THAILAND · BANGKOK
Chulalongkorn University
public · Founded 1917 · Languages: en, th
In short
Chulalongkorn University is Thailand's oldest and most prestigious university, located centrally in Bangkok. It offers a wide range of English-medium programs and is ranked among the top global and Asian institutions.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1917
- Students
- 42,782
- International students
- 3,500
- Acceptance rate
- 15%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–4k/yr
- Languages
- EN, TH
- Location
- Bangkok, Thailand
Chulalongkorn University (CU) is Thailand's oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning, founded in 1917 by King Vajiravudh. Located in central Bangkok, it enrolls over 42,000 students across 20 faculties and consistently ranks first in Thailand and among the top 250 universities globally. CU's academic strengths span medicine, engineering, business, law, and the social sciences, with a growing portfolio of English-medium international programs. The Sasin School of Management is one of Southeast Asia's leading business schools, while the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Medicine are nationally dominant. The university is committed to research, innovation, and sustainable development in the Thai and regional context. The grand Bangkok campus is a national landmark, blending classical Thai architecture with modern facilities. Students enjoy a vibrant city-campus life with easy access to Bangkok's extraordinary cultural, culinary, and career opportunities.
Why study here
- Thailand's #1 ranked university with a global top-250 QS ranking and strong regional reputation.
- Wide range of English-medium international programs in business, engineering, and medicine.
- Vibrant Bangkok campus with direct access to Southeast Asia's largest economic and cultural hub.
- Affordable international tuition and low cost of living compared to Western universities.
- Strong alumni network across Thai government, business, and international organisations.
Student life
Life at Chulalongkorn is inseparable from the excitement of Bangkok. The campus itself offers sports facilities, cultural centres, and student clubs, while the surrounding Pathumwan area provides world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife. The university's annual Chula-Thammasat football rivalry is a major cultural event. International students benefit from dedicated support services and a growing expat student community.
Fees
InternationalTuition fees for international students vary by faculty group and study level. Undergraduate fees per semester range from 76,000 THB to 106,000 THB (approximately EUR 2,000–2,800 per semester). Graduate fees per semester range from 76,000 THB to 133,900 THB (approximately EUR 2,000–3,500). Annual totals for international programs: approximately EUR 4,000–7,000.
HomeThai domestic students pay significantly lower fees, typically THB 15,000–40,000 per semester depending on program and faculty.
LivingBangkok living costs for students are approximately THB 15,000–25,000 per month (EUR 400–650), including accommodation near campus, food (street food is very affordable), and transport.
Tuition fees are subject to periodic revision. USD equivalents were based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 34.26 THB. Additional charges may include application fees and academic document fees.
Admissions
High school completionRequired (12 years)
SAT (some programs)1000+ recommended
Application portalCU International Admissions online
IELTS6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT79 minimum
CU-TEP60 minimum (Chulalongkorn's own English test)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 20261st in Thailand
QS World University Rankings 2026211
QS Asia Rankings 2025Top 5 Southeast Asia
Times Higher Education Asia Rankings 2025Top 100 in Asia
University scholarships
Chulalongkorn University ScholarshipsPartial to full tuition for outstanding international applicants
Royal Thai Government ScholarshipFull scholarship for eligible ASEAN students
Sasin MBA ScholarshipsMerit-based partial scholarships
Accreditation
Office of the Higher Education Commission of Thailand (OHEC); AACSB accreditation for Sasin School of Management; medical programs recognised by the Medical Council of Thailand
Programs
a selectionChulalongkorn University · Thailand
Architecture Programs at Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Architecture is the first architecture school in Thailand, dedicated to research, experimentation, and fostering expertise in architectural design. The faculty offers programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering a wide range of disciplines. It aims to build international architectural knowledge based on unique cultural identity, with a strong sense of social responsibility and professional ethics. The faculty comprises six departments: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture, and Housing.
Bachelor's
Level
€2k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Chulalongkorn University · Thailand
Bachelor of Economics (International Program)
The Faculty of Economics at Chulalongkorn University is a leading institution for the study of human behavior related to economic phenomena. It is recognized as the premier institution for educating economists in Thailand. The faculty emphasizes interdisciplinary research to address the evolving global economic landscape. They offer undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including development economics, international economics, and public economics. Additionally, an international program in Economics (EBA) is available at the undergraduate level, alongside graduate programs such as Health Economics and Health Care Management, and Labour Economics and Human Resource Management.
Bachelor's
Level
€2k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Chulalongkorn University · Thailand
Bachelor of Laws (Business Law and Technology) (International Program)
The Faculty of Law at Chulalongkorn University is a leading institution for legal education in Thailand. It offers modern legal training that keeps pace with global developments, equipping students with both philosophical understanding and practical skills in various legal fields. The faculty provides programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering areas such as civil and criminal law, business law, international law, and public law. Additionally, there are special programs including part-time options and an international Master of Laws in Business Law.
Bachelor's
Level
€4k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Chulalongkorn University · Thailand
Center for Peace and Conflict Studies
The Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS) at Chulalongkorn University is dedicated to the academic exploration and understanding of peace and conflict. It aims to foster research, education, and engagement on critical issues related to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and societal harmony. The center serves as a hub for interdisciplinary study, bringing together various academic perspectives to address complex challenges in these fields.
Master's
Level
€5k
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Chulalongkorn University · Thailand
Centre for Buddhist Studies
The Centre for Buddhist Studies at Chulalongkorn University offers opportunities to engage with Buddhist philosophy and practice. Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the center provides a dedicated space for academic inquiry and research into Buddhism. While specific program details are not fully outlined, the center is part of a comprehensive university with a commitment to diverse academic fields. International students are welcomed at Chulalongkorn University, with various programs offered across different faculties. The university strives to provide a rich academic environment with access to resources and faculty expertise. Further details on specific course offerings, research opportunities, and campus life can be found on the Centre's website.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Chulalongkorn University · Thailand
Chulalongkorn Business School Programs
Chulalongkorn Business School (CBS) is Thailand's first business education institution, recognized globally with AACSB accreditation. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across its five departments: Accounting, Commerce, Banking and Finance, Marketing, and Statistics. CBS is committed to fostering business leaders and innovators for society, providing a strong foundation in business principles and practical skills. The school emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and real-world application, preparing students for diverse roles in the global business environment. With a focus on international standards and cutting-edge curriculum, CBS aims to be a leading business school in the region and beyond. Students can expect a dynamic learning experience with opportunities for research, internships, and international exchange programs.
Master's
Level
€2k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Thailandfull fundingAsian Institute of Technology (AIT)
AIT Royal Thai Government Scholarships
Open to applicants of all nationalities holding a strong undergraduate (and, for doctoral study, master's) record, typically a minimum GPA of 3.5, with IELTS 6.0 or an AIT EET score of 6.0 or above. Master's and doctoral candidates apply to qualifying programmes at AIT's three schools.
full
Funding
€51k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
full fundingVidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC)
VISTEC Scholarships
Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities applying to VISTEC's bachelor's, master's or research programmes across its 4 schools: Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Energy Science and Engineering, Information Science and Technology, and Molecular Science and Engineering. Applicants need an appropriate science or engineering background for their chosen school and an official English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS or CU-TEP), with applicants able to contact admissions if a score is not yet available.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Jan 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingChulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University Thai Government Scholarship
Open to international students who are not citizens of Thailand and come from countries in Asia, Africa, South America, and other developing nations, applying for Master's or PhD study at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok for the 2026/2027 academic year. Applicants must hold the appropriate prior degree (a Bachelor's for Master's study and a Master's for doctoral study) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, be under 35 years old, and be fluent in English; an English Proficiency Certificate may be submitted in place of an IELTS score. Required documents include the application form with photograph, CV, transcript, graduation certificate, passport copy, two recommendation letters, and a medical certificate.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingThailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA)
Thailand International Postgraduate Programme (TIPP) Scholarships
Open to applicants from TIPP-eligible countries who are nominated by the National Focal Point for International Development Cooperation in their country. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree (or relevant professional experience), work in a field related to the intended course, have a good command of English (with a proficiency test where required), be under 50 years of age and be in good physical and mental health.
full
Funding
€9k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
tuition only fundingBangkok University
Bangkok University Professional Excellence Scholarship
Open to Thai and international students entering undergraduate study at Bangkok University who are currently in Grade 12 (Mathayom 6) or have completed a high-school diploma and have not previously enrolled in any university programme except as an exchange student. Applicants must hold a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher across five semesters (or a GED score of at least 660 with a minimum of 165 in each subject) and must demonstrate exceptional achievements or projects related to their intended field of study.
tuition only
Funding
€9k
Max
Mar 7, 2027
Deadline
full fundingChulalongkorn University, Faculty of Medicine
Chulalongkorn University Scholarships (Medical and Biomedical Sciences)
Open to international students of all nationalities applying to the funded M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in medical and biomedical sciences. Master's applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree and Ph.D. applicants a relevant master's degree, both with a strong academic record on a 4.00 GPA scale, plus a valid IELTS or TOEFL-ITP English score (valid for two years). Candidates must also meet the specific requirements of the chosen programme.
full
Funding
—
Max
Apr 11, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is Chulalongkorn University's global ranking?
+
Chulalongkorn University is ranked 211th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and holds the #1 position in Thailand. It is also recognized among the Top 100 universities in Asia by Times Higher Education Asia Rankings 2025.
What are the tuition fees for international students at Chulalongkorn University?
+
International undergraduate tuition fees range from approximately THB 76,000 to 106,000 per semester, while graduate fees are between THB 76,000 and 133,900 per semester. Annual totals for international programs are roughly EUR 4,000–7,000.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Bangkok?
+
Students can expect living costs in Bangkok to be around THB 15,000–25,000 per month. This estimate includes accommodation, food, and transportation, with street food being a very affordable option.
Does Chulalongkorn University offer programs in English?
+
Yes, Chulalongkorn University offers a growing portfolio of English-medium international programs. Key areas include business, engineering, and medicine, with the Sasin School of Management being a leading business school in Southeast Asia.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants typically need to provide proof of English proficiency, with common requirements including an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, a TOEFL iBT score of 79 minimum, or a CU-TEP score of 60 minimum.
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