INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

University

Technical Institute

College

Vocational College

Teacher College

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Upper Secondary School Certificate

Certificate (Vocational Education)

Diploma (Vocational Education)

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Graduate Diploma

Master's Degree

Doctor's Degree

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 6

Age of exit: 14

Structure of school system:

Primary

Length of program in years: 6

Age level from: 6 to: 11

Certificate/diploma awarded: Primary School Certificate

Lower Secondary

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 12 to: 14

Certificate/diploma awarded: Lower Secondary School Certificate

Upper Secondary

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 17

Certificate/diploma awarded: Higher Secondary School Certificate (Mathayom Suksa 6)

School education:

The school system follows a 6-3-3 structure where six-year primary and three-year lower secondary education are compulsory. At the upper secondary level, schools are divided into 2 major tracks : general (academic), and vocational. Students in the general or academic track follow the comprehensive curriculum that includes 30 units of compulsory subjects, and at least 45 units of elective subjects plus extra-curricula activities. One instructional unit is defined as approximately two 50-minute classes per week of the 20 week semester system. At the end of upper secondary school pupils sit for the Higher Secondary School Certificate (Mathayom Suksa 6).

Higher education:

Before 2003, the higher education system came under the responsibility of two ministries (Ministry of University Affairs, Ministry of Education) and one agency (Office of the National Education Commission). Since 2003, they are amalgamated into a single Ministry of Education. The Thai education system is composed of both public and private institutions. Some Thai public institutions have recently been transformed into autonomous universities.

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: Administrative Organization of the Ministry of Education Act of B.E. 2546 Year: 2003

Concerns: Ministry

Decree: National Education Act of B.E. 2542, amended in 2002 Year: 1999

Decree: Private Higher Education Act 1979, second revision 1992.

Concerns: private universities/colleges

Academic year:

Classes from: Jun to: Mar

Long vacation from: 1 Apr to: 31 May

Languages of instruction: English, Thai

Stages of studies:

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):

Non-university level:

Non-university higher education is provided by institutes and colleges, as well as by specialized training institutions. They are entitled to confer qualifications up to Bachelor's level.

University level studies:

University level first stage: Bachelor's Degree:

Bachelor's Degree studies require four years in most courses, with the exception of some academic disciplines, e.g. Architecture and Pharmacy, five years; Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine, six years. Programmes are structured in groups of general education studies in Sciences, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences relevant to the course's discipline and Philosophy. Specialized studies in theoretical and advanced subjects are the core group, with a number of selective subjects. To obtain the Bachelor's Degree, students must obtain at least 2.0 average grade point.

University level second stage: Master's Degree:

Further post-graduate studies for a Master's Degree require a minimum of two years' further study. Students with graduate grade points average 2.5 and above may choose to enter the Master's programme of direct or related disciplines. Programme modules comprise advanced course work and research. Liberal Arts and Social Science programmes offer an alternative of comprehensive study and examination in place of a thesis, whereas all Science and Applied Science programmes require a research thesis. To obtain the Master's Degree, students must obtain at least 3.0 average grade point.

University level third stage: Doctorate:

Obtaining a Doctorate requires on average 3 years of intensive research and knowledge acquisition. A doctoral thesis is expected to contribute to the highest level of academic advancement in the discipline. Students are also expected to produce study reports and give academic seminars during the course.

Teacher education:

Training of secondary school teachers

Secondary school teachers are trained in teacher training colleges (Rajabhat Institutes, some of them upgraded to Rajabhat Universities) in a five-year course leading to a Bachelor of Education.

Non-traditional studies:

Distance higher education

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) uses distance learning methods. It provides continuing and lifelong education and education through self-instruction programmes and televised classes, and organizes tuition groups nationwide. It offers programmes in Education, Management Science, Law, Health, Economics, Home Economics, Political Science, Liberal Arts, Communication, Arts and Agricultural Extension and Cooperatives, Science and Technology. Ramkhamhaeng University offers Bachelor Degree programmes in Law, Business Administration, Humanities, Education, Science, Political Science, Economics and Engineering without any entrance examination.

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Ministry of Education

Head: Adisai Bodharamik, Minister

Administrative officer: Kunying Kasama Varavarn, Permanent Secretary

Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, Dusit
Bangkok 10300
Thailand

Tel: +66 02-6286134

Fax: +62 02-6286135

EMail: kasamvar@emisc.moe.go.th

WWW: http://www.moe.go.th

Role of governing body: The Ministry supervises public and private higher education institutions. Its main responsibilities are policy formulation, standardization of curricula, personnel management and budget allocation.

Council of University Presidents of Thailand

Head: Praset Chitapong, Chairman

WWW: http://www.cupt.org/

Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Thailand

Head: Janjira Wongkhomthong, President

235 Petchkasem Road, Phasi-charoen
Bangkok 10160
Thailand

Tel: +66(2) 457-0068

Fax: +66(2) 457-3982

WWW: http://www.apheit.net/

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Upper Secondary School Certificate

Minimum score/requirement: >2.0 pass

For entry to: All institutions of higher learning

Alternatives to credentials: Vocational Certificate. A number of students are also admitted through university special programmes, such as the Development and Promotion of Science and Technology Talents Project, the Sports Promotion Project and the Arts Promotion Programme.

Entrance exams required: The Joint Higher Education Entrance Examination (JHEEE) is used by all public universities - except the open universities - and some private institutions.

Foreign students admission

Definition of foreign student: Those who do not have Thai nationality.

Quotas: There are no quotas.

Admission requirements: Students must hold a High School Certificate or equivalent for application to the institution entry assessment which generally combines subjects exams, an English test, and an interview.

Entry regulations: A non-immigrant visa is required.

Language requirements: Students should be proficient in Thai. However, a number of universities/institutions offer international programmes in English.

Application procedures:

Apply to individual institution for entry to: All international programmmes and exchange programmes.

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): All programmes offered in universities are officially recognized and accredited by the Ministry of Education. Transfer of credits are subject to direct agreement between institutes. The external quality assessment falls under the responsability of the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA).

References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies

Title: Handbook on Diplomas, Degrees and other Certificates in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific

Publisher: UNESCO PROAP

Year of publication: 1998

Title: International Programs in Thailand

Author: International Cooperation Division

Publisher: Ministry of University Affairs

Year of publication: 2002

Title: International Study Programs in Thailand 2002

Author: International Cooperation Division

Publisher: Ministry of University Affairs

Year of publication: 2002

STUDENT LIFE

Main student services at national level

Bureau of Student Development, Ministry of Education

Services available to foreign Students: Yes

Health/social provisions

Social security for home students: No

Student expenses and financial aid

Type of financial aid available:

Loans:

First degree studies:

Home: Yes

Publications on student services and financial aid:

Title: Study Abroad 2004-2005, 32nd Edition

Publisher: UNESCO Publishing

Year of publication: 2003

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES

Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:

Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education

Head: Churairat Sangboonnum, Director

Ratchadamneon-nok Road, Dusit
Bangkok 10300
Thailand

Tel: +66 02-6285648

Fax: +66 02 2810953

EMail: icpmoe@emisc.moe.go.th

WWW: http://www.moe.go.th/icpmoe/

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes

Name of exchange programme: University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP)

GRADING SYSTEM

Usual grading system in secondary school

Highest on scale: 4

Lowest on scale: 1

Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: Grading at all universities is based on credit points system. Evaluation for each subject is done by grade and grade points for the course's credit hours as follows: A=Excellent (GP=4), B+ = Very Good (GP=3.5) B=Good (GP=3), C+= Fairly Good (GP = 2.5)C=Fair (GP=2), D+=Poor (GP=1.50), D= Very Poor (GP=1) F=Fail (GP=0).

Highest on scale: 4

Lowest on scale: 1

Other main grading systems

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University uses the following grading system: H Honor, S Pass, U failure, I Incomplete. Ramkhamhaeng University uses G Good, P Pass, F Failure or 75-100%, 60-74%, 0-59%.

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

The tuition and fees vary from university to university.

Data for academic year: 2004-2005

Source: Ministry of University Affairs, Bangkok, 2003, updated from the Ministry of Education Website and documentation, 2005