Admissions·East & Southeast Asia· 8 min read

Chulalongkorn University Admission Guide for International Students

A practical guide to Chulalongkorn University's English-taught international programs for foreign students: routes, documents, English tests and how to apply.

Last updated 12 July 2026

Key facts

Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Language of instruction: English (international programs)
Application route: Direct to the international program/faculty — verify
English test: IELTS Academic / TOEFL iBT or listed equivalent — verify minimums
Tuition & deadlines: Vary by program — verify on chula.ac.th
Selection: Competitive; no guaranteed admission

Chulalongkorn's English-taught international programs

Chulalongkorn University (Chula) is Thailand's oldest university, based in central Bangkok. Alongside its Thai-language degrees it runs a set of programs taught entirely in English — commonly called its "international programs" — that are open to both Thai and international students.

Well-known undergraduate international programs include BALAC (the Bachelor of Arts in Language and Culture, in the Faculty of Arts), the BBA International Program (Chulalongkorn Business School, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy), the international Economics program (EBA, Faculty of Economics), and English-taught engineering tracks through the International School of Engineering (ISE). Many graduate international programs exist too.

The exact catalogue of international programs changes over time, so start from the official international-programs directory rather than a third-party list.

Who can apply and the international-applicant route

International programs admit students who have completed, or will complete, secondary schooling equivalent to Thai Grade 12. In most cases you apply directly to the specific program or faculty, which runs its own admission round rather than the Thai central admission system.

Each program sets its own eligibility, subjects and any prerequisite background, so read the individual program page for the degree you want.

Meeting the published minimums does not by itself secure a place — selection is competitive, and no one can guarantee admission.

English-proficiency and academic evidence

Because teaching is in English, applicants whose first language or medium of instruction is not English are usually asked to submit an English test such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT (or another test the program lists).

Some programs also require a standardized test (for example the SAT) and/or their own entrance examination and interview. The accepted tests and minimum scores differ from program to program.

Always confirm the current requirement on the official program page before you register for any test — figures change each cycle.

Documents you will usually need

Requirements vary by program, but most international applications ask for a similar core set of documents. Use the specific program's official checklist as the authority.

Passport (bio page)
Secondary-school transcripts and graduation certificate
English test score (e.g., IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT), if required
Completed program application form and application fee
Personal statement or essay
Letters of recommendation (some programs)
Portfolio, entrance exam or interview where the program requires it

How to apply, step by step

The broad flow is similar across international programs, though each sets its own dates.

On the visa step: this is general information, not immigration advice, and the categories and requirements change — verify the current visa type and process on the official Thai e-Visa system, and with the Royal Thai embassy or consulate for your country, before you apply or travel.

Choose the specific international program and read its page
Check its admission round and application calendar
Prepare documents and sit any required English/standardized test
Submit the online application and pay the fee
Attend any required entrance exam or interview
Receive the admission decision and accept your offer
Arrange your Thai student visa — Thailand issues a Non-Immigrant "ED" visa and, for students at bachelor's degree level or above, a Non-Immigrant "ED Plus" visa; which applies depends on your programme

Fees, scholarships and verifying details

Tuition differs by program, and some international programs and the university offer scholarships. These figures and deadlines change every year.

Never rely on fee or deadline numbers from agents or forums — confirm everything on the official program page and chula.ac.th. Verify on the official website before you act.

Be wary of anyone promising "guaranteed admission" to Chulalongkorn in exchange for a fee; that cannot be guaranteed and is a warning sign of a scam.

Frequently asked questions

Are Chulalongkorn's international programs taught fully in English?

Yes — programs designated as "international programs" use English as the medium of instruction and admit both Thai and international students. Confirm the language and structure on the specific program page.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply?

Usually yes if English is not your first language or medium of instruction. The accepted tests and minimum scores are set per program, so verify the current requirement on the official program page.

Can international students apply directly to a program?

Generally yes — international programs admit foreign applicants through the program or faculty's own admission round. Confirm the route and calendar on the official site, as some programs run multiple rounds.

How much is tuition at Chulalongkorn?

Tuition varies by program and changes yearly. Check the official program page for current figures and any scholarships, and do not rely on third-party numbers.

Does meeting the minimum scores guarantee admission?

No. Admission is competitive and selective, and minimums are only a threshold. No school, agent or service can guarantee you a place.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Chulalongkorn University — Undergraduate Admissions; Chulalongkorn University — International Programs; Chulalongkorn Faculty of Arts — Undergraduate (BALAC); Royal Thai e-Visa — official application system (Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Royal Thai Embassy, Vienna — Non-Immigrant Visa "ED" (Education) and "ED Plus".

Last verified: 12 July 2026.