7 Best Universities In Chiang Mai For International Students 2025

Chiang Mai is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Thailand. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 7 universities in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai University and Maejo University are the top-performing schools in Chiang Mai. This list covers both public and private institutions in Chiang Mai.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Chiang Mai. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Chiang Mai.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Chiang Mai?

Applying to the universities in Chiang Mai involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Chiang Mai to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Chiang Mai?

Tuition fees at Chiang Mai’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 70,000 THB to 170,000 THB , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 40,000 THB to 330,000 THB. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Chiang Mai!

As we cover the best universities in Chiang Mai for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Chiang Mai for International Students

Chiang Mai University (CMU) came to fruition when the Thai government decided to expand and provide quality higher education across regions in the country, marking it the first-ever public provincial university to be established. Not only does CMU provide high standards of teaching, but it also prioritizes the preservation of the region’s traditional Lanna Culture and Northern customs, which are evident through its programs and related projects.

Maejo University is a leading university promoting global agriculture excellence by educating its students to become academic and professional geniuses in various fields in the agricultural sector. The school encourages students to become entrepreneurs, scientific researchers, and administrative experts who use applied science, information technology, and economic development principles to expand the agricultural industry.

Chiang Mai Rajabhat University was formerly known as Payap Provincial Agricultural Teacher Training School. The school develops and trains teachers and academic personnel to meet the standards suitable for the profession. CMRU also produces graduates that can understand the value of education, can enhance knowledge, and are interested in delivering quality services to the growth of the educational sector.

The Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) is a public university in Chang Mai offering vocational and technical education in conjunction with conventional undergraduate and postgraduate studies. It began its history in 1975 as Payap Technical College and later became a university in 2003 when it obtained university status by the decree of Thailand’s government. As a consequence of its background as a former technical college, RMUTL is proficient in training technical experts and emphasizes the use of practice-based learning in its education of students.

Not to be confused with Chiang Mai University, North Chiang Mai University is a private institution of higher learning in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The university offers a variety of courses but focuses on management, science, and technology. It styles itself as the pride of Northern Thailand and aims to become a university renowned for its science and technology programs.

Far Eastern University is a leading academic institution established in Thailand in 1999. The university integrates academic education with practical experience to produce well-rounded graduates. The university offers various industry partnerships to provide its students with practical experience. It’s supportive learning environment prepares students to become leaders in their chosen fields.

Payap University is the first private university to be established outside of Bangkok. It has strived to become a leading institute that can accommodate and train students in the region. Over the years, the institute has continued progressing and expanding its departments into developing exclusive programs in various academic disciplines, attracting students from across Asia. In addition, it is one of Thailand’s few private universities accredited and recognized by the US Department of Education. Apart from that, the university also has active collaborations with other countries.