Chulalongkorn University Scholarships 2027 (Fully Funded)
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The Chulalongkorn University Scholarships 2027 are fully funded graduate awards open to ASEAN and Non-ASEAN international students. They cover 100% tuition, a monthly stipend, and accommodation of 16,000 Baht for Master’s and PhD study at Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious university.
Introduction
Thinking about graduate study in Southeast Asia without the tuition burden? The Chulalongkorn University Scholarships 2027 could be your answer. Offered by Chulalongkorn University — Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious institution — this fully funded program supports international students pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in Bangkok.
Known formally as the “Graduate Scholarship Program for ASEAN or Non-ASEAN Countries,” this scholarship was created to strengthen academic ties between Thailand and the rest of the world. It’s open to students from literally any country — there are no nationality restrictions — which makes it a genuinely global opportunity for applicants from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Oceania.
The funding package covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, and accommodation support, and there’s no application fee to worry about. If you already have a bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a master’s degree (for PhD applicants) and meet the GPA and English requirements, this guide walks you through eligibility, benefits, required documents, and the step-by-step application process.
Quick Overview Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Chulalongkorn University Graduate Scholarship Program for ASEAN or Non-ASEAN Countries |
| Host Country | Thailand |
| Host University | Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok |
| Degree Level | Master’s and PhD |
| Funded By | Chulalongkorn University |
| Scholarship Type | Fully funded |
| Coverage | 100% tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation allowance |
| Eligible Countries | Open worldwide — ASEAN and Non-ASEAN countries, no nationality restrictions |
| Application Deadline | Set individually by each faculty/program; final documents typically due to the Office of Academic Affairs around May/June for Fall intake (check faculty-specific dates) |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on-campus in Bangkok |
| Duration | 2 years (Master’s), 3 years (PhD) |
| IELTS Required | Yes — minimum 5.0 (or TOEFL 500 PBT / 173 CBT / 61 iBT / CU-TEP 60) |
| Application Fee | None |
About the Chulalongkorn University Scholarships
Chulalongkorn University was founded in 1917 and remains Thailand’s oldest and one of its most highly ranked universities, consistently placing among the top institutions in Southeast Asia. To deepen its academic partnerships with the rest of the world, the university created the Graduate Scholarship Program for ASEAN or Non-ASEAN Countries — a fully funded award aimed squarely at international graduate students.
Unlike scholarships run through a single centralized office, this program is administered at the faculty and department level. That means each faculty or program sets its own screening process and deadline, and applicants apply directly to their chosen faculty rather than to a university-wide portal alone. Once a faculty selects its candidates, it forwards their applications to the university’s Office of Academic Affairs for final confirmation.
The scholarship particularly welcomes — though doesn’t require — faculty members, researchers, and academic staff who plan to return and teach at their home institutions after graduating, reflecting the program’s broader goal of building long-term academic cooperation between Thailand and partner countries.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Chulalongkorn University Scholarship receive:
✔ 100% tuition fee coverage for the length of the program (faculty-specific or special fees, and summer sessions, are excluded unless separately arranged)
✔ Monthly stipend and accommodation allowance of 16,000 Baht, paid only while the student is physically in Thailand
✔ No application fee, making the process financially accessible from the start
✔ Full coverage for the standard program duration — 2 years for a Master’s degree, 3 years for a PhD
Some things to keep in mind: the scholarship term cannot be extended, and once awarded, recipients cannot defer their acceptance. Scholars are also not permitted to take on off-campus employment in Thailand during the scholarship period, and flight-related extras like rescheduling fees, seat upgrades, or meals are not covered.
Available Programs
This scholarship is available for:
- Master’s degree programs — open to applicants who have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree
- PhD (Doctoral) programs — open to applicants who have completed a relevant bachelor’s and master’s degree
It covers a wide range of faculties and majors across the university, though the exact list of participating programs is published separately by Chulalongkorn’s Office of Academic Affairs and updated each cycle. There is no bachelor’s-level or postdoctoral track under this specific scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you’ll generally need to meet these requirements:
- Be an international applicant from an ASEAN or Non-ASEAN country — there are no nationality restrictions
- Have completed a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree (for PhD applicants) in a field related to your intended program
- Meet the minimum GPA requirement: generally 2.75 for undergraduate results (Master’s applicants) and 3.25 for graduate results (PhD applicants), converted to a 4.00 scale
- Meet the English proficiency requirement: TOEFL 500 (paper-based) / 173 (computer-based) / 61 (internet-based), CU-TEP 60, or IELTS 5.0
- Be in good health, generally confirmed via a physical examination certificate
- Not exceed the maximum age limit, commonly set at 35 years (some cycles or faculties may set this at 40, so confirm with your chosen faculty)
- Not already be enrolled at Chulalongkorn University for more than one semester at the time of application
Required Documents
Prepare the following before applying:
- Completed application form for the Graduate Scholarship Program (specific to your intake cycle)
- One passport-sized photo (1 inch)
- CV/resume
- Academic transcripts from your most recent degree, converted to a 4.00 GPA scale with equivalence documentation if needed
- Degree certificate(s)
- Photocopy of your passport
- English proficiency score report (TOEFL, IELTS, or CU-TEP)
- Two recommendation letters, typically from a Head, Director, or Dean at your previous institution
- Nomination letter from your home institution, if you’re a faculty member, researcher, or academic staff planning to return home after graduation
- Physical examination certificate from a hospital in your home country
- Any additional appendix or supporting documents requested by your chosen faculty/program
Application Process
Step 1: Choose your Master’s or PhD program. Review the list of participating faculties and select the program that matches your academic background and goals.
Step 2: Contact your chosen faculty directly. Since applications are faculty-administered, reach out to confirm their specific deadline and any additional requirements.
Step 3: Register on the GrantGateway platform. Applicants typically create an account and select the appropriate scholarship program through Chulalongkorn’s online application system.
Step 4: Prepare and upload your documents. Submit your CV, transcripts, English test scores, recommendation letters, and other required paperwork.
Step 5: Submit your application to the faculty/program. Your application must reach your chosen faculty well before their internal screening deadline — usually at least two weeks before the university-wide deadline.
Step 6: Wait for faculty screening. The faculty reviews and selects candidates before forwarding their names and documents to the university’s Office of Academic Affairs.
Step 7: Receive the official scholarship announcement. Successful applicants are notified through the Office of Academic Affairs once the review process is complete.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Approximate Timing |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Varies by faculty and intake (Spring/Fall cycles run separately) |
| Faculty Screening Deadline | Roughly 2 weeks before the university deadline |
| Final Documents Due to Office of Academic Affairs | Typically within specific rounds (e.g., earlier rounds around Feb–April, final round by early-to-mid year, depending on faculty) |
| Scholarship Announcement | After faculty screening and university confirmation |
| Semester Start | August (Fall intake) or January (Spring intake) |
Because each faculty sets its own internal schedule, always confirm exact dates directly with your chosen faculty or program office rather than relying solely on general estimates.
Important Links
- Chulalongkorn University Office of Academic Affairs: academic.chula.ac.th
- GrantGateway Application Portal: grantgateway.research.chula.ac.th
- University Homepage: chula.ac.th
- Faculty/Program Directory: available through the Office of Academic Affairs website
Selection Process
- Faculty-level application review — your chosen faculty checks your documents for completeness and relevance to their program.
- Eligibility screening — GPA, English proficiency, age, and academic background are verified against program requirements.
- Faculty selection — the faculty selects its preferred candidates from the applicant pool.
- Forwarding to the Office of Academic Affairs — selected applications are sent to the university level for final confirmation.
- Official scholarship award — successful candidates receive formal notification and scholarship terms.
How to Increase Your Chances for Chulalongkorn University Scholarships
- Contact your target faculty early to understand their specific screening priorities and internal deadline
- Make sure your GPA is properly converted to the 4.00 scale with certified equivalence documents attached
- Retake your English test early if you’re below the TOEFL/IELTS threshold, since scores need official verification
- If you’re a faculty member, researcher, or academic staff planning to return home after graduating, include a strong nomination letter — this is a preferred (though not required) profile
- Submit a complete document set the first time; faculties may reject incomplete applications outright
- Apply to a program clearly aligned with your previous degree and career goals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying directly to the Office of Academic Affairs instead of through your chosen faculty/program
- Submitting a GPA without the required 4.00-scale conversion and equivalence documents
- Missing your faculty’s internal deadline, which is typically earlier than the university-wide deadline
- Assuming the scholarship term can be extended or deferred (it cannot)
- Taking on off-campus employment in Thailand while holding the scholarship
- Applying without confirming your specific faculty’s exact document checklist, since requirements can vary slightly
Living in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capital cities, and it’s generally considered affordable compared to major cities in Europe, North America, or East Asia. Housing near Chulalongkorn University ranges from budget dormitories to private apartments, and public transport — including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway — makes getting around the city relatively easy and inexpensive.
Street food and local restaurants keep daily food costs low, though Western-style dining costs more. The climate is tropical, with hot and humid conditions for most of the year and a distinct rainy season. Healthcare in Bangkok is generally considered good by regional standards, with both public and private hospital options available to international students. The city also offers an active international student community, with plenty of opportunities to explore Thai culture, language, and cuisine outside the classroom.
Visa Information
International students admitted to Chulalongkorn University typically need a Thai Non-Immigrant ED (Education) Visa to study in the country. After receiving your admission and scholarship confirmation, the university or your faculty will usually assist with the documentation needed to apply at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. Once in Thailand, students generally need to extend their visa at the local Immigration Bureau for the duration of their studies. Visa processing times vary by country, so it’s worth starting the process as soon as you receive your official offer letter.
Why Study in Thailand (at Chulalongkorn University)
- A historic, highly ranked university with strong regional and international recognition
- A fully funded pathway to graduate study without a nationality restriction
- Lower cost of living compared to many other popular study-abroad destinations
- A rapidly growing hub for regional academic and research collaboration in Southeast Asia
- Exposure to Thai culture and a strategic location for exploring the wider ASEAN region
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Chulalongkorn University Scholarship fully funded? Yes, it covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, and accommodation support for eligible Master’s and PhD students.
2. Who can apply? International graduate students from ASEAN or Non-ASEAN countries, with no nationality restrictions.
3. Can European students apply? Yes, students from Europe are eligible under the Non-ASEAN category.
4. Can African students apply? Yes, African applicants are eligible under the Non-ASEAN category.
5. Can Asian students apply? Yes, students from ASEAN and other Asian countries are both eligible.
6. Can Pakistani students apply? Yes, Pakistani applicants are eligible as Non-ASEAN candidates.
7. Can Indian students apply? Yes, Indian applicants are eligible as Non-ASEAN candidates.
8. Can Americans apply? Yes, applicants from the Americas are eligible under the Non-ASEAN category.
9. Is IELTS mandatory? An IELTS score of at least 5.0 is required unless you submit an equivalent TOEFL or CU-TEP score.
10. Can I apply without IELTS? Yes, if you submit an accepted alternative like TOEFL or CU-TEP instead.
11. Is there an application fee? No, there is no application fee for this scholarship.
12. Can married students apply? Yes, marital status does not affect eligibility.
13. Can I bring my family? Dependent visa arrangements would need to be handled separately through Thai immigration rules; this scholarship’s stipend is intended for the recipient only.
14. What GPA is required? Generally 2.75 for Master’s applicants (based on undergraduate results) and 3.25 for PhD applicants (based on graduate results), on a 4.00 scale.
15. Can I work while studying? No, recipients are not allowed to take on off-campus employment in Thailand during the scholarship term.
16. How many students are selected? The number varies by faculty and intake; no fixed global quota is published.
17. Can I apply for multiple programs? You typically apply to one faculty/program per intake; check with each faculty if cross-applications are permitted.
18. Is age important? Yes, applicants generally must not exceed a maximum age, commonly 35 (some faculties or cycles list 40) — confirm with your chosen faculty.
19. What happens after selection? Your faculty forwards your application to the Office of Academic Affairs for final confirmation and official scholarship notification.
20. How competitive is this scholarship? Competition varies by faculty and program, but as a fully funded award with no nationality restrictions, demand is generally high.
21. Can I apply with a pending final-year result? Requirements vary by faculty; some may accept provisional results with final transcripts confirmed later — check directly with your target program.
22. What expenses are not covered? Faculty-specific special fees, summer session fees, and flight-related extras like rescheduling, seat upgrades, or meals are not covered.
23. Can I defer the scholarship? No, recipients are not allowed to defer their scholarship acceptance once it has been granted.
24. Can I apply if I’m already studying at Chulalongkorn University? No, students who have already studied at Chulalongkorn for more than one semester are not eligible.
25. How will I know if I’m selected? You’ll be notified through your faculty and the university’s Office of Academic Affairs once the selection process is complete.
Final Summary
The Chulalongkorn University Scholarships 2027 offer a genuinely accessible path to fully funded graduate study in Southeast Asia, with no nationality restrictions and a straightforward benefits package covering tuition, stipend, and accommodation. Since applications go through individual faculties rather than a single central deadline, your first move should be contacting your target program directly to confirm their specific requirements and timeline. Prepare your documents early, make sure your GPA and English scores meet the thresholds, and don’t miss your faculty’s internal screening deadline.