Royal Thai Government Scholarship science & technology

Building Thailand's Next Generation of Science Leaders

Since 1990, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has granted almost six thousand scholarships to study at world-leading universities, then for high-achievers return to shape Thailand's future in science and technology.

Program at a glance

Total scholarships awarded 5,850 scholars
Scholars graduated 4,385 to date
Currently studying 1,006 active
Scholarship per year ~200 announced
Program established 1990 Phase I
0
Scholarships awarded across five phases
since 1990
0
Scholars graduated & driving Thailand
as of July 2026
0
Emerging & existing industrial clusters supported
US · UK · JP
Top destination countries for study
1,626 · 1,264 · 227 scholars

Thailand's Flagship Investment in S&T Talent

The Thai Government Science and Technology Scholarship (GSTS) is administered by NSTDA under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), in partnership with the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC).

Scholars are selected each year through a rigorous competitive process and funded to study at world-leading universities. Upon graduation, they return to serve across government agencies, universities, and research institutions directly strengthening the nation's scientific and technological capabilities.

Learn more about NSTDA →

Scholars return to serve at

1

MHESI agencies

NSTDA, GISTDA, TISTR, and other research & development under the Ministry.

2

Thai universities

Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and other leading Thai academic institutions, as well as Rajaphat University and Rajamangala University of Technology.

3

Government research institutes

Agencies under Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Agricuture and Cooperatives, Ministry of Industry, and others.

Priority fields of study

15 Science & Technology Clusters

Scholarships are aligned with Thailand's national S&T development strategy, supporting both nine existing industries and six emerging clusters that will drive the country's next phase of growth.

Existing industries (9)
Emerging clusters (6)
Existing industries
🚗
Modern Automotive
🤖
Industrial Robotics
🌾
Agriculture & Biotechnology
🍱
Food for the Future
✈️
Aviation & Logistics
🏥
Integrated Medical Hub
💊
Value-Added & Medical Tourism
🎨
Creative Industry
💻
Digital
Emerging clusters
Electric Vehicle
Emerging
🛡️
AI & Cybersecurity
Emerging
🔬
Advanced Semiconductors
Emerging
🌱
Energy Transition
Emerging
♻️
Sustainable & Green Economy
Emerging
🧬
Advanced Medical Industry
Emerging

Exact cluster priorities and sub-disciplines are confirmed annually. Please contact NSTDA or refer to the official OCSC announcement for your application cycle to confirm which fields are open.

A global network of graduate scholars

Our scholars study at top universities across the globe. The United States, United Kingdom, and Japan account for the majority of placements, with over 4,385 graduates now serving across Thailand's public sector.

🇺🇸
United States
0
scholars graduated
🇬🇧
United Kingdom
0
scholars graduated
🇯🇵
Japan
0
scholars graduated
170+
M.Sc. / Ph.D. scholars looking for universities

Partner with Us to Place Thai S&T Scholars

NSTDA is actively seeking university partners globally. If your institution offers graduate programmes in our priority S&T fields, we welcome your interest in having our scholars as students.

🏫
Does your university or teaching research institution look for scholarship funded students?

170+ NSTDA scholars are currently seeking placements for M.Sc. or Ph.D. programmes. We welcome collaborations with partner institutions worldwide.

Get in touch →