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Payap University brand identity

Payap University

Chiang Mai, Thailand • Founded 1974

Updated May 2026 · Source: payap.ac.th

Overview

English Name: Payap University
Local Name: มหาวิทยาลัยพายัพ
Acronyms: PYU
Founded: 1974
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Protestant
Motto: Truth and Service
Colours: Light blue
Inside Payap University
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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

Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Payap University are listed below.

Address: Super-highway Chiang Mai Lumpang Road Muang District
Postal Code: 50000
Other Sites: Traditional and Open Learning Institution. Also Teaching Hospital. Thai Studies Certificate Programme and Intensive Thai Language Course for foreign students. Special English programme
Phone: +66 (53) 851 478
Fax: +66 (53) 245 353
Social Media:

Academic Details

Payap University's academic profile in numbers is listed below.

Academic Year: May to March (May-October; January-March)
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: 5,000-5,999
Academic Staff Range: 800-899
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA) Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Thailand (APHEIT)

Academic Structures

The academic units of Payap University are listed below.

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
  • 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
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
Economics (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law
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
Science (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Food Science
  • Information Management
  • Information Technology
  • Software Engineering
Social Sciences and Humanities (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
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

Programs Offered

Search and filter Payap University's available programmes by degree level.

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

Bachelor of Accounting
Accounting
Bachelor of Arts in Business Chinese
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and Culture
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies
Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English
English Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English Communication (International Curriculum)
Communication Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English for Professional Development
English Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Language and Culture
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Thai for Communication for Foreigners
Communication Studies

Showing 10 of 29.

Master's Degree 9 programmes

Master of Arts
Liberal Arts
Master of Arts in Linguistics
Linguistics & Language Studies
Master of Arts in Linguistics (International Curriculum)
Linguistics & Language Studies
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
English Language Studies
Master of Business Administration
Business Administration
Master of Business Administration in Business Administration for Executives (International Curriculum)
Business Administration
Master of Education in Educational Administration
Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Educational Administration (International Curriculum)
Education & Teaching
Master of Laws
Law

Doctorate 7 programmes

Doctor of Business Administration
Business Administration
Doctor of Education in Educational Administration
Education & Teaching
Doctor of Philosophy
Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (International Curriculum)
Business Administration
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration (International Curriculum)
Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Peacebuilding (International Curriculum)
Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
English Language Studies

How to apply to Payap University

A short guide to applying to Payap University — five steps.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

Quick reference for Payap University: founding, control type, and recognition status.

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)

Below: other Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) member institutions, alongside Payap University.

Other Thai Universities Affiliated with Christian-Protestant

Other Christian-Protestant-affiliated institutions in Thailand appear below.

Faculties at nearby universities

The institutions below are geographically close to Payap University.

Where Else to Study Business Administration

Universities in Thailand with Business Administration programmes appear below, alongside Payap University.

Universities Compared with Payap University

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