Well, it gets really confusing when it comes to choosing which university is best for you after high school. However, the World Scholarship Forum is always looking out for the best way to let you make the right decisions always. Hence, this compilation of the best universities in Thailand in 2024 is one great piece you should read.
Thailand has a solid education system and an adult literacy rate of 93%. In fact, its universities have appeared among the best schools across the globe on major ranking sites.
Basically, vital information on a number of reasons why you should choose to study in Thailand, where best to get a degree alongside best degree programs in each university is found in this article. For an overview, it’s actually best you click on the table of content to see all subtopics.
Why study in Thailand?
One of the most important reasons to study in Thailand is that it is easy to get admission. The land of smiles gives students a very hospitable environment to learn.
Thai universities are best known for science and technology. This feature will make the student learn modern advances. Many students travel to Thailand to study courses like ecology and environment, agriculture and development. They offer the best in these courses in South Asia.
If you also want to learn Thai, Thailand is the best place for it.
Thailand has a very strong economy that is always advancing. Their cost of living is low. If you are looking for a place you can survive with a low budget, consider a Thailand University. Food is very cheap and can be bought at about $1 per meal.
The culture has a perfect blend of old and new. It is a beautiful place for people interested in a historic environment.
Thailand is quite affordable.
How Much Is Tuition In Thailand?
Obviously, while there is an estimate of the cost of education in Thailand, so many other factors will influence the amount you spend to acquire a degree. These factors will include your choice of university, the duration of the program alongside your personal disposition as a student.
However, a master’s degree at a public university is usually about $1,000 to $2,000 a year. So, you may expect to pay less for undergraduate degrees although professional courses like medicne may cost more.
Tuition at private universities is about $75 (US) to $125 (US) per credit hour.
How Many Universities Are In Thailand?
According to Research, Thailand has about 310 colleges, universities and tertiary schools. There are about 80 public universities in Thailand and about 71 private schools for you to study in.
In these 80 public schools, 63 are classified as limited admission universities. This means that they do not accept so many students in a given session.
2 are open admission schools, 15 autonomous universities. An autonomous university is that school that has its own administration. They make their own decisions culminated by the management board.
All the schools, fortunately, accept international students. See their International ranking.
The most popular courses students study in Thailand university study are Thai and English language, business administration, and international business and marketing.
Best universities in Thailand that offer an online class
Universities in Thailand offer online classes for students who cannot migrate to their country to their studies.
In Thailand, there are various online degrees. They are in areas of Agriculture and Forestry, Applied sciences, Arts, Design & Architecture, Business & Management, Computer Science and IT, Education & Training, etc
The schools are Mahidol University and Chulalongkorn University.
What are the best Undergraduate Universities in Thailand?
The normal duration to study for bachelor’s degree programs in four years. The following courses require five years of study: architecture, art, graphic art and pharmacy that require five years of study.
Then, medical sciences like medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine require basic training that lasts at least six years.
Most schools have a two 16-week semester and a summer session to make up an academic year. The first semester is from June to October. The second semester is from November to March. The summer session starts from April to May.
Some use the western calendar where the academic session will be from September to December and January to May.
The best undergraduate universities in Thailand are Thammasat University, Mahidol University, Mae Fah Luang University, Chulalongkorn University, and Chiang Mai University, and the King Mongkut’s University of Technology.
Which University in Thailand is Best For a Masters Degree?
In Thailand, there are over 400 masters programs for international students and they are taught in English.
Many Thailand universities are regarded highly in courses like law, environmental studies, energy, and law. There are causes also in business and management. Most of them are taught in English.
The Master’s degree program at a university in Thailand is usually for 2 years. You need 36 credit hours to complete the course. Students normally earn 9-15 credit hours per semester.
Most schools have a two 16-week semester and a summer session to make up an academic year. The first semester is from June to October. The second semester is from November to March. The summer session starts from April to May.
Some use the western calendar where the academic session will be from September to December and January to May.
Actually, the best Thailand universities you can enroll for a master’s program are Chiang Mai University, Mahidol University, Naresuan University, and Chulalongkorn.
The universities with the lowest tuition fee are Thammasat, Nauresan, Mahasarakhasan, and Prince of Songkran.
Best Universities in Thailand for International Students
There are several schools in Thailand that it has become increasingly difficult to select the best schools.
The most popular courses studied by International students are Thai and English language, business administration and international business and marketing.
Here is the list of the best schools in Thailand for international students:
Ranking Criteria
We consider the following in ranking the schools as the best in Thailand
We will proceed to describe these best schools in Thailand with the programs they offer.
They are listed according to their rank.
#1 Mae Fah Luang University
This prestigious university has been ranked as the 1st in Animal science technology.
Currently, they have an application for admission ongoing for international students for academic year 2024.
One of the most outstanding qualities of this school is that English language is the primary mode of learning/teaching in the major courses at this Thailand University.
The university runs programs for Preparatory Course, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree and also Short-term Programme. Some of the short programs last for 3 weeks, some 2 weeks and some are even for a week.
Founded to meet the demands of the royal family, this school exudes royalty in all forms.
The school is extremely good in medical sciences. But, they offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in many courses.
It is worthy of note that every new student has to complete an English preparatory course.
Although established in 1998, this school ranks as the best university in Thailand for International students. The tuition difference between that of international students and domestic students is $250 for undergraduates and $700 for postgraduate students.
They also accept exchange students and run an exchange program.
#2 Mahidol University
Established in 1888, Mahidol University is a public institution. Basically, it is located in a large town of Nakhon Pathom.
The school was officially accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Thailand.
Mahidol University (MU) is a large school, having an enrollment range from uniRank of around 25,000-29,999 students per year.
In recent times, most universities do not have courses designed for pre-bachelors degree holders. Mahidol University (MU) has broken that jinx by offering courses and programs in pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees).
In addition, they also have courses for bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 132 years Thailand university has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
It has been ranked as the number 2 university in the country.
#3 Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University is a public higher institution located in Bangkok. The school was officially accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Thailand.
According to uniRank enrollment, CU has a student range of about 35,000-39,999 students. It has 37,280 students currently from the 2024 ranking data.
Chulalongkorn University (CU) offers courses and programs virtually in all academic disciplines at both bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees.
This university’s impeccable record makes it one of the best universities in Thailand for international students.
As a result, it is the number three university in Thailand.
#4 Chiang Mai University
This is a reputable public research university that has over 36,300 students.
Chiang Mai University is internationally ranked as the best for seven subjects, in addition, it has a position in the global top 150 for agriculture and forestry.
Today, CMU has seventeen Faculties with 107 individual departments and a Graduate School.
Currently, they offer courses in a total of 253 programs: 3 Certificate Programs, 87 undergraduate programs and 163 postgraduate and graduate diploma programs. Their student population is over 25,000.
In addition, they offer two international Bachelor’s programs and 18 international Masters and Doctoral programs, taught in the English language, to the international student. Learning in English makes it easier and more enjoyable for students.
#5 Kasetsart University
This prestigious Thailand university founded in 1943 is a public institution located in the metropolis of Bangkok.
It was officially accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Thailand.
Kasetsart University (KU) is a very large school with a uniRank enrollment range of over-45,000 students.
This university offers courses and programs in pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in many areas of study.
#6 Khon Kaen University
Established in 1964, Khon Kaen University is located in the large town of Khon Kaen. That is to say that the university is named after a town in Thailand.
The school also has another branch campus in Nong Khai. It was officially accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Thailand.
KKU for short has a very large student base of 40,000-44,999 students.
Khon Kaen University offers courses and programs in which students can earn a degree in pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
They have a selective admission policy where students are tested based on entrance examinations and their past academic records and grades.
The admission rate range is 0-10% making this top university in Thailand one of the most selective schools in the country. They accept International applicants into the school.
#7 King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Thonburi
This Thailand university is 60 years old. Established in 1960.
They have a handful of international students, including staff. Their exchange student program is both inbound and outbound.
With around 49 Bachelor’s Programs, 66 Master’s Programs, and 33 Doctoral Programs, they also have 60 international programs.
This top university in Thailand has 4 campuses located in Bangmod, Bangkhuntein, Ratchaburi learning park and KMUTT knowledge exchange for Innovation center.
Best known for Engineering and technology, it offers different courses in different fields.
Their bachelor’s degree program only has 3 faculties, Engineering, Information Technology, and Architecture and Design. Their master’s program has more courses which are about 6 faculties while the doctorate degree offers the highest of 11 faculties.
There are 11 international programs available for undergraduate students.
#8 Mahasarakham University
Mahasarakham is a research-oriented school comprising of 17 faculties, 2 colleges, 1 school, and 1 institution. The school has 2 campuses. MSU offers 177-degree programs: 87 Bachelor’s degree programs, 57 Master’s degree programs, and 33 Doctoral degree programs
The colleges in MSU are College of Music, College of Politics and Governance.
For the number of courses offered, they rank very high.
Their best courses are offered in arts-related courses and social sciences.
#9 Thammasat University
Thammasat University his currently an open university for law and politics to an internationally recognized university that offers all levels of academic degrees across a broad variety of fields and disciplines.
It has graduated more than 300,000 undergraduate and graduate students who have greatly contributed to the development and progress of Thai society and the nation.
#10 Prince of Songkla University
Established in 1967, Prince of Songkla University is located in Hat Yai Songkhla.
The school also has a branch campus in Phuket. It was accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Thailand,
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has a student base according to uniRank of 30,000-34,999 students.
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 52 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
The admission rate range is 60-70% making this Thai higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
#11 Naresuan University
Naresuan is a top research university in Thailand that ranked as number 2 in the London modern university for research intensity.
One of the reasons this school is ranked high is because it is a very good research institute, also, most of their courses are offered in English. Every student gets to take the English proficiency test.
The tests are IELTS, Naresuan University Writing Proficiency Test (NU-Writing), TOEFL, Cambridge English Placement Test (CEPT) and Chulalongkorn University Test of English Proficiency (CU-TEP).
It is a well-rounded school offering many courses including medical sciences.
#12 Burapha University
Burapha University is a public university with almost 50,000 students who have enrolled for their undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. programs.
Established in 1955, the university has three campuses: Chonburi, Chanthaburi, and Sakae. Since 2016, the university has been administered by the Thai government.
The university has a serene environment both within it and in the city. Because the town doesn’t experience so many immigrants and tourists, the students will experience more of the original Thai environment.
This is another Thailand university that offers short courses in addition to bachelor’s, masters and other post-graduate programs.
They offer business and nursing courses are in English for international students.
#13 Srinahkharinwirot University
There are 10 programs taught in English for international students and 4 faculties that teach in both Thai and English.
This school is the home of education. At first, it was a school solely for training teachers before it was upgraded to include other courses including Acting and Directing.
Formerly, it had 8 campuses out of which the university of Burapha University (formerly Bang Saen Campus), Naresuan University (formerly Phitsanulok Campus), Mahasarakham University was formed.
Even with these new universities coming out from it, it still rates high as a good citadel of learning.
#14 Suranaree University of Technology
This is one of the 9 research universities in Thailand.
The school has a commendable technology inclination. Fascinatingly, they even conduct Skype interviews for its scholarship scheme.
They offer scholarship opportunities to different students from different locations.
There is a scheme called education loan that is given to students, including international students. It can even be approved before your visa is ready.
#15 Ramkhamhaeng University
Ramkhamhaeng University (RU) (Thai: มหาวิทยาลัยรามคำแหง) is Thailand’s largest public university. The university provides an effective and economical way to meet public demand for higher education. That means it is cheap to attend.
Ramkhamhaeng University has two major campuses, both in Bangkok.
Classes for freshmen are held at Bang Na campus while other classes are conducted at the main campus at Hua Mak.
About 435,000 students attend the university: 400,000 undergraduates and 35,000 graduate students
Thailand University FAQs
According to QS Asia University Ranking 2018, Mahidol University and Chulalongkorn University. These are also among the best, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thammasat University, Chiang Mai University. They first two universities mentioned are among the top 60 universities in Asia according to the QS Asia University Rankings 2018.
310
As of 2018, Thailand had 310 colleges, universities, and tertiary academic institutes. This is a categorized listing of institutions of higher learning in Thailand.
Yes, if you get the work permit. But if you are here on a student visa, you are not allowed to work. But most people said it is hard to find a job for foreigners or non-thai students because most of the job positions are for Thai citizen only.
According to 2018 top Thailand university ranking.
Tuition and fees vary across universities and programs. Tuition for master’s degree programs at public universities is usually about $1,000 (US) to $2,000 (US) per year. Tuition at private universities is about $75 (US) to $125 (US) per credit hour.
Conclusion
Thailand has over 130 universities, colleges, and tertiary institutions. All of which are nice to attend.
But, for an institution to be accepted or ranked among the best for international students, there are some attributes.
Firstly, the language used to teach must be such that the student will understand. Even if they take a year course in the local language, it won’t be enough time t understand the language in-depth.
it is usually easy to learn in the English language which is generally accepted.
Secondly, the courses the university offers has to be that that appeals to international students.
Lastly, the tuition has to be within an acceptable rate the student can afford.
Although other factors were considered while ranking as the number of program courses and accreditation, the aforementioned are also important.
I hope this post will be a guide to your decision making.
References
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