Thailand has some of the best international schools and universities in Thailand & Asia, which compete with many of the developed countries in terms of providing an all-around education. Mahidol University located in Salaya is considered the #1 University in Thailand, due to the advanced curriculum, a wide array of extra-curricular activities, and a “welcome to all” policy for foreign students who wish to study here.
Let’s take a look at the reasons why this is one of the best universities to attend in Thailand and some of the other great options available to foreigners wanting to study in Thailand.
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Why International Students Choose To Study In Thailand?.
Relocating to Thailand with your family is a smart move if you want to live a luxurious life with increased purchasing power and a lower cost of living. However, to be able to maintain a balance between a luxurious life and a fully functional life, it is important to do your research before you move to Thailand.
Moving to Thailand with your family can seem like a troublesome task if you have teenagers studying and you have to transfer them before their higher education is complete. This is mainly due to you being tasked with the chore of finding a good university in a foreign land. Do not fret just as yet, we have got you covered! Continue reading about everything you need to know about the best universities in Thailand in your ultimate ex-pat guide by Silk Estate.
Top 3 Benefits of Choosing Universities in Thailand.
There are multiple benefits of studying abroad, irrespective if your child lives on campus or in your Bangkok condo with you and travels to his college. There are more than a handful of benefits of choosing a top university in Thailand, but here is a list of the top 3 benefits.
Benefit # 1 – Culturally Diverse Environment – International universities with a culturally diverse environment ensure a rich learning experience with accredited courses in the best Thai universities. Most of the leading universities in Thailand have embraced the modern and Western semester system. This has made it possible to easily align and include foreign students who wish to transfer from other countries and join a Thailand college.
Benefit #2 – A Wide Range of Options – There are two types of education systems in Thailand that offer globally accredited degree courses, the first is public universities, and the second is private universities. Keep in mind that as the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce is both an established institution as well as a private non-profit higher education body, all the courses offered are recognized worldwide.
Benefit #3 – Excellent Education At A Reduced Cost – Public universities in Thailand are much cheaper to study in, and offer degrees that are accredited as well as engage the students in a wholesome manner. The courses can be up to an extent tailored to suit your child’s intellectual needs with the inclusion of sports, arts, music, theatre, and other extracurricular activities. The average cost of the total tuition paid for a graduate degree in Thailand for private universities can range from USD $17,000 to $27,000 for a foreign student. While many universities offer both scholarships and financial aid for education, foreign students need to check this with the chosen university before they apply for admission.
What Is The Number 1 University in Thailand.
A List of The Top Colleges and Universities in Thailand for International Students
#1 – Mahidol University
Mahidol University is known to be the leading college in Thailand that welcomes international students from different destinations. International students are offered assistance from the International Edu and Admin Departments right from the process of applying until they are accepted. Students are offered options of courses including the International Bachelor of Science Program among others.
#2 – Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University is one of the most recommended universities for foreign students looking for degrees, master’s, doctorate, and short courses. It has been ranked as the preferred college to study for 8 years in a row by 8 Consecutive Years by QS World University Rankings (2021). This Thailand college offers more than 124 international accredited programs for foreign students at the graduate level with additional courses and choices for a doctorate, master’s certificate, and short courses.
#3 – Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai University is known to be the third leading university in Thailand, that offers international collaboration to foreign students. Some of the degree programs offered by this leading Thailand college include accreditations in the fields of chemistry, clinical medicine, engineering, food science and technology, and plant and animal science.
3 Steps To Applying for International Universities in Thailand.
Applying for a good university in Thailand can be done online, you do not necessarily need to visit the University to apply unless you choose to view the campus for yourself. Keep in mind that the application process might differ slightly based on which university in Thailand you choose. However, most universities offer a standard application process, to keep things simple for international students.
Step #1 – Get The Needed Documents To Submit The Application
· A copy of your high school transcript with an English translation if applicable.
· A certified copy of your high school diploma with an English translation if applicable.
· A complete school history profile in the English Language.
· A photograph in a school uniform or a formal shirt. The ideal size for the photograph is 450 x 350 pixels.
· For international students who are non-native English speakers, an additional submission of the official and electronic results from the TOEFL is needed with the application form. If TOEFL isn’t applicable then the iBT or IELTS Academic or PTE Academic with a minimum validity of 2 years is needed to be submitted with the application form. The following minimum scores are required.
· The official ACT Math Score or SAT Math Score must also be furnished with the application. The document must have a minimum of 2 years of validity. Most colleges accept a minimum of 500-600 ACT and SAT scores to be eligible for admission.
· Two letters of recommendation from your past school/college/or eligible individuals
· A clear and easy-to-read photocopy of your passport
· A well-written 250 to 500 words Statement of Purpose
· A Medical Certificate should also be furnished with the application form
· A Financial Statement is needed for all international applicants
· An application fee equivalent to between 50 USD to 75 USD, the application fee doesn’t include any international transfer fees. These have to be paid separately by the applicant.
Step #2 -Submitting the Admission Form
Most universities offer the option to get a copy of the admission form online. Once filled out, and furnished with all the needed electronic soft copy proofs, the admission form can be emailed to the official email ID of the chosen university.
Step # 3- Complete The Placement Test
Colleges that accept applicants as full-time students are required to complete the placement test online or in person. In case, any international students do not submit the TOEFL iBT or IELTS score with the supporting documents, they have to go through an additional English writing placement test. This additional test is mandatory for most schools and colleges as it helps the university gauge how to place them.
Choosing The Right University to Study In Thailand For You.
Chances are that when you plan to move to Thailand with teenagers, you might tend to put a lot of emphasis on finding a condo close to the university where your children plan to study. Some amount of apprehension is expected when you move abroad and relocate with your children to a foreign land.
However, you should note that Thailand keeps its promise of being a land of smiles as it is a perfectly safe place to live, work, study, and relax. Thailand has been a low threat on most of the international country lists for terrorism, mass violence, acts of hate, and communal issues.
Language barriers do exist and might appear from time to time, however, most of the citizens of Thailand are familiar with English. The Thai population is no stranger to foreigners and welcomes people from all countries from different walks of life. If in doubt, do your research about the various aspects of relocating to Thailand. Make sure to also take the time to read blogs such as this, which can help you understand the Top 10 Reasons To Become an Expat & Move To Thailand in 2024.
What’s Next For Expats Planning To Relocate to Thailand in 2024?
To encourage affluent global citizens and business owners, Thailand rolled out a series of attractive incentives and perks that go over and beyond basic benefits such as visa privileges. These incentives and perks give global citizens the right to buy property, live in Thailand with their family for 5,10,15, and 20 years, as well as enjoy a wide range of work and play benefits. If you haven’t already, then consider reading blog posts such as Everything You Need To Know About The Thailand Elite Visa.
If moving to Thailand is a thought that has been on your mind for a while, and you would like to actualize this thought, then look for a realtor to do the leg work for you, while you focus on what’s important!
Silk Estate is more than a realtor, we are a leading property expert in Thailand, that offers you so much more than condos, condotels, and villas. We offer you the best properties, and luxury houses in prime locations, and most importantly, we give you the option to make your dreams of living in Thailand come true. Contact Silk Estate today to understand how to transform your thoughts of relocation into a real possibility.
