Chulalongkorn University (CU; ; , ) is a public autonomous research university in Bangkok, Thailand. The university was originally founded during King Chulalongkorn's reign as a school for training royal pages and civil servants in 1899 (B.E. 2442) at the Grand Palace. It was later established as a national university in 1917, making it the oldest institute of higher education in Thailand.
During the reign of Chulalongkorn's son, King Vajiravudh, the Royal Pages School became the Civil Service College of King Chulalongkorn. The Rockefeller Foundation was instrumental in helping the college form its academic foundation. On 26 March 1917, King Vajiravudh renamed the college "Chulalongkorn University".
Chulalongkorn University is one of the National Research Universities and supported by the Office of Nation Education Standards and Quality Assessment of Thailand. Moreover, CU is the only Thai university which is a member of Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU).
CU is composed of nineteen faculties, a School of Agriculture, three colleges, ten institutes and two other schools. Its campus occupies a vast area in downtown Bangkok. Graduates customarily receive their diplomas from the King of Thailand, a tradition begun by King Prajadhipok.
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand's first institution of higher learning, has dedicated itself as the center for academic learning and professional excellence.ÃÂ The university's mission and commitment to public service are in line with the visions of the university's founder, King Rama VI, who established the Chulalongkorn University as a tribute to his father, King Rama V.
Whether through the pursuit and development of knowledge, or the dissemination and application of learned concepts, Chulalongkorn University works to empower students with professional know-how and research skills, as well as preserve the arts, culture, and values.ÃÂ Added to the academic learning is the university's commitment to instill in students a sense of morality, social responsibility, and service to society.
Institutional Overview (2025âÂÂ2026) - Chulalongkorn University has expanded its academic structure and currently comprises 19 faculties, 3 colleges, 1 school (School of Agricultural Resources), and 10 research institutes, functioning alongside various other teaching and research units. As of the 2026 academic cycle, the university's human and student capital are as follows:
Academic Staff: The university employs 8,138 faculty members, maintaining a highly favorable student-to-staff ratio of approximately 12:1.
Gender Ratio: The student body reflects a distribution of 55% female and 45% male.
International Diversity: International students account for approximately 4% of the total enrollment, supported by the university's 88 international programs conducted in English.
As Thailand's leading university, Chulalongkorn University aims to become a model institute of education, setting the standard as a university of innovations for society and focusing on three social development core principles: preparing future leaders, developing impactful research and innovation, and advocating social sustainability.
Recently, Chulalongkorn University was ranked Asia's No.1 and No. 23 in the world for Global Impact by Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking 2021, which is the highest ranking ever received by a university in Thailand.ÃÂ THE Impact Ranking is the global performance scale that assesses universities using the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).ÃÂ Chulalongkorn University earned the best scores in the following SDGs: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG15 (Life on Land).
King Chulalongkorn's reforms, aimed at transforming Thailand into a modern state, demanded trained officials specialized in various fields. In 1899, the King founded the "Civil Service Training School" near the north gate of the Grand Palace. Those who graduated from the school would become royal pages. As royal pages, they learned how to manage organizations by working closely with the king, which was a traditional way to enter the Siamese bureaucracy. After serving as royal pages, they would then serve in the Ministry of Interior or other government ministries.
On 1 April 1902, the King renamed the school. It became the "Royal Pages School" (). On 1 January 1911, King Vajiravudh changed the name to "Civil Service College of King Chulalongkorn" () as a memorial to his father and moved the school to Windsor Palace in the Phathumwan District.
The King subsidized the construction of a university campus and organized various schools around the city into Chulalongkorn. The college offered eight majors taught by five schools including;
King Rama VI realized that education should be provided not only to bureaucrats, but to all people. On 26 March 1917, the college was upgraded to "Chulalongkorn University" (), and the schools were transformed into four faculties: Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Public Administration, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Medicine.
The Rockefeller Foundation reorganized the curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine. In 1923, the Faculty of Medicine became the first faculty to accept secondary school (Mattayom) graduates. The remaining faculties then followed suit. After the 1932 Revolution, the People's Party wanted legal and political studies to be independent of "royalists" so they moved the Faculty of Law and Political Science to the new Thammasat University in 1933.
In 1938, Chulalongkorn University's Preparatory School was founded to provide pre-collegiate education to students. Those who managed to enter the university had to spend two years in the Preparatory School before going on to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The Preparatory School, however, ceased to be a university-owned preparatory school in 1947 and became the independent Triam Udom Suksa School. Later, the university established Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School (CUD) as a laboratory school for primary and secondary education for the Faculty of Education.
Chulalongkorn University integrates sustainable development into its core operations through its "4I Growth Strategy" (International, Impactful, Internal, and Integrated Growth). The university aims to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2040, using 2019 as its baseline year for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission tracking.
The university is consistently recognized as a leader in sustainability within Asia: THE Impact Rankings 2025: Ranked 44th globally (tied for #1 in Thailand). It achieved a near-perfect score of 99.7 in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), ranking 1st in ASEAN.
QS Sustainability Rankings 2026: Ranked as the #1 university in Thailand for sustainability performance, excelling in Environmental Impact and Governance.
UI GreenMetric: Consistently ranked among the top three greenest campuses in Thailand.
The university operates the Climate Action Lab @Chula, an interdisciplinary platform that bridges research from five institutes to advise the Thai government on national policies, including the Power Development Plan (PDP 2024) and the National Carbon Neutrality 2050 Strategy.
Chulalongkorn University translates academic research into tangible societal benefits by aligning its innovation projects with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The following key initiatives demonstrate the universityâÂÂs commitment to addressing complex global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Life Below Water and Climate Action (SDG 14 & 13)
Summary of Innovations by SDG
Chulalongkorn UniversityâÂÂs research initiatives have been internationally recognized for their excellence in innovation, social impact, and sustainability.
Chulalongkorn University is considered one of the most selective higher education institutions in Thailand. As of the 2024 academic year, the total student body numbered approximately 41,262, consisting of 28,457 undergraduate students and 12,805 postgraduate students (including Master's and Doctoral candidates).
For Thai nationals, undergraduate admission is primarily conducted through the Thai University Central Admission System (TCAS). The process is divided into several rounds, including Portfolio-based selection, Quota-based selection for specific regions or talents, and National Admission rounds.
International programs (taught in English) follow a separate admission track with two main windows 1) Early Admission: Typically December to February 2)Regular Admission: Typically March to May
Applicants to international programs such as the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or the International School of Engineering (ISE) must meet rigorous English proficiency and standardized testing requirements. Common minimum benchmarks include an IELTS score of 6.0âÂÂ6.5 or a TOEFL (iBT) of 79âÂÂ80, alongside competitive SAT or ACT scores
Graduate enrollment is managed by the Chulalongkorn University Graduate School. The university offers over 140 international graduate programs. Admission cycles generally open in February for the Fall semester (August intake) and September for the Spring semester (January intake).[6] Specialized programs, such as the CU-MEDi (International Medical Program), require additional testing like the MCAT and a psychological assessment.
The university maintains a diverse community with students from over 70 countries. While the international student ratio sits at approximately 4%, the university has set strategic goals to increase global participation through exchange agreements with over 900 partner institutions worldwide.
Tuition fees at Chulalongkorn University vary significantly depending on the student's residency status and the specific faculty or program of study. In addition to the standard university tuition, students in international or specialized programs typically pay an additional "Program Fee" or "Special Academic Fee" to their respective faculties.
Comparative Fee Structure (Per Semester). The following table outlines the estimated costs for regular academic semesters (excluding summer sessions) as of the 2024âÂÂ2026 academic period.
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Note: Figures for international programs include both university tuition and special faculty fees.
Chulalongkorn University maintains a strong cultural identity rooted in its royal origins and its role as Thailand's first university. The university's culture is characterized by a high degree of formality in official ceremonies, a distinct dress code, and long-standing rivalries and festivals.
Royal Symbolism and the "Phra Kiao". The university's primary emblem is the Phra Kiao, the coronet formerly worn by young princes and princesses. Authorized for use by King Vajiravudh, it appears on student uniforms and official documents. The university's official color is pink, chosen in 1935 to represent Tuesday, the day of the week King Chulalongkorn was born.
Wai Kru Ceremony: Held annually at the start of the first semester, this ceremony involves students paying respect to their teachers. Representatives from each faculty present traditional flower trays (phan) to the university president and faculty members to express gratitude and seek blessings for their studies.
Commencement: Graduates customarily receive their diplomas directly from a member of the Thai Royal Family, a tradition that began in 1930 under King Prajadhipok.
Freshman Initiation: New students participate in "Welcome Freshies Day," which includes a solemn pledge of allegiance at the monument of King Rama V and King Rama VI. This rite is intended to instill social responsibility and a sense of belonging. Loy Krathong: Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's most beautiful and culturally significant festivals. Celebrated annually on the night of the full moon during the 12th lunar month, it transforms the countryâÂÂs waterways into a shimmering landscape of floating lights. The celebration of Loy Krathong at Chulalongkorn University (CU) is a unique cultural event that blends centuries-old Thai traditions with the universityâÂÂs modern commitment to social sustainability and technological innovation.
Since the establishment of the Royal Pages School, the former name of the university, King Chulalongkorn authorized the use of his personal emblem as a school emblem. The emblem is called Phra Kiao, a Thai coronet, royal headgear for young princes and princesses. As the school was transformed into the university, the King authorized the use of phra kiao. Today, phra kiao appears not only in formal letters and transcripts, but also on souvenirs made by the university as well as student uniforms.
Rain trees are common on the university campus. They are associated with the cycle of student life. Fresh green leaves at beginning of the term represent the freshmen's naivete. As the tree produces slimy pods and sheds leaves, the ground beneath it becomes slippery, thus alerting students to prepare for examinations. If they walk carefully, they will not slip (pass examinations). If they walk heedlessly, they will slip and fall (fail examinations).
From 1937 to 1957, many rain trees were cut down to free space for new buildings. King Bhumibol Adulyadej noticed the dramatic decrease in the number of rain trees. On 15 January 1962, he brought five trees from Hua Hin and planted them in front of the university auditorium, proclaiming: "...I give these five trees as an eternal memorial." ().
Undergraduates are required to wear a uniform when studying, taking examinations, or contacting the university in person. Male graduate students wear a collared or polo shirt and dark trousers. Women wear a plain blouse with long skirt.
Originally, the university uniform was adapted from a uniform worn by Chulalongkorn's heirs. The uniform was later updated, but the original is reserved as a formal uniform. The formal uniform is usually worn by student leaders and graduates.
Today, the ordinary uniform for male undergraduate students consists of a plain white shirt with long or short sleeves and black (or dark blue) trousers. Wearing a dark blue necktie with colored phra kiao engraved on its front is mandatory for first-year students but optional for higher years. However, a black tie with a silver phra kiao pin is usually used by upperclass student in some faculties. Female students are required to wear a short-sleeved blouse with a fold along the spine. The buttons must be made of metal, and a small phra kiao emblem must be pinned on the right breast. A dark blue or black pleated skirt with any black, white, or brown shoes are worn. For female first-year students, white leather shoes are mandatory. Chulalongkorn University's uniforms have long been the template of many uniforms used in other universities in Thailand.
The academic gown of Chulalongkorn University is based on ceremonial attire called khrui, a gown made from very fine mesh. The robe was originally reserved for pre-ordination monks, ministers and royal family members. Like dresses worn in the United Kingdom, the robe is open-fronted and calf-length. Cap and hood, however, are omitted. The gown is faced and lined with a felt strip dyed according to the status of the wearer and decorated with gold ribbons. The elbow and wrist portion of the gown is also wrapped with the same felt strip.
Bachelor's and master's gown is faced and bordered with a black felt strip, while a doctor's gown uses a scarlet felt strip. This colour scheme is similar to one used at the University of Oxford: Black for bachelors and masters (and doctors in undress); Scarlet for doctors (in full-dress). The cord (bachelor) or ribbon (master and doctor) dyed with the faculty colour is attached to the centre of the felt strip longitudinally. Officers' (lecturers, university council members, vice-chancellor and chancellor) gown is faced with a pink strip and centred with a gold thread, regardless of the faculty. The specially designed gown with a yellow facing is reserved for the king of Thailand, who is also Visitor to the University.
Vajiravudh authorized the university to use the traditional Thai gown instead of the western one, but the regulation on this matter was enacted in 1930 by Prajadhipok.
Chulalongkorn University consists of 19 faculties, three colleges, one school and many institutes which function as teaching and research units.
In 1917, the university had four faculties: Arts and Sciences, Public Administration, Engineering, and Medicine. The Faculty of Law was established in 1933 as part of the Faculty of Law and Political Science. From the 1930s to the 1950s it expanded to various fields including Pharmacy (1934), Veterinary Science (1935), Architecture (1939), Dentistry (1940), and Commerce and Accountancy (1943). In 1943, the regency government under General Phibun separated the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Science to become the University of Medical Sciences, now Mahidol University. In 1948, the Faculty of Political Science was re-established. The Faculty of Education was established in 1957 from the School of Teacher Training at Baan Somdet Chao Phraya (). In 1967, the Faculty of Veterinary Science was returned from Kasetsart University and the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn Hospital was moved from University of Medical Sciences to Chulalongkorn University. In 1972, the Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Pharmacy were reinstated.
The Office of the Commission on Agricultural Resource Education (OCARE) was established in 2009. It is not an administrative office, but a school in which teaching and research are carried out. It admits students from two groups: one from northern Thai provinces (Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Uttaradit) and another from the rest of country. It was upgraded to the School of Agricultural Resources with full degree-granting power on 5 March 2014. In 2014 it became the School of Agriculture, Chulalongkorn University (SAR).
In 2019, aiming to address global industry changes and demand for relevant education, Chulalongkorn University launched Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (ScII) to offer the first in Asia interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in both arts and science â Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation (BAScii).
Chula's international programs offers 99 international programs, including 17 Bachelors's programs, 48 Master's programs, and 34 Doctoral programs. Details are as follows:
Bachelor's Degree:
The Graduate School of Chulalongkorn University serves as the central administrative and academic hub for advanced studies at ThailandâÂÂs premier research institution. Established to elevate the university's research capabilities to an international standard, the Graduate School oversees a vast array of masterâÂÂs and doctoral programs designed to produce high-impact scholars, innovative researchers, and visionary leaders.
The Graduate School of Chulalongkorn University offers various scholarships to support postgraduate students in both their academic pursuits and research endeavors.
Education Scholarships
These scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance for tuition and living expenses, ensuring that talented students can focus on their studies:
Research Scholarships
To drive innovation and maintain its status as a top research university, Chulalongkorn provides dedicated funding for postgraduate research:
In addition to university wide funding, individual faculties and colleges at Chulalongkorn University administer their own specific scholarship programs and financial aid packages. These are typically tailored to the research needs and academic requirements of the respective departments. Detailed information regarding these faculty specific awards is maintained on the official websites of each academic unit.
Chulalongkorn University has research organizations in many fields of study.
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Chula ranked number one in Thailand in 32 disciplines
Student Life - Student life at Chulalongkorn University is characterized by a balance of rigorous academics and a wide array of extracurricular activities. The university hosts over 100 student clubs categorized into academic, sports, and arts and culture divisions.
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs - Students can participate in various organizations managed by the Student Government of Chulalongkorn University (SGCU).
The university campus occupies an area of in the downtown Pathum Wan District. It accounts for just over half of the of land owned by the university, the rest of which is commercially developed by the university's Property Management Office or used by other institutions.
Chulalongkorn University student traditions include:
The university is host to 40 student clubs, including the Buddhism and Traditions Club, the Religious Studies Club, the Mind Study Club, and the Thai Classical Music Club. Chulalongkorn also has a Morals Network, which actively campaigns to protect student activities from damaging the university's reputation. The university's student government annually organizes the Chula-Thammasat traditional football match jointly with the Chulalongkorn University Alumni Association.
The Student Union of Chulalongkorn University is the primary student organization. It is made up of the Student Government and the Student Council. The Student Government acts as the executive branch of the Student Union, while the Student Council acts as the legislative branch of the Student Union. The Student Union was created by the enactment of the Chulalongkorn University Rules Regarding the Student Union of Chulalongkorn University B.E. 2529 by the Chulalongkorn University Council in their 444th meeting.
The Student Government is managed by an assembly of 30 students. Direct elections by all students fill 10 of these positions, including that of the President of the Student Government. The remaining 20 positions are occupied by the heads of the student unions from each faculty. The Student Government acts as the executive branch of the Student Union.
The Student Council comprises 60 full members, with three representatives elected from each faculty. The President of the Student Council is then chosen indirectly by these elected council members. In addition, 20 associate members are elected from first-year students in each faculty to join the Council after the start of an academic year. These associate members cannot vote in the plenary sitting of the council. The Student Council acts as the legislative branch of the Student Union.
There is no student organization acting as the judicial branch in the Student Union of Chulalongkorn University.
The university requires students to wear school uniforms. In 2022 the Political Science Student Union made a Facebook change arguing for changes in dress practices.
Chulalongkorn University International House is a 26-storey, 846-unit, on campus residence for international students and lecturers. Rooms come fully furnished with air conditioning, modern conveniences, 24-hour security and safety systems. The residence is included in the university's shuttle bus services.
Student and Staff Accommodation Chulalongkorn University provide several on-campus housing options for students, visiting faculty, and staff. The primary residence for the international community is CU iHouse. In July 2023, the university launched the U 33 Dormitory project, a major expansion designed to accommodate approximately 2,100 students across 972 units. The facility, managed by the Property Management of Chulalongkorn University (PMCU), emphasizes sustainability and modern student life, featuring co-working spaces and sky lounges, with an expected opening in 2025.
For university personnel, Chulalongkorn maintains threes specific staff dormitories: Vidhayanives, Chulanives, and Chulanivas. These residences are designated for university employees and government officials who do not have local housing, providing them with affordable proximity to the campus to improve operational efficiency.
The west side of Chula's campus is the site of this innovative park. It has gradually sloping portions. Its 28 rai expanse contains a water retention pond with a capacity of 3.8 million liters and a rain garden. Both help to ameliorate Bangkok's seasonal flooding. It was built to commemorate Chula's 100th anniversary in 2017.
Co-working and Co-learning Space Chulalongkorn University has integrated several digital co-learning and co-working spaces across its campus to support collaborative study and the digital lifestyle of its community. These spaces are typically managed through the CU NEX mobile application, which allows students to reserve rooms an access facilities using a digital ID.
PLEARN Space: Opened in 2018 on the 1st floor of the Prem Purachatra Building, PLEARN (a portmanteau of Play and Learn) was the university's first dedicated digital co-learning space. It features flexible seating, private meeting room with projectors, and self-serives facilities. It's known for its 24-hour availability during examination periods.
CU NEX International Lounge: Located on the 3rd floor of the Chamchuri 9 Building, this space is divided into six functional zones, including an event Space, a Playground for relaxation, and dedicated working and meeting areas. It serves students, staff, and students from the Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School.
Self-Access Learning Center (SALC): Situated opposite PLEARN Space, SALC focuses on diverse leaning resources, offering a collection of English language books, board games, and multimedia facilities including a mini theater for language and cultural studies.
Samyan CO-OP: A partnership project located at the nearby Samyan Mitrtown, this 24-hour co leaning space provides free access to Chulalongkorn students and the general public. It includes specialize quiet zones, group study areas, and social zones to facilitate networking between the university and the surrounding urban community.
KLOUD by KBank: Located in Siam Square, this facility serves as a creative leaning hub and is noted for tis sustainable, eco-friendly management and modern architectural design. It provides free access to university members and the public for work and workshops.
The university has bestowed honorary degrees on heads of state and other international dignitaries, including two U.S. presidents: