Payap University
Truth, Service, Global Future.
📍 Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭
🏆 #38 in Thailand
Quick Facts about Payap University
- Founded: 1974
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 5,000
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $2,700 – $5,300/year
- Language: English, Thai
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Payap University
Payap University, established in 1974, holds the distinction of being Thailand's first private university, founded by the Foundation of the Church of Christ in Thailand. It is a liberal arts and pre-professional institution committed to academic excellence, professional development, and community service, guided by its motto "Truth and Service." The university aims to foster global citizens with strong moral and academic foundations, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning and career-integrated curricula.
Academics
Payap University offers 21 Thai language degrees and 7 English-based international degree programs across 12 colleges and faculties. Notable English-taught programs include Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in International Business Management (IBM) and Hospitality Industry Management (HIM), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Communication (EC), and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Information Technology (IT). Graduate programs include Master of Arts (MA) degrees in Linguistics and TESOL, and a PhD in Peacebuilding. The university emphasizes practical training and community service, preparing students to contribute positively to society.
International Students
The International Student Services Center (ISSC) at Payap University provides comprehensive support for international students, including assistance with visa paperwork, housing, health insurance, and cultural adjustment. The "i(take)Care 48" project offers new international students airport pick-up, dormitory registration, and an introduction to Thai culture. Payap University's International College boasts a diverse student body representing nearly 30 countries, with all programs taught entirely in English. Students can also join the International College Student Union (ICSU) and participate in various student clubs and organizations.
Campus & Location
Payap University has two campuses in Chiang Mai: the larger Mae Khao campus and the Kaew Nawarat campus. The Mae Khao campus houses classrooms, administrative offices, laboratories, the Luce Chapel, the Center for Arts and Culture, and the University Central Library. The libraries offer extensive resources, including over 140,000 volumes and digital materials, along with collaborative study spaces. Chiang Mai, a vibrant city in northern Thailand, offers a rich cultural experience with numerous attractions and a pleasant environment.
Career Outcomes
While specific employment rates are not readily available, Payap University aims to develop graduates with professional competencies that meet international standards. The university's curriculum emphasizes career integration, and its International College focuses on producing global citizens. Notable alumni have made contributions in fields such as linguistics and community development, with some becoming deans at regional colleges or CEOs of tech firms. The university also provides support for US veterans seeking educational benefits.
Information for International Students at Payap University
Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, Thai
Admissions Requirements for Payap University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Payap University:
- IELTS minimum: 4
- TOEFL minimum: 42
- GPA minimum: 2
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: August 13, 2025 (for some programs)
Programs at Payap University (46 programs)
Payap University offers 46 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (30)
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNS) — 48 months · Thai · STEM
This program equips students with comprehensive nursing knowledge and practical skills to provide high-quality patient care in various healthcare settings.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Public Health Nurse - Bachelor of Laws (LLB) — 48 months · Thai
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, theories, and practices, preparing students for legal professions and public service.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Legal Advisor, Public Prosecutor - Bachelor of Arts in Thai Language and Culture (BA) — 48 months · Thai
Students gain a deep understanding of the Thai language, literature, history, and cultural traditions, preparing them for careers requiring expertise in Thai culture.
Field: Thai Language and Culture
Career outcomes: Thai Language Teacher, Cultural Advisor, Translator, Tour Guide - Bachelor of Arts in English Communication (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop advanced English language proficiency, communication skills, and cultural understanding for diverse professional and academic contexts.
Field: English Communication
Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, Journalist, Public Relations Specialist - Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology (BSc) — 48 months · Thai · STEM
Students learn about the scientific principles of food processing, preservation, safety, and quality control, preparing them for careers in the food industry.
Field: Food Science
Career outcomes: Food Scientist, Quality Control Manager, Product Developer - Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business Management (BBA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in global business environments, focusing on international trade, finance, marketing, and cross-cultural management.
Field: Business Administration
Career outcomes: International Business Manager, Export/Import Specialist, Global Marketing Analyst - Bachelor of Education in English (BEd) — 60 months · Thai
This program prepares future educators to teach English effectively, focusing on pedagogical theories, language acquisition, and classroom management techniques.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: English Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Educational Administrator - Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Hospitality Management (BA) — 48 months · English
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for successful careers in the dynamic tourism and hospitality industries, focusing on management, marketing, and operations.
Field: Tourism and Hospitality Management
Career outcomes: Hotel Manager, Tour Operator, Event Planner, Tourism Marketing Specialist - Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts (BA) — 48 months · Thai
Students develop skills in various communication fields, including journalism, public relations, advertising, and broadcasting, preparing them for media careers.
Field: Communication Arts
Career outcomes: Journalist, PR Specialist, Advertising Executive, Content Creator - Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (BA) — 48 months · Thai
Students explore various aspects of human society, culture, and behavior through disciplines like sociology, anthropology, political science, and psychology.
Field: Social Science
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Researcher, Policy Analyst, Community Developer - Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSc) — 48 months · Thai · STEM
This program focuses on the application of technology to solve business and organizational problems, covering areas like network administration, database management, and web development.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: IT Support Specialist, Network Engineer, Database Administrator, Web Developer - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · Thai · STEM
Students gain foundational and advanced knowledge in computing, including programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Analyst, Network Administrator, IT Consultant - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (BFA) — 48 months · Thai
Students develop creative and technical skills in graphic design, including typography, branding, digital illustration, and web design, for various media platforms.
Field: Graphic Design
Career outcomes: Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Art Director, Illustrator - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA) — 48 months · Thai
This program introduces students to the scientific study of mind and behavior, covering areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Counselor Assistant, Human Resources Specialist, Research Assistant, Social Worker - Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA) — 48 months · Thai
Students develop musical proficiency, theoretical understanding, and performance skills across various genres, preparing them for careers in music education, performance, or composition.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Teacher, Composer, Sound Engineer - Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNS) — 48 months · Thai · STEM
This program equips students with comprehensive nursing knowledge and practical skills to provide high-quality patient care in various healthcare settings.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Public Health Nurse - Bachelor of Laws (LLB) — 48 months · Thai
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, theories, and practices, preparing students for legal professions and public service.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Legal Advisor, Public Prosecutor - Bachelor of Arts in Thai Language and Culture (BA) — 48 months · Thai
Students gain a deep understanding of the Thai language, literature, history, and cultural traditions, preparing them for careers requiring expertise in Thai culture.
Field: Thai Language and Culture
Career outcomes: Thai Language Teacher, Cultural Advisor, Translator, Tour Guide - Bachelor of Arts in English Communication (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop advanced English language proficiency, communication skills, and cultural understanding for diverse professional and academic contexts.
Field: English Communication
Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, Journalist, Public Relations Specialist - Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology (BSc) — 48 months · Thai · STEM
Students learn about the scientific principles of food processing, preservation, safety, and quality control, preparing them for careers in the food industry.
Field: Food Science
Career outcomes: Food Scientist, Quality Control Manager, Product Developer - Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business Management (BBA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in global business environments, focusing on international trade, finance, marketing, and cross-cultural management.
Field: Business Administration
Career outcomes: International Business Manager, Export/Import Specialist, Global Marketing Analyst - Bachelor of Education in English (BEd) — 60 months · Thai
This program prepares future educators to teach English effectively, focusing on pedagogical theories, language acquisition, and classroom management techniques.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: English Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Educational Administrator - Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Hospitality Management (BA) — 48 months · English
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for successful careers in the dynamic tourism and hospitality industries, focusing on management, marketing, and operations.
Field: Tourism and Hospitality Management
Career outcomes: Hotel Manager, Tour Operator, Event Planner, Tourism Marketing Specialist - Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts (BA) — 48 months · Thai
Students develop skills in various communication fields, including journalism, public relations, advertising, and broadcasting, preparing them for media careers.
Field: Communication Arts
Career outcomes: Journalist, PR Specialist, Advertising Executive, Content Creator - Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (BA) — 48 months · Thai
Students explore various aspects of human society, culture, and behavior through disciplines like sociology, anthropology, political science, and psychology.
Field: Social Science
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Researcher, Policy Analyst, Community Developer - Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSc) — 48 months · Thai · STEM
This program focuses on the application of technology to solve business and organizational problems, covering areas like network administration, database management, and web development.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: IT Support Specialist, Network Engineer, Database Administrator, Web Developer - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · Thai · STEM
Students gain foundational and advanced knowledge in computing, including programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Analyst, Network Administrator, IT Consultant - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (BFA) — 48 months · Thai
Students develop creative and technical skills in graphic design, including typography, branding, digital illustration, and web design, for various media platforms.
Field: Graphic Design
Career outcomes: Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Art Director, Illustrator - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA) — 48 months · Thai
This program introduces students to the scientific study of mind and behavior, covering areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Counselor Assistant, Human Resources Specialist, Research Assistant, Social Worker - Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA) — 48 months · Thai
Students develop musical proficiency, theoretical understanding, and performance skills across various genres, preparing them for careers in music education, performance, or composition.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Teacher, Composer, Sound Engineer
Master Programs (10)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English
This program provides advanced business education, focusing on leadership, strategic management, finance, marketing, and operations for aspiring executives.
Field: Business Administration
Career outcomes: Senior Manager, CEO, Consultant, Entrepreneur - Master of Arts in Linguistics (MA) — 24 months · English
Students explore the scientific study of language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics.
Field: Linguistics
Career outcomes: Linguist, Language Researcher, Language Educator, Translator - Master of Arts in Divinity (MA) — 24 months · Thai
This program offers advanced theological studies, preparing students for ministry, religious education, and further academic pursuits in theology.
Field: Divinity
Career outcomes: Pastor, Religious Educator, Chaplain, Theological Researcher - Master of Education in Educational Administration (MEd) — 24 months · Thai
This program focuses on developing leadership and management skills for educational professionals, covering areas like school governance, policy, and human resource management in educational settings.
Field: Educational Administration
Career outcomes: School Principal, Educational Administrator, Policy Analyst, Curriculum Coordinator - Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MA) — 24 months · Thai
This program trains students to become professional counselors, equipping them with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in various counseling techniques and ethical practices.
Field: Counseling Psychology
Career outcomes: Professional Counselor, School Counselor, Family Therapist, Mental Health Specialist - Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English
This program provides advanced business education, focusing on leadership, strategic management, finance, marketing, and operations for aspiring executives.
Field: Business Administration
Career outcomes: Senior Manager, CEO, Consultant, Entrepreneur - Master of Arts in Linguistics (MA) — 24 months · English
Students explore the scientific study of language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics.
Field: Linguistics
Career outcomes: Linguist, Language Researcher, Language Educator, Translator - Master of Arts in Divinity (MA) — 24 months · Thai
This program offers advanced theological studies, preparing students for ministry, religious education, and further academic pursuits in theology.
Field: Divinity
Career outcomes: Pastor, Religious Educator, Chaplain, Theological Researcher - Master of Education in Educational Administration (MEd) — 24 months · Thai
This program focuses on developing leadership and management skills for educational professionals, covering areas like school governance, policy, and human resource management in educational settings.
Field: Educational Administration
Career outcomes: School Principal, Educational Administrator, Policy Analyst, Curriculum Coordinator - Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MA) — 24 months · Thai
This program trains students to become professional counselors, equipping them with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in various counseling techniques and ethical practices.
Field: Counseling Psychology
Career outcomes: Professional Counselor, School Counselor, Family Therapist, Mental Health Specialist
PhD Programs (6)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics (PhD) — 36 months · English
This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in various areas of linguistics, culminating in a significant original contribution to the field.
Field: Linguistics
Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Language Policy Advisor - Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration (PhD) — 36 months · Thai
This advanced research program focuses on critical issues in educational leadership and policy, preparing scholars and practitioners for influential roles in education.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: University Professor, Educational Consultant, Policy Maker - Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English
This program provides advanced research opportunities in religious studies, allowing students to contribute original scholarship to the understanding of religions and their impact on society.
Field: Religious Studies
Career outcomes: University Professor, Religious Scholar, Researcher, Interfaith Dialogue Specialist - Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics (PhD) — 36 months · English
This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in various areas of linguistics, culminating in a significant original contribution to the field.
Field: Linguistics
Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Language Policy Advisor - Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration (PhD) — 36 months · Thai
This advanced research program focuses on critical issues in educational leadership and policy, preparing scholars and practitioners for influential roles in education.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: University Professor, Educational Consultant, Policy Maker - Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English
This program provides advanced research opportunities in religious studies, allowing students to contribute original scholarship to the understanding of religions and their impact on society.
Field: Religious Studies
Career outcomes: University Professor, Religious Scholar, Researcher, Interfaith Dialogue Specialist
Scholarships & Tuition at Payap University
Annual tuition for international students: $2,700 – $5,300/year
✅ Payap University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Payap University
- National Ranking: #38 in Thailand
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: Low
Campus & Facilities at Payap University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
Key Highlights
- Thailand's first private university
- Founded by Church of Christ
- Strong liberal arts and pre-professional focus
- Diverse English-based degree programs
- Comprehensive international student support
- Located in beautiful Chiang Mai
Accreditation
- Ministry of Education, Thailand
- United States government Department of Education (DOE)
- Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Thailand (APHEIT)
- Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA)
- Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL)
Fields of Study at Payap University
- Business
- Theology
- Music
- Nursing
- Intercultural Studies
Notable Alumni
- Dr. Ruth Mary Liew
- Rev. Martin Orr
Frequently Asked Questions about Payap University
What is Payap University?
Payap University is a private non-profit university located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, founded in 1974. It has approximately 5,000 students.
How much does it cost to study at Payap University?
Tuition fees at Payap University for international students range from $2,700 – $5,300/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Payap University?
IELTS minimum: 4. TOEFL minimum: 42. GPA minimum: 2. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: August 13, 2025 (for some programs).
What language are courses taught in at Payap University?
Courses at Payap University are taught in English and Thai. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 4.
How many programs does Payap University offer?
Payap University offers 46 programs: 30 Bachelor's, 10 Master's, and 6 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Payap University ranked?
#38 in Thailand.
Does Payap University offer scholarships?
Yes, Payap University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Payap University provide visa support?
Yes, Payap University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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