Chiang Mai University brand mark

Chiang Mai University

Chiang Mai, Thailand Founded 1964 World Rank #700

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Chiang Mai University
Local Name: มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่
Acronyms: CMU
Founded: 1964
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #700
Rank in Thailand: #3
Motto: Attana? Damayanti Pa??ita
Colours: Purple
Chiang Mai University institutional setting
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Founded in 1964, the Chiang Mai University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Chiang Mai (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants).

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand, Chiang Mai University (CMU) is a very large-sized coeducational Thai higher education institution. Chiang Mai University (CMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.

This 59-year-old Thai higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

CMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Where to find Chiang Mai University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.

Address: 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District
Postal Code: 50200
Other Sites: Traditional and Open Learning Institution
Phone: +66 (53) 941 300
Fax: +66 (53) 944 900
Social Media:

Academic Details

The figures below cover Chiang Mai University's academic scale, faculty depth, and recognised standing. Treat the enrolment count as a point-in-time snapshot; trends require multi-year comparison.

Academic Year: June to May (June-October; November-March; March-May)
Recognition: Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand
Accrediting Agency: Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (Mathayom Suksa 6) or equivalent, and entrance examination
Student Enrollment: 30
Academic Staff Range: 2,000-2,499
Memberships & Networks
Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL)

Academic Structures

The academic-side structure of Chiang Mai University, broken down by unit type. International branch campuses, where they exist, are sometimes organised as separate units with their own structure.

Unit 21 items
  • College of Arts Media and Technology
  • Faculty of Agriculture
  • Faculty of Agro-Industry
  • Faculty of Architecture
  • Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences
  • Faculty of Business Administration
  • Faculty of Dentistry
  • Faculty of Economics
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Engineering
  • Faculty of Fine Arts
  • Faculty of Humanities
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Mass Communication
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Nursing
  • Faculty of Pharmacy
  • Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Degrees

Chiang Mai University's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.

Master's 12 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Agricultural Management
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fine Arts
  • Geophysics
  • Health Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Petrology
  • Social Sciences
  • Software Engineering
Doctoral 18 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Dentistry
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Geology
  • Information Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Nanotechnology
  • Natural Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Physics
  • Social Sciences
  • Veterinary Science

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand.

Arts' Media and Technology (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Graphic Design
  • Information Technology
  • Software Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Media Producer
  • Content Strategist
  • Broadcast Journalist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Agriculture (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Entomology
  • Natural Resources
  • Plant Pathology

Common Career Paths

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Agronomist
  • Farm Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Agro-Industry (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biotechnology
  • Food Science
  • Food Technology
  • Packaging Technology
  • Production Engineering
Architecture (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Architecture

Common Career Paths

  • Architect
  • Urban Planner
  • Interior Designer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Associated Medical Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Laboratory Techniques
  • Medical Technology
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Radiology

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Clinical Researcher
  • Healthcare Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Business Administration (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Banking
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Dentistry (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dental Technology
  • Dentistry
  • Oral Pathology
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Radiology
  • Surgery

Common Career Paths

  • Dentist
  • Oral Surgeon
  • Dental Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Economics (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Education (Faculty) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Research
  • Educational Sciences
  • Educational Technology
  • Educational Testing and Evaluation
  • Health Education
  • Physical Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Vocational Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mining Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Fine Arts (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Design
  • Fine Arts
  • Media Studies
  • Painting and Drawing
  • Printing and Printmaking
  • Sculpture

Common Career Paths

  • Artist
  • Curator
  • Art Educator

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Humanities (Faculty) 14 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chinese
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Hindi
  • History
  • Japanese
  • Library Science
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Religion
  • Spanish
  • Thai Languages
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Editor
  • Cultural Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mass Communication (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Mass Communication

Common Career Paths

  • Journalist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Content Strategist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine (Faculty) 19 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anaesthesiology
  • Anatomy
  • Biochemistry
  • Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopaedics
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Paediatrics
  • Parasitology
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiology
  • Psychiatry and Mental Health
  • Radiology
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Surgery

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Nursing (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Nursing

Common Career Paths

  • Registered Nurse
  • Clinical Nurse
  • Public Health Nurse

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Pharmacy (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Pharmacy

Common Career Paths

  • Pharmacist
  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Pharmaceutical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Political Science and Public Administration (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration
  • Regional Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science (Faculty) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Geology
  • Industrial Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Statistics

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Social Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Geography
  • Sociology

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Veterinary Medicine (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Food Science
  • Public Health
  • Veterinary Science
  • Wildlife

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Health Sciences (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Development Studies
  • Natural Sciences
  • Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science and Technology Research and Development (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Development Studies
  • Natural Sciences
  • Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Social Research (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Social Studies

Programs Offered

Chiang Mai University's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.

401 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Thailand

Bachelor's Degree 145 programmes

Bachelor of Accounting
Accounting
Bachelor of Accounting (International Curriculum)
Accounting
Bachelor of Architecture
Architecture
Bachelor of Arts
Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts in ASEAN Studies
Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Burmese Language and Culture
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Business Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Chinese
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Photography
Photography
Bachelor of Arts in Design
Applied Design

Showing 10 of 145.

Master's Degree 152 programmes

Master of Accounting
Accounting
Master of Architecture in Architecture
Architecture
Master of Arts
Liberal Arts
Master of Arts and Science
Liberal Arts
Master of Arts in Art and Design
Applied Design
Master of Arts in Arts and Culture Management
Business & Management
Master of Arts in Contemporary Chinese Language Teaching
Linguistics & Language Studies
Master of Arts in Cultural Studies
Art History
Master of Arts in English and Communication
Communication Studies
Master of Arts in History
History

Showing 10 of 152.

Doctorate 84 programmes

Doctor of Arts in Art and Design
Applied Design
Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching
Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering & Construction
Doctor of Engineering in Energy Engineering
Energy Engineering
Doctor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Doctor of Laws
Law
Doctor of Nursing in Nursing
Nursing
Doctor of Nursing in Nursing (International Curriculum)
Nursing
Doctor of Philosophy
Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy (Dentistry) in Dentistry
Dentistry

Showing 10 of 84.

Postgraduate Diploma 20 programmes

Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science in Dentistry
Dentistry
Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science in Pediatric Dentistry
Medicine
Higher Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science
Medicine
Higher Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science in Anatomic Pathology
Biological Sciences
Higher Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science in Anesthesiology
Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Higher Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science in Clinical Pathology
Biological Sciences
Higher Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science in Dentistry
Dentistry
Higher Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science in Family Medicine
Medicine
Higher Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science in Forensic Medicine
Medicine
Higher Graduate Diploma in Clinical Medical Science in Internal Medicine
Medicine

Showing 10 of 20.

How to apply to Chiang Mai University

A practical five-step guide to applying to Chiang Mai University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Chiang Mai University offers 401 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Each programme at Chiang Mai University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Apply directly via Chiang Mai University's online portal at www.cmu.ac.th. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +66 (53) 941 300. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chiang Mai University

Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Chiang Mai University, drawn directly from institutional records.

In what year was Chiang Mai University established?

Chiang Mai University was founded in 1964 (approximately 62 years ago).

Where is Chiang Mai University located?

Chiang Mai University is located in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

What is Chiang Mai University's control type?

Chiang Mai University is a public institution.

What is the student enrolment at Chiang Mai University?

Student enrolment at Chiang Mai University is around 30,000-34,999.

What is Chiang Mai University's ranking?

Chiang Mai University holds rank #700 globally and #3 in Thailand.

What qualification levels does Chiang Mai University offer?

Chiang Mai University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

What is Chiang Mai University's academic structure?

Chiang Mai University is organised into 21 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Chiang Mai University accredited?

Chiang Mai University is accredited by Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education.

What is Chiang Mai University's official website?

You can find Chiang Mai University online at www.cmu.ac.th.

Members of Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL)

Student exchange agreements within Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) formalise mobility opportunities. The universities below typically have dedicated exchange slots reserved for students from Chiang Mai University.

Faculties at nearby universities

Other institutions in Chiang Mai University's region offer similar admissions cycles and overlapping subject areas, listed below for comparison. Regional clusters often share employer networks and post-study career pathways.

Where Else to Study Biological Sciences

Foreign-language teaching requirements for Biological Sciences programmes vary across Thailand. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.

Universities Compared with Chiang Mai University

International branch campuses are common among universities at Chiang Mai University's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.

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