Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen, Thailand • Founded 1964 • World Rank #1025
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1964, the Khon Kaen University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Khon Kaen (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants).
This institution also has a branch campus in Nong Khai. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand, Khon Kaen University (KKU) is a very large-sized coeducational Thai higher education institution.
Khon Kaen University (KKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 60-year-old Thai higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this Thai higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. KKU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Khon Kaen University is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
The figures below cover Khon Kaen 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 Structures
Each constituent academic unit at Khon Kaen University is captured below — including research centres alongside teaching faculties. Research centres often signal the institution's strategic priorities.
Unit 21 items
- College of Graduate Study in Management
- College of Local Administration
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Architecture
- Faculty of Associated Medical Science
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Science
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Management Science
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science
- Faculty of Public Health
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Technology
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Graduate School
- International College
Degrees
Find the degree level matching your study stage at Khon Kaen University. Bologna-process cycles (1st/2nd/3rd) map roughly to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral but with country-specific variations.
Bachelor's 7 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Architecture
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Dentistry
- Education
- Nursing
Master's 15 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Architecture
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Dentistry
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Marketing
- Nursing
Doctoral 24 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Dentistry
- Development Studies
- Educational Administration
- Educational Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Musicology
- Nursing
- Oral Pathology
- Public Health
- Rural Planning
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Tourism
Diploma & Certificate 1 program
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Dentistry
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand.
Graduate Studies (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Management
Local Administration (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Administration
Agriculture (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Entomology
- Fishery
- Horticulture
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Plant Pathology
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration and Accounting (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Management
- Tourism
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) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- 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
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Fine and Applied Arts (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Arts
- Handicrafts
- Music
- Painting and Drawing
- Sculpture
Humanities and Social Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Chinese
- English
- Social Sciences
- Thai Languages
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
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.
Management Science (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Management
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
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.
Pharmaceutical Sciences (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Public Health (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Technology (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biotechnology
- Food Technology
- Geological Engineering
- Technology
Veterinary Medicine (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Veterinary Science
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Graduate Studies (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
- Public Health
- Rural Planning
Programs Offered
The programmes you can apply for at Khon Kaen University are grouped by degree level. Programme-level accreditation (separate from institutional) matters for regulated professions like law, medicine, and engineering.
416 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Thailand
Bachelor's Degree 142 programmes
Showing 10 of 142.
Master's Degree 157 programmes
Showing 10 of 157.
Doctorate 91 programmes
Showing 10 of 91.
Postgraduate Diploma 26 programmes
Showing 10 of 26.
How to apply to Khon Kaen University
How to apply to Khon Kaen University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
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1
Research programmes at Khon Kaen University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Khon Kaen University runs 416 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Khon Kaen University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Thailand.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Khon Kaen University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.kku.ac.th). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +66 (43) 00 9700. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Khon Kaen University
A short Q&A covering Khon Kaen University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
When was Khon Kaen University founded?
Khon Kaen University was established in 1964 (approximately 62 years ago).
Where can I find Khon Kaen University?
The institution is located in Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Is Khon Kaen University a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does Khon Kaen University have?
The institution has a student body of 30,000-34,999.
What is Khon Kaen University's ranking?
Khon Kaen University holds rank #1025 globally and #4 in Thailand.
What qualification levels does Khon Kaen University offer?
Programmes at Khon Kaen University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does Khon Kaen University have?
Khon Kaen University has 21 academic units.
Who recognises Khon Kaen University?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education.
How do I find Khon Kaen University online?
Khon Kaen University's official website is www.kku.ac.th.
Members of Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL)
Cross-credit recognition between Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) members reduces friction for students moving between universities. Khon Kaen University's membership often eases credit transfer to the institutions below.
Where Else to Study Philosophy & Ethics
Choosing the right Philosophy & Ethics programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across Thailand cover the same discipline as Khon Kaen University from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.
Universities Compared with Khon Kaen University
Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to Khon Kaen University. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.
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