Thammasat University is one of the top public research universities in Thailand, and over 40,000 students are enrolled each year. As one of the oldest universities in the country, Thammasat offers renowned degree programs across a vast majority of fields, such as humanities, social sciences, engineering, law, and more.
However, as with any university, the cost of attendance can be a barrier for some students. This is where Thammasat University scholarships come into play. The university administers several internal and external scholarship programs that can help undergraduate and graduate students fund their education.
Overview of Thammasat University Scholarship Programs
Thammasat University offers scholarships through numerous sources including:
- Internal University Scholarships: Thammasat administers its own scholarship funds to support current and prospective students. Major programs include the Rector’s Honor Student Scholarship and the Thammasat Academic Excellence Scholarship.
- Government Scholarships: Several public scholarship programs sponsored by government agencies are available for study at Thammasat. Key examples are the Thailand Government Scholarship and the Royal Thai Government Scholarship.
- Private Organization Scholarships: Numerous foundations, non-profits, corporations, and alumni groups offer private scholarships specifically for Thammasat students. This includes scholarships from the Siam Cement Group and Bualuang Foundation.
- International Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are provided by foreign governments, universities, and organizations to support international students coming to Thailand to study at Thammasat. Examples include ASEAN and Fulbright scholarships.
No matter the source, all Thammasat University scholarships aim to promote academic excellence and help overcome financial barriers to higher education. Let’s explore the major programs in more depth.
Thammasat University Internal Scholarships
Thammasat University directly administers several prestigious internal scholarship funds to reward outstanding students. Here are the key internal scholarship opportunities:
Rector’s Honor Student Scholarship
- Eligibility: New undergraduate students with exceptional academic merit as demonstrated by a GPAX of 3.50 or higher from high school.
- Award: Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend of 8,000-10,000 THB, health insurance coverage.
- Number: Varies each year, but typically 10-20 students receive this prestigious award.
- Application: No separate application – eligibility is determined based on the academic transcript submitted with the university application.
Thammasat Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Eligibility: Continuing undergraduate students who maintain a minimum GPAX of 3.50.
- Award: Partial to full tuition waiver.
- Number: Vary depending on funds available, but typically, several hundred students benefit each year.
- Application: Students must submit an application form with a transcript and letter of intent each semester.
Thammasat University Graduate Scholarship
- Eligibility: New graduate students, including master’s and doctoral programs.
- Award: Covers 50-100% tuition fees depending on academic merit and research topic.
- Number: Varies each year, but typically, 50-100 new awards are given out.
- Application: Submission of the application form along with CV, transcripts, and research proposal by the deadline.
The internal scholarships play an important role in supporting Thammasat’s brightest students from admission through graduation. Renewal criteria include maintaining a high GPAX to continue benefiting from these prestigious awards.
Government Scholarship Programs
Several public scholarships sponsored by Thai government agencies are highly competitive options for studying at Thammasat University:
Thailand Government Scholarship (TGS)
Administered by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC), TGS is one of Thailand’s most prestigious award programs. It fully supports master’s and doctoral studies for high-achieving Thai citizens at top universities worldwide, including Thammasat.
- Eligibility: Thai citizens with excellent academic credentials and English proficiency.
- Award: Covers tuition, stipend, book allowance, insurance, airfare.
- Number: Around 200 awards are given annually across all fields and levels of study.
- Application: Online application with documents submitted by the deadline to OCSC.
Royal Thai Government Scholarship (RTGS)
The RTGS is sponsored directly by His Majesty the King to foster human resource development. It supports studies in priority fields like science, technology, and social sciences.
- Eligibility: Thai citizens with strong academic backgrounds pursuing graduate studies in targeted fields.
- Award: Provides full funding, including a stipend similar to the TGS package.
- Number: Varies, but typically 10-50 awards are given per year.
- Application: Deadlines and application procedures set by the RTGS committee.
Other Government Scholarships
Additional opportunities exist through agencies like the Office of the Higher Education Commission, the National Science and Technology Development Agency, and individual ministries/departments. Requirements and benefits vary so researching each program is important.
Collectively, these prestigious government scholarships open doors for many talented Thai students to pursue graduate-level education at Thammasat University each year with full financial support. Competition for the limited slots is intense, however.
Private Organization Scholarships
Numerous corporate and foundation scholarships specifically support Thammasat University students:
Siam Cement Group (SCG) Scholarship
SCG is one of Thailand’s largest conglomerates with a mission of social responsibility. Their scholarship program aims to develop future leaders in key industries.
- Eligibility: Thai undergraduates studying fields related to SCG businesses like engineering, science, and management.
- Award: Full tuition, monthly stipend, internship opportunities.
- Number: 10-30 new scholarships are awarded annually across SCG partner universities, including Thammasat.
- Application: Online application with documents submitted by the deadline.
Bualuang Foundation Scholarship
As the philanthropic arm of Thailand’s Bualuang banking group, this program provides aid for diverse fields of study.
- Eligibility: Continuing Thai undergraduates with a minimum GPAX 2.80 maintaining full-time enrollment.
- Award: Partial tuition support of 5,000-15,000 THB per semester, depending on need and merit.
- Number: 100-200 scholarships awarded university-wide in two rounds annually.
- Application: The form was submitted with documentation of family income/expenses by deadlines.
Several other philanthropic partners, like the Toyota Thailand Foundation and Siam Commercial Foundation, also provide targeted scholarship support annually for deserving Thammasat students. This private aid plays an important complementary role to institutional and government programs.
ASEAN and International Scholarship Programs
While most Thammasat scholarships are targeted at Thai citizens, a limited number of external programs exist to support international students:
ASEAN Scholarship
This program is coordinated by the ASEAN University Network to foster cooperation and exchanges in the region.
- Eligibility: Citizens of ASEAN countries pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies across member state universities, including Thammasat.
- Award: Partial support for tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, etc.
- Number: Varies but typically 10-30 awards annually across Thailand.
- Application: Deadlines and procedures are set separately each year. Coordinated through the home country’s AUN representative.
Fulbright Scholarship
One of the most prestigious international awards, the Fulbright supports study/research in a wide range of academic and professional fields.
- Eligibility: Citizens of specific countries pursuing graduate studies or research in another country – Thammasat is a potential host university.
- Award: Covers transportation, living stipend, tuition support, etc. Awards duration based on study plan.
- Number: A few new scholarships open annually for studies across Thailand.
- Application: The competitive process includes forms, letters, research statements, and interviews.
While limited in available slots every year, programs like ASEAN and Fulbright can open doors for motivated international students seeking an exchange experience at Thammasat University supported through external funding sources.
Scholarship Application Process and Deadlines
Now that we’ve covered the breadth of Thammasat University scholarship programs let’s review some key details about the general application process:
- Applications are typically made online through the Thammasat University website scholarship portal at www.scholarship.tu.ac.th. Forms may also be downloaded and submitted in person or via postal mail if needed.
- Most internal Thammasat and government scholarship deadlines fall in January-March to be considered for awards starting the following academic year in June. However, ongoing scholarships may have deadlines throughout the year for renewal applications.
- Required documents commonly include a transcript, CV/resume, personal statement, letter of recommendation, proof of family income/expenses, and others depending on specific award guidelines.
- Accuracy and attention to detail are important, as incomplete applications may not be considered. Use the checklist provided on the application portal to ensure the submission of all necessary supporting documents.
- Meeting academic standards is required to maintain scholarship eligibility from one term to the next. Minimum GPAs may need to be upheld to renew annual awards.
- Notification of results is typically 3-6 months after the application deadline. Scholarship recipients will be contacted by the respective program administration.
- Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis depending on available funds each cycle. Not all eligible candidates may receive an award. Alternative options like student loans may need to be considered.
