The mission of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and Faculty of Tropical Medicine (FTM), Mahidol University―SEAMEO TROPMED Thailand is to address health system needs by developing and strengthening capacity for health research through teaching and research for advanced knowledge in tropical medicine. Hence, both institutions agreed to collaborate on the development and implementation of Foreign Graduate Scholarship (FGS) Programs in Tropical Medicine. 

The FGS Programs in Tropical Medicine offer exciting opportunities for research training particularly on tropical diseases. The programs aim to provide opportunities to deserving students to study and obtain graduate degrees abroad and develop a pool of high-quality human resources who will contribute to the country’s global competitiveness and economic development. 

Applicant’s research interests must be aligned with the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) and Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA).

Programs

Master of Science in Tropical Medicine

The two-year program focuses on equipping students with scientific knowledge on tropical diseases, public health and related subjects. The goal of the program is to provide a balanced education that combines knowledge, skills, and moral values. The program has been developed to stimulate students to embrace life-long learning in scientific research, develop their soft and communication skills, and build their leadership ability.

Doctor of Philosophy in Tropical Medicine

The three-year multidisciplinary program offers broad areas in Tropical Medicine including Protozoology, Helminthology, Medical Entomology, Microbiology and Immunology, Social and Environmental Medicine, Tropical Hygiene, Tropical Nutrition and Food Science, Tropical Pathology and Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics focusing on active learning experience in well-equipped laboratory and at field site to equip graduates with multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in Tropical Medicine.

Capacity

Two (2) positions for the MSc program and one (1) position for the PhD program will be available each year at FTM Mahidol University―SEAMEO TROPMED Thailand (subject to the availability of funds).

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must:

1. 1. be a Filipino citizen;
   2. not be more than 50 years old at the time of application;
   3. be in good health condition; 
   4. have completed BSc/MSc degree in related field of study;
   5. have an outstanding academic record; 
   6. have passed the admission requirements for the MSc/PhD study in Mahidol University; 
   7. have passed the interview and other screening procedures;
   8. not engage in any form of employment while on scholarship; and
   9. be willing to render the required return service obligation* for a period equivalent to twice the length of time or a fraction thereof that they enjoyed the MSc/PhD scholarship.

*(include definition of RSO)

Scholarship Privileges

1. Tuition, research fund, and other school fees;
2. Learning materials and/or connectivity allowance;
3. Outright thesis/dissertation grant (upon request and subject to evaluation);
4. Pre-departure expenses (one-time only);
5. One roundtrip economy fare from residence in the Philippines to Thailand (start and end of the scholarship period only); 
6. Living/subsistence allowance; and
7. Health and accident insurance

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Note: An Applicant who has already started their studies abroad prior to application to the scholarship program can no longer apply.

2026 TIMELINE 

HOW TO APPLY

Program Admission at Mahidol University

• Master of Science in Tropical Medicine (Plan1.2) 4801MG00
• Doctor of Philosophy in Tropical Medicine (Plan2.1) 4801DG00

To apply, visit Mahidol University’s Online Admission System. After submitting your application to Mahidol University, upload your CV at bit.ly/2026MSc-Thailand-Portal for MSc applicants or bit.ly/2026PhD-Thailand-Portal for PhD applicants for PCHRD’s initial screening.

Scholarship Application

Requirements*

1. Curriculum vitae (CV)
2. Letter of Acceptance from Mahidol University
3. Accomplished Application form with recent ID picture
4. Accomplished Re-entry Action Plan (narrative)
5. Certifications for all qualifications undertaken (i.e. Diploma/Certificate of Bachelor’s Degree for MSc applicants or Diploma/Certificate of Master’s Degree for PhD applicants)
6. Transcript of records (Certified true copy)
7. Recommendation letters from two (2) former professors in college for MSc applicants or two (2) former professors in the Master’s Program for PhD applicants
8. If employed:
   • Certificate of Employment (COE)
   • Recommendation letter from Head of Agency
   • Permission to take a leave of absence (LOA) while on scholarship

*All requirements must be submitted until March 31, 2026 (Tuesday), 5PM.

Applicant/s who were able to pass PCHRD’s interview will be asked to submit the following:

1. PSA Birth Certificate (Photocopy)
2. Valid NBI Clearance (Original)
3. Medical Certificate as to health status from a licensed physician with their PRC license number indicated

Applicant/s who will be accepted in the program will be asked to submit the following before departure to Thailand: 

• Budgetary Requirements – attach at least three (3) airfare and three (3) health and accident insurance canvasses (include respective website references)
• Program of Study/Course Curriculum from Mahidol University

Submission of documents:

• Address all letters to:

Dr. Jaime C. Montoya

Executive Director III, DOST-PCHRD

Saliksik Bldg., Sikap St., DOST Compound, 

Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City 1631 Philippines

• Upload all required documents at: https://scholarship.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/

For any other inquiries, email us at foreignscholarship@pchrd.dost.gov.ph.