More than 3,500 students have already been awarded SET scholarships. That’s 3,500 university degrees or vocational diplomas for students who may never have been able to study beyond high school.

SET’s early point of entry into the education system means that many youngsters can be guaranteed support all the way through their study years, from high school to vocational college or university.

SET originally supported students only in vocational or tertiary education. As income has grown, our point of entry into the education system has become earlier and increasing numbers of high school students are also now supported. SET can now guarantee support for many students all the way through their study years, from junior high school to vocational diploma or university degree. By the time their studies are complete, some students will have been supported for up to twelve years.

SET is currently awarding scholarships to more than 1,000 students. The number drops at the end of each academic year when some students complete their studies, then increases again at the opening of the next year when new students are assessed. At the end of the 2008 academic year, 350 SET students completed their studies, including 113 with university degrees and 137 with vocational qualifications.  Another 100 younger students completed their high school studies and some went on to college or university, with new SET scholarships. There’s no doubt that without SET support, many would have dropped out before their studies were complete and before reaching their full potential.

SET doesn’t award scholarships on a ‘current semester’ only basis. That would be a short-sighted policy of no lasting benefit to the students. To SET, quality and continuity of support is as important as the number of students supported. If a student is awarded a scholarship, it is guaranteed for the entire length of his or her present course. Knowing they have continuity of support, our students can study without worrying where their next semester’s fees and expenses will come from. Continuity is guaranteed but grade average, attendance and behavior are taken into account. Welfare officers may recommend that a scholarship be withdrawn if a student doesn’t meet acceptable standards. That rarely happens. Welfare officers have said that simply knowing they have SET support often encourages students in their determination to study, as well as in their general behavior.

Where are SET’s students studying?

SET is supporting students at more than 50 universities, colleges and schools scattered across Thailand, though most study in Nakhon Sawan and surrounding provinces. With only volunteer staff, it is logical and administratively more efficient to keep our activities centralized. Although most now live and study in Nakhon Sawan, many students originally came from elsewhere – nearly half from a total of 44 other provinces.

Nakhon Sawan has four main centers of state education: Rajabhat University and three vocational colleges. The four establishments have a total enrolment of more than 22,000 students. Most of SET’s younger students in Nakhon Sawan study at seven inner-city high schools. Many live in slum communities and a high percentage are orphans or have been abandoned by their parents. Other students are supported at Nakhon Sawan's most prestigious high school, from which about 85% continue on to university.

Although the majority studies in Nakhon Sawan, students are supported in other provinces too, notably at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok Province in the north. Other students who were originally supported at schools or colleges in Nakhon Sawan have gone on to study at universities in other provinces, still with SET support. We also support a growing number of students at colleges and universities in the northeastern (Esarn) region and in the far north.

SET supports many hundreds of students at vocational and technical colleges, studying in five-year courses for skills diplomas. After completing college, many go on to university, still with SET support.

What are SET’s students studying?

Our students are studying for a wide range of university degrees and vocational qualifications. Subjects include English, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Engineering, Maths, Electronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geography, History, Management, Law, Social Development, Public Administration, Political Science, Marketing, Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Plant Science, Commerce, Food Science, Education Administration, Elementary & Primary Education, Physical Education, Electrical Engineering, Secretarial, Music, Fine Art, Ceramics, Dressmaking, Industrial Design, Auto Mechanics, Arc Welding, Building, Surveying, Physical Therapy, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Radiology, Psychology, Medical Technology, Cardio-Thoracic Technology, and Nursing.

How are students assessed for support?

These students were first supported through high school and were then awarded four-year extensions to their scholarships to enable them to study at university. They all now have Bachelor degrees but without SET support, they would have finished their education at grade 9, with only high school certificates.

The Thai academic year opens in May/June. SET budgets for the coming year in February, deciding then how many new scholarships can be offered to each university, college and school and how much to keep in reserve for the Student Welfare Fund and other programs. New students are chosen and assessed very carefully but poverty isn’t the only factor considered. SET’s criteria are always proven need plus proven diligence. Poor students can be lazy, no less than those from wealthier backgrounds, so diligence must play a part in the decision whether to offer support.

When students are assessed, SET relies greatly on the voluntary help and goodwill of welfare and teaching staff. As an example of the assessment procedure, at the beginning of the 2009 academic year, 70 new scholarships were offered to Rajabhat University in Nakhon Sawan. More than 700 students applied. Each student first completed a comprehensive questionnaire detailing his or her financial needs and family situation. A team of 60 welfare officers and teachers then interviewed every applicant. Based on the questionnaires and interviews, a list of 100 of the most needy students was prepared. Welfare staff then visited the home of each applicant to check the family situation. After several weeks’ work, the list was reduced to 70 students and welfare officers made their recommendations to SET. It’s a long and careful process to ensure that SET supports only the most deserving students.

Memorial, Corporate and Anniversary Scholarships

These four students at Nakhon Sawan High School all have Memorial Scholarships to take them through six years of high school and four years of university.

SET doesn't offer 'adoption' type sponsorship but donors can give scholarships in their own name or as Memorial, Anniversary or Corporate Scholarships. The special scholarships are usually awarded to first-year students at high school, college or university. The value of the scholarship must be at least equal to SET's current scholarship rate and the total amount of the scholarship must usually be donated in advance. Multiple scholarships can be tailored to suit the requirements of the donor and the value of the donation. Donors can specify the subject or subjects to be studied from a choice of nearly 50 majors. Blocks of scholarships can be awarded to students at a single college or university or spread amongst students at different institutions, entirely according to the instructions of the donor. If required, donors are kept informed of the student's progress but no personal contact can be allowed between donor and student.  

Memorial Scholarsips can be given in the name of a deceased partner, relative or friend. The scholarship is presented to the student at the opening of each semester in the name specified by the donor.

Corporate Scholarships are presented in the donor company's name at the opening of each semester. Scholarships are usually presented by a SET trustee but a representative of the donor company can give the scholarship personally, if preferred. The donor company can use details of its SET scholarship program in its publicity material, website etc and will be provided with photo opportunities if required.

Anniversary Scholarships. On special occasions, such as wedding anniversaries or birthdays, some supporters ask their friends to contribute money for a scholarship, instead of giving presents. SET supports many students as a result of this type of giving.