Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University brand identity

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand Founded 1887

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University
Local Name: มหาวิทยาลัยมหาจุฬาลงกรณ์ราชวิทยาลัย
Acronyms: MCU
Founded: 1887
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Buddhism
Around Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University campus
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Established in 1887, the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants).

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) is a coeducational Thai higher education institution formally affiliated with the Buddhist religion. Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.

This 137-year-old Thai higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

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

Location & Contact

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.

Address: 79 M.1, Phahon Yothin Road, km 55 Lam Sai, Wang Noi, Phra Nakhon
Postal Code: 13170
Map:
Phone: +66 (35) 24-8000
Fax: +66 (35) 24-8006
Social Media:

Academic Details

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.

Recognition: Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand
Accrediting Agency: Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education

Degrees

Also offers Master's and Docotoral degrees in Buddhist Studies via Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA Campus), as well as several Bachelor's and Master's degrees at its overseas affiliated colleges

Bachelor's 2 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Asian Religious Studies
  • Education
Master's 2 programs

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

  • Asian Religious Studies
  • Philosophy
Doctoral 3 programs

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

  • Asian Religious Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Philosophy

Faculties & Divisions

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

Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy - (SIBA Campus) (Academy) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Religious Studies
  • Philosophy
Buddhist College of Singapore (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Religious Studies
  • Philosophy
Dharma Gate Buddhist College (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Religious Studies
  • Philosophy
Dongguk Chunbop (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Religious Studies
  • Philosophy
Mahapanya Vidayalai (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Religious Studies
  • Philosophy
Education (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Education
  • Educational and Student Counselling
  • Educational Psychology
  • History
  • Religious Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

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

Humanities (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Editor
  • Cultural Analyst

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

Social Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Administration
  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Political Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

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

Buddhism (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Religious Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Religion
  • Sanskrit

Programs Offered

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University's teaching offering by degree level. Programmes archived in past intakes may still appear on search engines; the live list here is the current source of truth.

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

Bachelor's Degree 82 programmes

Bachelor of Arts
Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts in English
English Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English (Buddhachinarat Buddhist College, Phitsanulok)
Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English (Chiang Rai Buddhist College)
Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English (Khon Kaen Buddhist College)
Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English (Lampun Buddhist College)
Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English (Nong Khai Buddhist College)
Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English Language
English Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Thai
Liberal Arts

Showing 10 of 82.

Master's Degree 46 programmes

Master of Arts in English Language
English Language Studies
Master of Arts in Global Education Studies
Education & Teaching
Master of Arts in Social and Cultural Innovation and Creativity
Liberal Arts
Master of Arts in Thai
Liberal Arts
Master of Buddhist Studies
Religious Studies
Master of Buddhist Studies in Buddhism
Religious Studies
Master of Buddhist Studies in Buddhist Canon Studies
Religious Studies
Master of Buddhist Studies in Buddhist Educational Administration
Religious Studies
Master of Buddhist Studies in Buddhist Missionaries
Religious Studies
Master of Buddhist Studies in Buddhist Psychology
Religious Studies

Showing 10 of 46.

Doctorate 32 programmes

Doctor of Buddhist Studies
Religious Studies
Doctor of Buddhist Studies in Buddhism
Religious Studies
Doctor of Buddhist Studies in Buddhist Canon Studies
Religious Studies
Doctor of Buddhist Studies in Buddhist Communication Innovation
Communication Studies
Doctor of Buddhist Studies in Buddhist Educational Administration
Religious Studies
Doctor of Buddhist Studies in Buddhist Fine Arts (Chiang Mai Buddhist College)
Religious Studies
Doctor of Buddhist Studies in Buddhist Psychology
Religious Studies
Doctor of Buddhist Studies in Buddhist-Oriented Management
Religious Studies
Doctor of Buddhist Studies in Comparative Religion
Religious Studies
Doctor of Buddhist Studies in Pali Buddhism
Religious Studies

Showing 10 of 32.

Postgraduate Diploma 3 programmes

Graduate Diploma in Teacher Education
Education & Teaching
Graduate Diploma in Teacher Profession
Education & Teaching
Graduate Diploma in Tripitaka Studies

How to apply to Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Below is a five-step path through the application process at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University's catalogue includes 163 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Submit your completed application through Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University's official website at www.mcu.ac.th. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +66 (35) 24-8000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Frequently asked questions about Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

How old is Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University?

The institution opened in 1887 (approximately 139 years ago).

What city is Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in?

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University operates from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Is Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University a public or private institution?

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University operates as a public institution.

What qualification levels does Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University offer?

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Does Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University have a religious affiliation?

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University is associated with Buddhism.

Is Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University accredited?

The institution holds recognition from Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education.

How do I find Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University online?

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University's official website is www.mcu.ac.th.

Top-Ranked Universities in Thailand

Looking for the strongest names in Thailand? These are the highest-ranked institutions nationally — useful context for benchmarking Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University against the country's most established universities. National benchmarks also signal the upper bound of academic prestige in Thailand.

Other Thai Universities Affiliated with Buddhism

Community service and outreach traditions at Buddhism universities often shape student life and graduate identity. The peers below typically share comparable service expectations or traditions.

Faculties at nearby universities

Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.

Where Else to Study Religious Studies

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

Universities Compared with Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Yield rates (proportion of admitted students who enroll) cluster among peer institutions. High-yield universities signal strong applicant preference compared to peers at the same selectivity level.

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