- Request references early: Ask respected professors, advisors or employers who can speak to your character, skills and potential for success at least 2-3 weeks before the deadline.
- Carefully proofread: Get feedback from others to ensure no errors in your documents before submitting. Scholarship committees may overlook applications with sloppy mistakes.
- Follow up: If you don’t receive a decision by expected dates, politely follow up with the department or scholarship office. Not all will respond either way.
Careful planning is key to stand out among competitive applicants. Reach out if you need advice crafting your materials. With persistence, many Kasetsart scholars find ways to fund their education dreams.
Recommended Timeline
To help you prepare, here’s a suggested timeline for the Kasetsart University scholarship application process:
March-April:
- Research all scholarship programs and eligibility requirements
- Plan which scholarships align with your qualifications and timeline
- Draft your personal statement
May:
- Request letters of recommendation from referees
- Submit KU Merit Scholarship application and required documents
June-July:
- Revise any previous applications
- Explore additional external scholarship options and deadlines
August-September:
- Complete any final applications before new semester begins
- Follow up with departments as needed
October-November:
- Watch for scholarship award announcements
- Prepare supporting materials for next application cycles if not selected initially
Starting early gives time to thoughtfully craft applications and allows flexibility if revision is needed. Don’t hesitate to get help from KU advisors too for guidance unique to your situation. Now in these final sections, let’s cover a few commonly asked questions.
FAQ
Q: How competitive are KU scholarship programs?
KU scholarships like Kasetsart 50th are extremely competitive with acceptance rates often below 5%. Merit scholarships may have higher odds at 15-30% depending on annual applicant pools. It’s best to exceed minimum criteria with excellent grades, test scores, leadership roles and compelling essays.
Q: What if I don’t receive any scholarships?
While obtaining funding helps, don’t let the possibility of attending without scholarships deter you from applying to KU. Student loans, part-time jobs, funding from family all remain options. KU also has payment plans to make tuition more affordable if needed. Financial concerns shouldn’t prevent pursuing your academic dreams.
Q: How do I stay organized applying to multiple scholarships?
Create a spreadsheet tracking each program’s details, requirements, deadlines and application status. This avoids missing steps and allows comparing fit for different options. Save all materials in clearly labeled folders on your computer too. Ask others to review as another set of eyes catches what you may overlook.
Q: What if my grades drop after receiving a scholarship?
Most KU scholarships require maintaining a minimum GPA, typically 3.0-3.2, to renew annually. One semester of lower grades may result in a warning, while consistent declining performance could lead to losing the award. Communicate any extenuating circumstances promptly with your advisor for potential leniency.
