Mahidol University, located in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, is a leading public research university known for its quality education and research. Founded in 1899, Mahidol University has grown to become one of the top universities in Thailand, with over 40,000 students studying across its seven faculties and five affiliated institutions.
Overview of Mahidol University Scholarship Programs
Mahidol University offers a wide range of merit-based and need-based scholarships that help make higher education affordable and accessible. Scholarship awards can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, books/supplies, and even provide a monthly stipend. Some scholarships are fully or partially funded by the university itself, while others involve partnerships with outside organizations, foundations, and donors.
The main scholarship programs offered through Mahidol University include:
- Undergraduate Scholarships – Targeted at new and continuing bachelor’s degree students. Awarded based on academic merit, financial need, extracurricular achievements, and special talents/skills.
- Graduate Scholarships – For master’s and doctoral students. Focuses on research excellence, academic performance at the undergraduate level, career goals, and contribution to society.
- Faculty/Department Scholarships – Individual faculties and academic departments also offer scholarships funded through their own budgets. Award criteria and eligibility varies between faculties.
- External Scholarships – Numerous external opportunities are available through partnerships with government agencies, foundations, and private sector companies that sponsor Mahidol students directly.
Now that we have an overview, let’s dive deeper into each scholarship program and explore the different award options available through Mahidol University.
Undergraduate Scholarships
1. Ratchadaphisek Somphot Endowment Fund (RSEF) Scholarship
- The largest and most prestigious undergraduate scholarship program offered by Mahidol University.
- Awarded based on academic excellence in high school, with a minimum GPA of 3.50 required.
- Covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly allowance of 7,000-10,000 Baht depending on performance.
- Scholars must maintain at least a GPA of 3.25 each semester to renew the award.
- Highly competitive – only 50-100 new scholarships granted each year out of thousands of applicants.
2. Karnab Vichitvattanakit Scholarship
- This is for students with excellent academic performance but limited financial means.
- Requires minimum high school GPA of 3.25 and family income less than 250,000 Baht per year.
- Provides full tuition waiver and 5,000 Baht monthly allowance for 4 years.
- Scholars are also given career guidance and counseling to help achieve their potential.
3. Mahidol University Merit Scholarship
- Awarded based on academic excellence to the top 5% of incoming freshmen each year.
- Covers 50-100% of tuition fees depending on merit. No living allowance provided.
- Minimum high school GPA requirement of 3.50. Must maintain 3.25 college GPA to renew.
4. Special Talent Scholarships
- Grants offered for demonstrating exceptional ability in arts/culture, leadership, community service, and sports.
- Selection process involves interviews and skill assessments specific to the talent area.
- It covers 25-100% tuition with the possibility of additional allowances.
Graduate Scholarships
Graduate scholarships at Mahidol University support students pursuing master’s and doctoral research degrees. Award criteria emphasizes academics, research acumen, leadership qualities and social responsibility.
1. President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF)
- The most prestigious graduate scholarship, provides full support for 4 years of PhD study.
- Open to top graduates from any institution, minimum GPA 3.50 is required at the bachelor’s level.
- Covers full tuition, monthly stipend of 15,000 Baht, conference/research travel, and a book allowance.
- Scholars are exempt from teaching responsibilities and work closely with faculty advisors.
2. Faculty Graduate Fellowship (FGF)
- Similar benefits as PGF, but offered by individual faculties based on research fit and financial resources.
- Covers 2-3 years of Master’s or 4 years of PhD study. Includes monthly stipend of 10,000-12,000 Baht.
3. Overseas Graduate Student Scholarship (OGS)
- Supports overseas students relocating from abroad to pursue graduate studies at Mahidol.
- Awards 50-100% tuition waiver based on academic merit and research proposal evaluation.
Faculty/Department Scholarships
In addition to university-wide programs, individual faculties also offer scholarships funded through their own budgets:
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine Scholarships – For excellence in tropical medicine research. Monthly stipend up to 15,000 Baht.
- Faculty of Dentistry Scholarship – Supports dental students showing leadership, community service and clinical skills. Waives 50% tuition.
- Faculty of Public Health Scholarship – Granted to 30 high-achieving students each year. Covers full tuition and provides 5,000 Baht monthly.
- Faculty of Medicine Scholarship – For academic merit, research, and underprivileged applicants. Waives 25-100% tuition.
Departments also may offer scholarships in specialized fields like nursing, pharmaceutical sciences, radiology technology and more. Eligibility and award amounts vary – check individual faculty/department websites for details.
External Scholarship Programs
In addition to internal funding, Mahidol University students have access to external scholarship opportunities through government and private sector partnerships:
1. Thailand Graduate Institute of Science and Technology (TGIST) Scholarship
- Full PhD scholarships sponsored by Thailand Science Research and Innovation Ministry.
- Supports research in science, technology and innovation fields. Monthly stipend of 20,000 Baht.
2. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
- Covers undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs in Japan. Fully funds tuition and living expenses.
- Requires nominees to have at least a GPA of 3.30 and pass the competitive screening/exam process.
3. ASEAN Scholarship
- Master’s and PhD opportunities sponsored through ASEAN University Network partnership.
- Available for students in ASEAN member countries studying in another ASEAN nation. It covers tuition, stipend, travel, thesis/dissertation grants, and insurance.
4. SCB Bank Scholarship
- Private sector program supporting 100 exceptional undergraduate students annually.
-Grants 50% tuition waiver and 2,000-5,000 Baht monthly stipend. Preference for banking/finance majors.
5. PTT Scholarship
- Energy company program focused on science/engineering. Covers 50% tuition, and book/materials funding. Monthly stipend 5,000-10,000 Baht.
Applying for Mahidol University Scholarships
Now that we have covered the various scholarship options in detail, let’s review the application process:
Timeline
- Undergraduate scholarships: Apply during senior year of high school by March for the following academic year starting in May/June.
- Graduate scholarships: Rolling admissions, but priority deadlines in November (for Spring start) and April (for Fall start).
Required Application Materials
- Scholarship application form (available online through MU website or individual faculties)
- Personal statement of interest and career goals
- Resume highlighting academic honors, extracurricular activities, work experience
- High school/university transcripts and certificates
- Two letters of recommendation (faculty members for graduate applicants)
- Standardized test scores (for certain external scholarships only)
- Financial documents (only for need-based scholarships)
Selection Process
- Initial screening of applications by MU’s Scholarship Selection Committee
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend interviews
- Scholarship offers made by mid-April for undergrads and end of May/June for graduates
- Students must accept the offer by submitting an intent letter before the posted deadlines
Let’s now explore some frequently asked questions about Mahidol University scholarships:
FAQs about Mahidol University Scholarships
1. Can international students apply for scholarships?
Yes, international students are eligible to apply for many Mahidol University scholarships, both for undergraduate and graduate programs…
2. How much tuition do scholarships typically cover?
Most scholarships offered by Mahidol University cover either partial or full tuition, depending on the specific award. Full tuition waivers are provided by top undergraduate scholarships like RSEF and Karnab Vichitvattanakit. At the graduate level, President’s Fellowships pay full tuition. Faculty/Department scholarships commonly cover 50-100% of costs. It’s rare for scholarships to cover less than 25% of tuition fees. Review details of individual programs to understand coverage amounts.
3. Do scholarships cover living expenses?
While tuition is often fully or partially waived, living expense coverage varies between scholarships. Top undergraduate scholarships like RSEF include a monthly stipend of 7,000-10,000 Baht. Graduate awards generally provide 10,000-15,000 Baht per month. Some cover minimal living costs, others none at all, so students should budget accordingly. Be sure to factor in additional education and living expenses not covered when applying.
4. Is it possible to renew scholarships for multiple years?
Yes, many Mahidol University scholarships can be renewed annually, contingent on maintaining academic performance standards. Undergraduate programs typically require a minimum GPA of 3.25 for renewal. At the graduate level, most awards like Faculty Fellowships and PGF support students for the full duration of their degree, usually 2-4 years. Renewal criteria involves continued satisfactory academic progress and good standing according to the degree timeline.
5. What are my chances of receiving a scholarship?
Scholarship acceptance rates vary greatly based on the specific award. Top undergraduate programs like RSEF are highly competitive with acceptance rates under 5%. Merit-based scholarships may accept the top 10-20% of applicants. Need-based awards evaluate financial documents alongside academics. As with any competitive scholarship, having an excellent application portraying academic strength, leadership qualities, research focus, and fit with the university increases chances. National standardized exam scores also influence selection for certain external scholarships.
