Education & Schools

A comprehensive series of articles and information on education and schools in Chiang Mai. Written by people who live and learn here.

By | Thu 12 Mar 2020

With seven accredited universities, Chiang Mai is second only to Bangkok as a seat of learning in Thailand. The cities educational institutions are a magnet to the best and brightest students across Northern Thailand and further afield.

Chiang Mai University is the 3rd ranked in Thailand, and in 2019 was ranked in the top 100 in Asia by the by Quacquarelli Symonds. It has 20 academic faculties located over four campuses, and with 36,000 it is also the largest of the city’s tertiary education options. Maejo University is also highly ranked nationally. It focuses on agriculture which is one of the north’s major industries.

The education system in Thailand includes government, private and international schools, all of which are found in Chiang Mai. Schooling is divided into pre-school, primary (Prathom) and secondary (Matthayom) levels covering ages from 3 to 18. School is compulsory up to Mattayon 3 (grade 9) with vocational options being available for 15-year-olds upwards. The family is recognised in Thai law is an educational institution and homeschooling is an option for those that choose it.

There are also many, and a growing number, of international schools in Chiang Mai.