International exchange students

Exchange at the Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University.

Exchange, non-degree, visiting, internship and short-programme information for international students joining the Faculty of Architecture in Bangkok.

1943Kasetsart University founded
9–22Undergraduate KU credits / semester
9–15Graduate KU credits / semester
1 KU = 2 / 3 ECTSUndergraduate / graduate conversion
Exchange / non-degree

Exchange, visiting, internship and short programmes

KU accepts exchange and visiting students for one semester, one year, summer sessions, internships, and specially arranged short modules.

Students from partner universities

Students covered by a KU partnership agreement must first be nominated by their home university. Exchange conditions, eligible Faculty / programmes and tuition-waiver arrangements depend on the governing MOU or MOA.

Students from non-partner universities

Visiting students may apply through KUIC or other approved arrangements. Students are normally admitted to one host Faculty / programme and should take the majority of their courses there.

Applicant eligibility

  • Be enrolled in a degree programme at the home institution throughout the application and exchange period.
  • Have completed at least one year of degree study at the home university.
  • Have good English proficiency.
  • Be in good physical and mental health and able to study abroad.
  • Be prepared to live in Thailand and engage respectfully with the local culture.
  • Have adequate financial resources for accommodation, insurance, visa fees, transport, food, books / course materials and personal expenses.
Exchange application

Required documents

Partner exchange students should coordinate first with their home university’s international or study-abroad office.

Document / conditionRequirement
PassportCopy of photo and personal-information pages.
Official transcriptCurrent degree transcript showing degree name, level, courses, credits and grades.
Nomination letterRequired for students nominated by a home university.
English proficiencyFor non-native speakers, an English test or another assessment accepted through the nomination process. Some Faculties / programmes may impose specific scores.
Previous degree documentsMaster’s and doctoral applicants may need degree certificates and complete previous-degree transcripts with authorised English translations.
Health insuranceMedical / health / accident insurance covering the entire study period in Thailand.
Scholarship letterIf applicable.
VisaThai Non-Immigrant ED Visa required for study.
After arrival

Visa status and immigration procedures

All inbound international students must verify their immigration status upon arrival and maintain permission to stay in Thailand throughout their studies.

Report your immigration status

Contact KUIC or the designated KU international affairs office promptly after arrival. Provide your passport identification page, visa (if issued), and latest entry stamp for verification.

Changing visa status in Thailand

Students arriving with a tourist visa, visa exemption, or another status must consult KUIC immediately to check whether an in-country change to Non-Immigrant ED status is permitted. KU can advise on supporting documents; approval rests with Thai Immigration.

Stay and address reporting

Check your permitted-stay expiry date, arrange any necessary extension in advance, and ensure applicable accommodation reporting (TM30) and other immigration requirements are met.

Student responsibility

Admission and course registration do not automatically grant immigration permission. Students are responsible for maintaining valid status and complying with current Thai immigration rules.

Important: In-country visa-status changes are subject to eligibility and current Immigration Bureau requirements. Applications commonly require at least 15 days of remaining permitted stay; confirm the applicable deadline and documents with KUIC and Immigration before applying.
Dates

Exchange application periods

Applications are accepted for Semester 1 and Semester 2. Submit the complete exchange application at least 3 months before the intended semester or study period begins.

Semester 1 / 2027

Status
Applications open
Expected start
June 2027
Application timing
At least 3 months before classes begin

Semester 2 / 2027

Status
Applications accepted
Expected start
November 2027
Application timing
At least 3 months before classes begin
Planning guide: Based on the previous regular-programme academic calendar, Semester 1 normally begins around June, Semester 2 around November, and Summer around April. For Academic Year 2027, use June 2027, November 2027, and April 2028 as approximate planning months only. Exact dates are subject to the regular programme of the official Kasetsart University academic calendar.
Costs

Exchange tuition and estimated living expenses

Partner exchange students may receive tuition waivers where this is stated in the governing MOU or MOA. Personal living expenses remain the student’s responsibility.

MOU / MOA dependent

Partner exchange tuition

Tuition is often waived for partner-university exchange students under written reciprocal agreements. Students should confirm the exact conditions with their home university and the Faculty of Architecture before applying.

Estimated expenseTypical amount
Housing6,000–10,000 THB / month
Electricity & water800–2,000 THB / month
Food & groceries5,000–8,000 THB / month
Books1,000–3,000 THB / semester
Transportation500–1,000 THB / month
Academic system

Study load, credits and grading

Course load

Undergraduate exchange: minimum 9 and maximum 22 KU credits per semester. Graduate exchange: minimum 9 and maximum 15 KU credits.

ECTS conversion

Undergraduate: 1 KU credit = 2 ECTS. Graduate: 1 KU credit = 3 ECTS.

Credit registration

UC / GC registration is graded from A to F. Audit registration uses UA / GA and is graded S or U.

General GPA

The Faculty exchange fact sheet states a minimum equivalent GPA of 2.00 / 4.00 and good academic standing, subject to additional Faculty requirements.

Faculty of Architecture

Selected courses for exchange students

Note: Course offerings for Academic Year 2027 are currently being confirmed. The final list will be announced before registration. Students may be required to cover additional expenses related to field trips, off-campus activities, or other special course activities.

Bachelor of Architecture

01240285
Cultural Heritage Theory
Semester 1 · 3 credits

Conservation and protection in contemporary society; international charters and public policy; architectural and urban heritage; modern architecture conservation and adaptive reuse; historic urban landscape; traditional villages, vernacular architecture, cultural landscape, cultural mapping and interpretation.

01240514
Architectural Design VIII
Semester 1 · 3 credits

In-depth architectural design and individual study emphasizing personal expertise, design theory, and holistic sustainability in the built environment.

01240414
Architectural Design VII
Semester 2 · 5 credits

Advanced public-architecture design, architectural programming, community and urban networks, and integration of space, planning, environment, materials, regulations and utility systems.

01240481
Art Architecture and City
Semester 2 · 3 credits

Art, architecture and the city; public art, installation art, public space and urban development. Field trip required.

01240322
Appropriate Construction Technology
Semester 2 · 3 credits

Material Journey is an experimental project that will continue within Construction VI. Students will study a master (an architect, engineer, or designer), select a distinctive aspect of that master's method, and apply it to their own projects. As they move from digital modeling into physical production, they will confront the real properties of materials and the pull of gravity, which a weightless 3D model never reveals. Most will use modern simulation tools to find pattern and geometry for a desired form and to understand its structural behavior (statics). In the final production phase, they will work within limited technology, tools, and resources, and will need to adapt and appropriate what is available to realize their designs.

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

01241311
Landscape Architectural Design III
Semester 1 · 4 credits

Intermediate landscape design in complex environments, including site/user analysis, circulation and sustainable public-use projects.

01241446
Contemporary Issues in Landscape Architecture
Semester 1 · 3 credits

Current academic and professional issues in landscape sustainability, environment and socio-cultural dynamics.

01241411
Landscape Architectural Design V
Semester 1 · 4 credits

Advanced studio for urban, peri-urban, agricultural and natural landscapes with significant ecological and cultural value.

Master of Architecture (Built Environment)

01249511
Design Studio in Built Environment
Semester 1 · 3 credits

Design of built environment in diverse contexts and circumstances. Applying of concepts, theories, design tools and design thinking process leading to implementation on actual sites. Design workshop and fieldwork required. See 01249598 Special Problems for 2nd Semester Design Studio

01249542
Advanced Cultural Heritage Theory
Semester 1 · 3 credits

Architectural and urban heritage conservation; physical, economic and social development; government policy and civil involvement.

01249582
Vernacular Architecture of Ethnic Groups in Southeast Asia
Semester 2 · 3 credits

Vernacular architecture, settlement dispersion and relationships with natural and cultural contexts among Tai-Dai ethnic groups. Lectures will be conducted in Thai, while reading materials and PowerPoint presentations will be provided in English.

01249592
Advanced Research in Built Environment
Semester 2 · 3 credits

Specific interests. Research proposal. Research statement. Research objective. Scope of research. Reviewing relevant literature. Research proposal development according to the expertise of instructors. Independent study under an assigned advisor.

01249596
Selected Topic in Built Environment
Semester 1-2 · 1-3 credits

Selected topics in built environment at the master’s degree level. Topics are subject to change each semester. Contact the correspondent for available subjects and further details. Topics vary by semester.

Master of landscape Architecture

01248511
Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning
Semester 1 · 3 credits

Development of Landscape Architecture. Analytical process and assimilation for landscape interventions. Ecological and cultural factors in environmental planning. Roles of landscape architect.

Master of Architecture (Building Innovation and Technology)

01247522
Upcycling
Semester 2 · 3 credits

Resource use and industrial scraps, resource inventory, manufacturing, product design, prototyping and marketing integration.

Application

Apply for academic year 2027

Applications are now open. Students may apply for Semester 1, Semester 2 or Summer, and the complete application should be submitted at least 3 months before the intended study period begins. Partner-university students must first be nominated by their home institution.

Exchange / non-degree application

Use the KU international online application system and coordinate with the Faculty / KUIC if you are nominated by a partner university.

Open KU International Application →

Need assistance?

For exchange programme questions, course selection, or Faculty coordination, contact the Faculty of Architecture or KUIC.

arch@ku.th · kuic@ku.th

Student administration

Protocol for Inbound International Students

Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University

1. Purpose

This protocol establishes clear procedures and responsibilities for managing inbound international students, including exchange, visiting, and short-term students. It aims to ensure effective academic coordination, timely course registration, and appropriate student support.

2. Roles and Responsibilities

International Affairs Office (Faculty Level)

  • Coordinate student nominations and applications with partner universities and KU International Affairs.
  • Provide pre-arrival information and orientation.
  • Monitor registration status and maintain student records.
  • Coordinate administrative issues with Academic Affairs and programme chairs.
  • Sign Learning Agreements.

Programme Chair / Academic Advisor

  • Review and approve proposed study plans and course selections.
  • Confirm course availability, prerequisites, and academic suitability.
  • Approve course changes and review Learning Agreements.
  • Monitor students' academic progress during their exchange.

Academic Affairs Office

  • Verify course registration and required KU forms.
  • Process course additions, withdrawals, and changes.
  • Maintain official enrolment records.
  • Coordinate grade reporting and academic documentation.

Course Instructors

  • Confirm students' eligibility to attend courses.
  • Explain course requirements, assessments, and attendance policies.
  • Report registration discrepancies to Academic Affairs.
  • Submit final grades according to university regulations.

3. Student Admission and Registration Procedure

Stage 1: Nomination and Application

The home university submits student nominations through the designated international affairs channel. The Faculty reviews the proposed study programme and confirms academic capacity.

Stage 2: Pre-arrival Academic Planning

Students submit their proposed course selections and Learning Agreements. The relevant programme chair reviews the study plan and consults course instructors where necessary.

Stage 3: Arrival and Orientation

Students attend the required university and faculty orientation sessions. Academic Affairs explains course registration procedures, academic calendars, and relevant regulations.

Students must also verify their visa and immigration status upon arrival. See Visa & arrival procedures.

Stage 4: Official Course Registration

Students must complete all required university registration procedures, including applicable KU1 and KU3 forms, within the designated deadlines.

Attending classes does not constitute official enrolment. Students are responsible for verifying that their registered courses appear correctly in the university system.

Stage 5: Course Changes and Learning Agreements

For course additions or withdrawals, use the KU3 Add/Drop Form (PDF).

Any course addition, withdrawal, or replacement must be reviewed by the programme chair or academic advisor and processed through Academic Affairs.

Learning Agreements must reflect the student's actual registered courses.

The Programme Chair / Academic Advisor is responsible for reviewing and approving the academic content of Learning Agreements, including course selections and subsequent changes. The Faculty-level International Affairs Office is responsible for signing Learning Agreements following academic approval and verification of official course registration. For initial pre-arrival Learning Agreements, academic approval may be based on proposed courses; registration must be verified after arrival, and any changes must be reflected in an amended Learning Agreement.

Stage 6: Academic Monitoring

Programme chairs and course instructors monitor student participation and academic progress. Registration discrepancies must be resolved promptly in coordination with Academic Affairs.

Stage 7: Completion and Departure

Before departure, students must verify their final course registration records and complete outstanding academic requirements.

Academic Affairs coordinates the issuance of transcripts and other required academic documents through the appropriate university channels.

4. Administrative Principles

Decentralized Academic Responsibility: Programme chairs are responsible for academic decisions within their respective programmes, while faculty-level International Affairs provides coordination and oversight.

Registration Before Certification: Learning Agreements and other academic certifications must be consistent with verified registration records.

Clear Accountability: Students, programme chairs, instructors, and administrative offices must fulfill their respective responsibilities within established deadlines.

Consistent Communication: Official academic decisions and registration changes must be communicated through designated university channels.

5. Implementation

This protocol applies to all inbound international students hosted by the Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University, subject to university regulations and agreements with partner institutions.

The Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and International Affairs oversees implementation in collaboration with programme chairs, Academic Affairs, and relevant international affairs units.

This is an initial faculty-level protocol based on a decentralized academic advising model, with programme chairs responsible for academic approval and the Assistant Dean providing oversight.

The next step is to establish a clear approval workflow and responsibility matrix, particularly for KU1/KU3 registration, Learning Agreement signatures, course changes, and communication with KUIC. These procedures should be verified against current KU regulations before formal adoption.

Contact

International affairs and student support

Faculty of Architecture

50 Ngamwongwan Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
arch@ku.th

Kasetsart University International College (KUIC)

Exchange student support: kuic@ku.th
Floor 6, Rapee Sagarik Building, Kasetsart University.

International Affairs Division (IAD)

iad@ku.th
+66 2 942 8858

Visa & arrival

Students should normally obtain a Non-Immigrant ED visa before study. Upon arrival, contact KUIC to verify immigration status and obtain guidance on any necessary status change. KUIC can also assist with student registration, ID card and Nontri Wi‑Fi account setup.