23 Best Public Universities in Bangkok for International Students
Bangkok is one of the cities in Thailand you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Bangkok can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 39 universities you can find in Bangkok, and 23 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Bangkok a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Bangkok, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
Public Universities in Bangkok
1. Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University is recognized as the first institution of higher learning in Thailand, and despite being the oldest school, it has not lost its touch as it continues to thrive as a center of professional excellence and a pillar of academic learning. The school encourages students to acquire knowledge and use it to develop their society as well as preserve values and culture while having a deep sense of social responsibility and morality.
2. Kasetsart University
Kasetas University was at the forefront, leading the advancement of the agricultural sector through delivering world-class teaching and research instructions on various topics relating to agriculture and its many benefits. The school continues to lead and contribute to the sustainable growth of the community and ensures that its students are some of the most capable individuals whose ability meets international standards.
3. Thammasat University
Known as the second oldest university in Thailand, Thammasat University is one of the leading schools in the country. Having discarded its free-entry policy, the school has now become one of the most competitive, requiring students to pass the national entrance exams as part of its admission process. Thammasat University provides world-class academic experience to its students with the aim of filling them with the knowledge that enables them to address national and international issues.
4. King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi provides excellent academic experiences to its students and has successfully raised the bar in academics by developing innovative teaching techniques and research culture based on engineering, science, and design. Students at KMUTT also have access to instruction-related support and advice that makes their time on campus easier.
5. King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
Not only is King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand, but it is also one of the most stunning, with its modern buildings and environment that meets royalty. The school gives students a feeling of being part of an important community. The school is, however, more than just buildings as it provides excellent study programs, promotes technology and science and enables relevant research.
6. King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok
King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok was formed after merging three technical colleges: Telecommunication College Nonthaburi, Thonburi Technical College, and North Bangkok Technical College. The internationally recognized institute has become a pillar of technology, science, and innovations which is used to encourage students to become researchers and academically insightful individuals.
7. Silpakorn University
Starting as an art school created after the passion of Professor Silpa Bhirasri, Silpakorn University (SU) has diversified into a comprehensive university. The university’s strong background in art makes it an excellent study destination for creatives and distinguishes it as one of the best art universities in Asia. As an art-focused university, SU believes that artistic expression is necessary for success in any area of life. They hope to create individuals that blend flair and competence to make arts, innovate in technology and increase knowledge for the benefit of society.
8. Srinakharinwirot University
Srinakharinwirot University is one of the leading learning institutes in the country. The school was established to encourage creativity and innovation in the country’s educational system, and since it began training students, it has produced graduates who are experts in their fields and are capable of providing quality services, creating working systems, and carrying out sustainable research for the benefit of the nation.
9. Ramkhamhaeng University
Named after King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, Ramkhamhaeng University (RU) is an iconic school in Bangkok known for its dedication to providing accessible higher education for Thais and operating an open-door policy. Due to its open admission policy, RU has grown to become the largest university in Thailand and has numerous campuses in various locations to cater to the needs of its large student population. The university is also receiving a great degree of international interest and accepts a growing number of international students to courses specifically designed for the global stage.
10. National Institute of Development Administration
The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) is an advanced tertiary institution focused on postgraduate education. NIDA offers only postgraduate education to ensure it carries out the primary objective of intensive research. Operating this way also helps NIDA towards its goal of consistently creating valuable knowledge and innovative solutions for societal development. Furthermore, the university not only aims to churn out astute researchers but also produces advanced degree graduates that can serve in various sectors of the economy.
11. Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
A former royal garden and a home of relaxation for the royal family is now the location of one of the leading institutions offering academic excellence in Thailand. Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University ensure student have access to the best facilities and teaching instructions. Students are also encouraged to be problem solvers and deep thinkers capable of identifying and solving societal issues.
12. Chandrakasem Rajabhat University
Chandrakasem Rajabhat University’s history goes back to when it was a secondary teacher training school before it became Chandrakasem Teacher College and then Chandrakasem Rajabhat Institute. Today the University has established an academically sound institute that produces highly professional teachers interested in improving technology development and ensures teachers’ technological growth to the benefit of the society.
13. Suan Dusit University
Suan Dusit University (SDU) is a comprehensive ‘normal university’ in Dusit, Bangkok, with a strong and rich history of training teachers and uplifting education in Thailand. The university traces its roots back to the Phra Nakhon School of Education, which started operations in 1938. While SDU has a strong faculty of education, the university also offers plenty of courses in the business, technical and humanities fields.
14. Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University
Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) is a university in Bangkok named in honor of Somdet Chaophraya Borom Maha Sri Suriwongse, a prominent Thai figure. The university aims to become a top-notch university in Thailand and on the global stage and works towards its goals by operating according to international standards. It is one of the universities under the Rajabhat system and has a long history of producing excellent educators and teachers who have gone on to make an outstanding impact in society and Thailand in particular.
15. Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon
In Thailand, universities that were former polytechnics or technical colleges are collectively called the Rajamangala University of Technology. Due to their unique histories in vocational and technical education, these universities have a strong background in technical education and practice-based learning. Most times, Rajamangala Universities of Technology is a combination of various technical college campuses to form a single entity.
The Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP) is one such university of technology and is composed of five campuses spread across Bangkok. RMUTP has been offering technical education since 1975 but became a complete university in 2005 when it was allowed to begin offering advanced vocational training to students at the undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. levels.
16. Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep
The Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep (RMUTK) is a public university in the Sathorn area of Bangkok focusing on technical fields and vocational education. It is a combination of multiple campuses and colleges to form a single entity and is one of the universities under the Rajamangala University of Technology system in Thailand. The Bangkok Sathorn tree, a rare perennial plant found in the Sathorn area of Bangkok, is central to the university’s identity.
17. Mahamakut Buddhist University
Mahamakut Buddhist University is a public Buddhist university in Thailand. It was founded by King Chulalongkorn as an educational institute for monks and was named after his father, King Mongkut. The school was established to equip novice monks with the ability to obtain mastery in humanities, social sciences, and education while having an edifying Buddhism lifestyle.
18. Navamindradhiraj University
Navamindradhiraj University is a public university in the heart of Bangkok, sharing the same district with the National Assembly and Dusit Palace. While the university is young, it has garnered an admirable reputation in Bangkok for its excellent emergency medicine, paramedicine, and urban management courses. The university has distinguished itself to the extent that it is responsible for providing the Ministry of Public Health and hospitals all over Bangkok with emergency medical personnel.
19. Phranakhon Rajabhat University
In a bid to contribute to the country’s educational system, King Rama VII established Phranakhon Rajabhat University, the first teacher-training institution in Thailand. Since it began training teachers, it has produced professional, diverse, flexible, and morally skilled teachers who provide high-quality academic services and impressive development to the educational management system.
20. Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music
The Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music (PGVIM) is an institution in the heart of Bangkok established to develop talents in music and educate the next generation of musicians. Since its establishment in 2007 in honor of Princess Galyani Vadhana to celebrate her 84th birthday, the school has evolved into a leading Music Conservatoire for Thais, becoming the number one music institute in the country. PGVIM aims to lift the standard of music in Thailand and so works towards this goal by providing a platform where students, professional performers, composers, and researchers can share knowledge and engage in dialogues and activities that leads to musical innovation.
21. Pathumwan Institute of Technology
Pathumwan Institute of Technology is a public university established in 1999 with the mission of producing graduates with skills in science and technology and having a volunteer spirit to help society both academically and professionally. The institute has high-standard research centers and labs that help students advance their knowledge and creation of innovation.
22. Chulabhorn Royal Academy
Chulabhorn Royal Academy is an academic institution that offers advanced and professional education in medicine, technology, and science. The school is named after Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, and it is committed to creating high-level personnel who can research, develop, and apply various knowledge and techniques to improve the standard of health and environmental needs.
23. Dhonburi Rajabhat University
Dhonburi Rajabhat University’s history can be traced back to 1948 with the establishment of a vocational training institute for female teachers. Since its inception, it has seen immense growth and expansions, moving to a new campus and widening its educational offerings. From its humble beginnings of providing a diploma in Higher Education, the institution has grown to a university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Bangkok?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Bangkok can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Bangkok charge up to 596,000 THB for bachelor’s and 267,800 THB for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Bangkok. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.