Thailand - Open Study/Research Award

Full Job Description

The 2027-2028 Competition is now open. The National Deadline is October 6, 2026 at 5pm Eastern Time. Start an application.

East Asia-Pacific

Europe & Eurasia

Middle East & North Africa

South & Central Asia

Sub-Saharan Africa

Western Hemisphere

2 Open Study/Research Award

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Accepted Degree Levels

• Bachelor's
• Master's
• Doctoral

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Grant Period

Fall Start

Grant Length

6-10 Months

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• Bachelor's
• Master's
• Doctoral

Projects are sought in all disciplines. Applicants are encouraged to review Thailand’s priorities from the Thirteenth National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027), and Thailand’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP). While applicants may apply in any area of their interest, Fulbright Thailand prioritizes areas aligned with the country’s priorities, including but not limited to economic growth, social development, long-term environmental resource management, water management, agriculture, food security, public health, and natural resources management.

The grant period is 6-10 months from the date of arrival in Thailand.

No Pre-Departure Orientation.

Eligible candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in any field to undertake study/research projects in a broad range of disciplines at Thai education institutions or relevant agencies

Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.

Overview: Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, offers a vibrant mix of modern cities, rich cultural traditions, and stunning natural landscapes. From bustling markets and lively festivals to serene temples and tropical islands, daily life is welcoming, colorful, and full of opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with local communities.

Cultural and Historical Significance: Thailand is a country rich in culture and tradition, offering colorful festivals like Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong that light up the year. Visitors can explore stunning temples, palaces, and local markets, experiencing a culture that blends art, spirituality, and community. Its unique traditions and warm hospitality make Thailand an unforgettable place to live and learn.

Living in Thailand: Living in Thailand means experiencing the vibrant life of bustling cities, the charm of historic towns, and the serenity of tropical islands. Street food, local markets, and welcoming communities make everyday life exciting and accessible. Affordable living costs and excellent regional connections add convenience for both personal and professional exploration.

Language: Thai is the national language, known for its melodic tones and distinctive script. While English is widely used in academia and urban areas, learning basic Thai phrases opens doors to deeper cultural experiences and builds meaningful connections. Many visitors find that even small efforts to speak the language are warmly appreciated by locals.

Climate: Thailand’s tropical climate supports a productive work environment year-round, with hot, rainy, and cool seasons shaping a vibrant backdrop for daily life. During personal time, visitors can enjoy nearby beaches, scenic landscapes, and short trips to explore cultural or natural sites, making it easy to balance work and leisure.

Education and Research Opportunities: Thailand’s universities and research institutions offer excellent opportunities for collaboration. Visitors can engage in research, teaching, and community projects, while the academic calendar, August to December (1st semester), January to May (2nd semester), and June to July (summer) provides a clear framework for productive work and short personal travel.

Conclusion: Thailand combines strong professional opportunities with a welcoming environment and rich culture. Work can be productive and collaborative, while short personal travel allows for exploration of local traditions, natural beauty, and vibrant communities, making the experience both professionally rewarding and personally memorable.

American citizens, including those with Thai-U.S. dual citizenship, are eligible to apply. Dual citizens must use their American passports to enter Thailand.

Americans who have spent more than 180 days in Thailand in the year prior to application deadline (e.g., October 8 2025 to October 7, 2026, for the 2027-2028 program) are not eligible.

After the application deadline, applicants must not be associated with any Thai institutions, including conducting research or teaching in Thailand before they begin their grant. Leisure travels to Thailand are acceptable.

Applicants are expected to be in the U.S. and travel from the U.S. to begin their grant.

• Bachelor's
• Master's
• Doctoral

If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.

Additional Information: Thai language proficiency may be necessary for certain projects, depending on the nature of the proposed work. Applicants without Thai language skills should include plans for language study in their Fulbright projects.

If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.

All grantees must affiliate with Thai universities or academic institutions and include an affiliation letter with their Fulbright application.

Fulbright grantees must apply for a non-immigrant visa type F when coming to Thailand. Since the grant period is more than 90 days, host institutions of Fulbright Student Researchers must issue a letter confirming that applicants are working with them. This letter is necessary for Fulbright Thailand to facilitate a visa extension. Therefore, having an invitation letter from the host institution is required, as it ensures they accept to host the applicant during the grant period.

When emailing potential host institutions or project contacts, applicants should include all relevant contacts and attach a current CV and a concise statement (no more than 500 words) describing their interest in the program, particularly their primary research interests.

Any applicable fees should be waived by the host institution.

• A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
• International travel benefits
• Accident & sickness health benefits
• 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
• 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

Fulbright Student Researchers will receive all allowances and reimbursements in Thai Baht (local currency). Estimates are provided in U.S. dollars using an exchange rate of 32 Baht per dollar. Allowances are provided on a monthly basis and are subject to proration for partial months, in accordance with the grant period.

• Monthly stipend: 25,000 Baht (approximately $780)

• Monthly housing allowance: 14,000 Baht (approximately $435)

• Monthly subsistence allowance: 4,000 Baht (approximately $125)

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

• Language training allowance
• Research/Materials allowance
• Settling in allowance

Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

Fulbright Thailand will arrange economy round-trip tickets with two pieces of luggage, each weighing ~23 kilograms, for each Fulbright Student Researcher from a preferred airport in the U.S. to an airport near their host institution, in accordance with the Fly America Act. Costs for extra weight and luggage shall be paid by the Fulbright Student Researcher.

Additionally, each Fulbright Student Researcher will receive a lump sum of 4,500 Baht (approximately $140) for in-transit expenses each trip (9,000 Baht in total), 10,000 Baht (approximately $310) for one-time relocation or settling-in expenses, and 30,000 Baht (approximately $935) for research/book/material allowance. Any materials purchased through this allowance should be donated to the host institution upon completion of the project. All of these amounts will be deposited with their first monthly allowance.

In the event that the Fulbright Student Researcher’s host institution is located outside Bangkok and the Fulbright Student Researcher is required to stay in Bangkok to open a Thai bank account prior to departing to the host institution, Fulbright Thailand shall reimburse accommodation expenses for up to two (2) nights, not to exceed 2,500 Baht per night (approximately $80), upon submission of the original receipt, booking confirmation, and/or folio.

Special Award Benefit

Fulbright Student Researchers are encouraged to enroll in formal Thai language training at a language institution. Reimbursement of up to 20,000 Baht (approximately $625) will be provided upon submission of a certificate of completion and official receipt.

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

The cost of living in Thailand varies based on an individual’s lifestyle. While Fulbright Thailand cannot match the stipend levels provided in the U.S., the stipend we offer ensures that our Fulbrighters can live comfortably, with all necessities covered.

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