Payap University
Chiang Mai, Thailand • Founded 1974
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1974, the Payap University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of 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, Payap University (PYU) is a small-sized coeducational Thai higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Protestant religion. Payap University (PYU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 49-year-old Thai higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this Thai higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
PYU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Payap 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
A quick read on Payap University's academic vitals — enrolment counts, faculty makeup, and recognition status. The combination determines class sizes, faculty access, and credential portability.
Academic Structures
Payap University's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.
Unit 11 items
- College of Divinity
- College of Music
- Faculty of Accountancy, Finance and Banking
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Communication Arts
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Science
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Science
- International College
Degrees
Also Certificate in Thai and S.E. Asian Studies; English
Master's 4 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Business Administration
- English
- Linguistics
- Theology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand.
Thai-Japan (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Japanese
- Thai Languages
Arts (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
- Music
Christian Studies (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Christian Religious Studies
Accountancy, Finance and Banking (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Finance
Common Career Paths
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Administration (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Business Administration
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- International Business
- Management
- Tourism
Communication Arts (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Arts
- Communication Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
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.
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.
Liberal Arts (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Chinese
- English
- German
- Japanese
- Linguistics
- Thai Languages
- Tourism
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.
Science (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Food Science
- Information Management
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences and Humanities (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Religion and Cultural Studies (Institute) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Graduate Studies (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Foreign Languages Education
- International Business
- Linguistics
- Peace and Disarmament
Theology (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Payap University's current programme offering broken down by degree level. Curriculum revisions happen periodically; check the version year on each programme page if accreditation portability matters.
45 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Thailand
Bachelor's Degree 29 programmes
Showing 10 of 29.
Master's Degree 9 programmes
Doctorate 7 programmes
How to apply to Payap University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Payap University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
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1
Research programmes at Payap University
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Payap University offers 45 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Each programme at Payap 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.
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3
Gather supporting 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.
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4
Lodge your application
Apply directly via Payap University's online portal at www.payap.ac.th. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +66 (53) 851 478. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Payap University
Frequently asked questions about Payap University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
When did Payap University open?
Payap University traces its founding to 1974 (approximately 52 years ago).
In which city is Payap University?
Payap University is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Is Payap University a public or private institution?
Payap University is a private institution.
How many students study at Payap University?
Payap University has approximately 5,000-5,999 students.
What programmes are available at Payap University?
Payap University offers bachelor's and master's programmes.
What is Payap University's religious tradition?
Yes, Payap University is affiliated with Christian-Protestant.
How is Payap University organised academically?
Payap University is organised into 11 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Payap University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education.
How do I find Payap University online?
The institution's website is www.payap.ac.th.
Top-Ranked Universities in Thailand
Industry partnerships of Thailand's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including Payap University may still partner with strong employers locally.
Members of Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL)
Strategic alliances often grow alongside Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) membership — bilateral agreements deepen collaboration beyond the broader network frame. Such alliances sometimes exist between Payap University and specific members below.
Other Thai Universities Affiliated with Christian-Protestant
Religious dress code expectations, where they exist, are typically consistent across Christian-Protestant institutions. The peers below often share the same norms found at Payap University.
Faculties at nearby universities
Public transport hubs near Payap University affect access to all the universities below similarly. Major transit nodes often correlate with where the cluster of institutions is densest.
Where Else to Study Business Administration
Choosing the right Business Administration programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across Thailand cover the same discipline as Payap University from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.
Universities Compared with Payap University
Below: institutions that students typically weigh against Payap University when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.
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