The Royal Thai Government Science and Technology Scholarship (GSTS) offers fully funded opportunities for outstanding talents from the general public and the private sector to pursue university degrees aborad and domestically, then return to strengthen Thailand's scientific and technological capabilities.
Program overview as of July 2025
Pick the right scholarship for you.
Fully funded from bachelor's through doctoral level. Study overseas for up to 10 years.
→ See this programTalents from the general public seeking M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees. Study at overseas universities for 3–5 years.
→ See these programAgency-allocated scholarships for civil servants seeking M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees, overseas or domestically.
→ See this programmePrograms are listed in order of proportions of total scholarships awarded, reflecting where the program's resources are most concentrated.
The largest scholarship track. Open to applicants who hold a bachelor's or master's degree and wish to pursue a standalone doctoral program at world-leading overseas and domestic universities in priority science and technology fields.
The second largest track. Support bachelor's or master's degree holders in completing a combined master's and doctoral programs at an overseas and domestic universities without interruption progressing from M.Sc. directly into Ph.D. study.
A prestigious fully funded path for exceptional high school seniors. Scholars are supported from bachelor's level all the way through doctoral completion overseas one of the most extensive government scholarship types in Southeast Asia.
A shorter-term scholarship supporting master's level study, available both overseas and domestic universities. It's a great way to quickly upgrade one's skill to agencies standards.
Regardless of which track a scholar is awarded, the Royal Thai Government S&T Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the duration of study.
All academic fees at the host university are covered in full, for the entire approved duration of the scholarship.
A monthly stipend calibrated to the cost of living in the locations of study, covering accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
Economy-class flights to and from the country of study are provided at the start and end of the scholarship (overseas tracks only).
Health coverage is provided throughout the overseas study period, ensuring scholars have access to medical care abroad.
Scholars who do not yet meet the required language proficiency can enrolled in pre-departure preparation courses (where applicable).
Additional allowances are provided during the thesis and doctoral research stages to support research materials, conferences, and fieldworks.
All NSTDA-funded scholars are required to return to Thailand upon graduation and serve in designated Thai government agencies, universities, or public research institution for a defined period. This condition is central to the scholarship's purpose: transforming overseas education into domestic national benefits.
Scholars who do not fulfil this obligation whether through failure to complete the degree, early withdrawal, or breach of scholarship conditions are required to repay all scholarship funds received, plus accrued interest, as specified in the signed scholarship agreement.
Before departure, every scholar signs a legally binding agreement with their sponsoring agencies specifying the terms of obligations upon return.
Scholars complete their programs and remain in regular contact with the NSTDA Scholarship Office throughout their studies.
Upon graduation, scholars return to Thailand and report to their designated agency. The minimum employment period typically mirrors the length of the scholarship.
After completing the required service period in the Thai public sector, scholars are free to pursue other career opportunities.
Scholarships are strategically allocated to fields that align with Thailand's national S&T priorities from nine existing industries to six high-growth emerging clusters added to the program in recent years. Priority fields are reviewed and updated according to MHESI strategy.
Exact cluster priorities and sub-disciplines are considered annually. Please contact NSTDA or refer to the official OCSC announcement for your application cycle to confirm which fields are open for application.
Application windows differ by applicant type. General public scholarships open each September, while the Public Sector track runs on a separate cycle early in the year. All dates are indicative and confirmed annually by OCSC.
| Applicant type | Scholarship track | Application Deadline | Selection process | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
👥 General Public
|
Ph.D. scholarship
Doctoral level · for B.Sc. / M.Sc. holders
|
📅 Sep – Nov |
Written exam (Dec – Jan) Interview (Feb – Mar) |
Apr – May |
|
M.Sc.–Ph.D. scholarship
Combined master's & doctoral · for B.Sc. holders
|
📅 Sep – Nov |
Written exam (Dec – Jan) Interview (Feb – Mar) |
Apr – May | |
|
Undergraduate – PhD track
B.Sc. → M.Sc. → Ph.D. · for Mathayom 6 graduates
|
📅 Sep – Nov |
Written exam (Dec – Jan) Interview (Feb – Mar) |
Apr – May | |
|
🏢 Public Sector
|
M.Sc.–Ph.D. scholarship
For government employees · agency-allocated
|
📅 Feb – Mar |
🏛️ Committee selection
No written exam or interview candidates are reviewed and selected by an appointed committee.
|
Aug – Sep |
All dates are indicative based on historical cycles. Official announcement dates are confirmed by OCSC each year. We recommend contacting the NSTDA Scholars Office in August to confirm the exact timeline for your track.
| Criteria | 👥 General Public | 🏢 Public Sector | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | M.Sc.–Ph.D. | Undergraduate–PhD |
M.Sc.–Ph.D. (Public Sector) |
|
| Who can apply | B.Sc. / M.Sc. holders | B.Sc. holders | Mathayom 6 graduates | Government employees |
| Duration | 3 – 4 years | 4 – 5 years | 9 – 10 years | 4 – 5 years |
| Degree awarded | Ph.D. | M.Sc. + Ph.D. | B.Sc. + M.Sc. + Ph.D. | M.Sc. + Ph.D. |
| Study location | Overseas | Overseas | Overseas | Overseas or domestic |
| Application window | 📅 Sep – Nov | 📅 Sep – Nov | 📅 Sep – Nov | 📅 Feb – Mar |
| Selection process |
Written exam + Interview |
Written exam + Interview |
Written exam + Interview |
🏛️ Committee selection |
| Full tuition | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Living allowance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airfare (Overseas track only) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Language prep | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Medical insurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Return-to-serve bond | ✓ Required | ✓ Required | ✓ Required | ✓ Required |
The NSTDA S&T Scholarship Office is available to assist prospective applicants, university partners, and government agencies. Official application materials are in Thai. we can help guide international enquiries in English.