Payap University

Chiang Mai is a vibrant city combining a rich culture and history with modern convenience. Set against a backdrop of lush mountains and forests, it offers easy access to nature and a relaxed pace of life. With a growing international community, Chiang Mai is welcoming visitors from around the world, offering a unique mix of traditional charm and global influence.  With the vision of providing international learning resources and developing global citizens, Payap University provides quality education with the embracement of diversity.

Bachelor Courses in English

Business Administration; English Communication; English for Career Development; Hospitality Industry Management; and Information Technology.  Students taking a full load of courses register for 9-18 credits (approximately 14-27 ECTS/9-18 US credits), which represents 3-6 courses. You can view courses here.

Master Courses in English
Master-level exchanges are not possible.

Language Courses
A beginner Thai language course is usually available (3 credits).

Thesis/Final Project Work
Not possible

Accreditation
Payap University holds full institutional accreditation from the Thailand Ministry of Education and is recognized by the United States Department of Education (DOE) as an eligible institution under the Higher Education Act. As the first fully accredited private university in Thailand since 1984, Payap ensures that all undergraduate and postgraduate programs meet national academic standards, including compliance with the Thai Qualifications Framework (TQF). The university is also authorized to offer VA-approved programs for eligible U.S. veterans and is listed in the U.S. DOE’s Directory of Postsecondary Institutions. In addition, Payap is an active member of the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Thailand (APHEIT), further reinforcing its commitment to academic quality and international cooperation.

Orientation
An orientation for incoming international students takes place the first week of each semester (January and August).

Internships
Though placements cannot be guaranteed, unpaid on-campus internships can sometimes be arranged (e.g., international student services, institutional marketing).  Internships typically require a minimum commitment of 6-18 hours per week for 15 weeks and are non-credit bearing. However, the university can provide documentation confirming completion of the internship if the home university wishes to grant credit.

Part-time Employment
Students with a Non-Immigrant ED Visa are not allowed to work in Thailand.

Students with Disabilities
Payap University is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible campus environment for all students and staff, in line with its Equality and Diversity Statement. Through the Campus Accessibility Project launched in 2014 and supported by a grant from USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Program, Payap became a pioneer in northern Thailand in making its campus more accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. Key features include access ramps, curb cuts, designated parking spaces, wider entry doors, accessible restrooms, and elevators in select buildings—ensuring greater mobility and independence for everyone on campus.

Grades & Transcripts
The university uses the following grading scale.

80-100 A 4.0 excellent

75-79 B+ 3.5 very good

70-74 B 3.0 good

65-69 C+ 2.5 above adequate

60-64 C 2.0 adequate

55-59 D+ 1.5 poor

50-54 D 1.0 very poor

0-49 F 0 fail

Transcripts will be issued to students after completing the academic term. Electronic transcripts are provided free of charge; however, students requiring hard copies for mailing to their home institution will be subject to postage fees.

For more details on credit transfer, please refer to the Student Guidebook.

International Student Fee
250 USD. This fee provides for the orientation, international student services and administrative costs.

Health Insurance
Students must arrange their own health insurance policy and provide proof of coverage.

Textbooks
Cost will vary by program.

Students must apply for a Non-Immigrant ED Visa before coming to Thailand to study. The university will provide all documents that are required to apply for the visa.

Housing
On-campus dormitory or off-campus apartment. Students can live in shared on-campus accommodation at Omega and Alpha Dormitories. Room types for 2 people include Standard Twin, Superior, or Deluxe, while a Suite is shared by 4 people. Neither cooking nor smoking is allowed in on-campus housing. Dormitory housing costs are approximately $350-600 per semester, which includes cleaning services, shuttle bus services, and utilities. More information is available here.

Fully furnished studio apartments are available in the vicinity of campus. Monthly rental fees are approximately $150-200 (this generally does not include water and electricity charges). Apartment providers usually require a security deposit and first month’s rent to be paid in advance of arrival.

Meals
The student cafeteria offers meals costing approximately $1-2. Eating off campus is also similarly affordable. The average minimum cost of food per month is $200.

Transportation
Students should fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).  The university provides an optional pick-up service for approximately $50.

Payap University offers transportation on-campus. Bus service is available within the city; however, the majority of people use taxis as they are very inexpensive (approximately $2-3 per ride). A service providing female drivers for female passengers is also available for slightly more.

Entertainment
Students have access to a variety of on-campus and off-campus activities. On campus, they can participate in student activities, community service projects, field trips, cultural events, and festivals, including International Day. Off campus, students can explore the natural beauty of the region, with many national parks located nearby, as well as enjoy local fresh markets and night markets to explore the culture. You can learn more about Chiang Mai here.

Shopping
Department stores are usually open by 9 AM and close in the late evening. Convenience stores are often open 24 hours. Local fresh markets are all around the city and weekly night markets are also available for shopping and cultural exploration.

Climate
Chiang Mai has a tropical wet and dry climate with distinct seasons. The cool season (November to February) offers pleasant temperatures from 59-86ºF/15-30ºC with low humidity and minimal rainfall. The hot season (March to May) sees temperatures of 95-104ºF/35-40ºC with occasional thunderstorms. The rainy season, when humidity peaks, is from June to October.

Disclaimer: The information presented on the Magellan website is for general informational purposes only. Although every effort is made to ensure institutional profiles are up-to-date and accurate, it is possible that variation may occur.