Chulalongkorn University

History

The demands of officials specialized in various fields by the government in the late 19th century Siam was an result of King Chulalongkorn's bureaucratic reforms, which aimed to transform the feudal Thai society into a modernized state. In 1899, the king founded the Civil Service Training School near the northern gate of the Royal Palace. Those who graduated from the school would become royal pages. Being royal pages, they learned how to administer organizations by working closely with the king, which was a traditional way of entrance to Siamese bureaucracy. After being royal pages, they would then serve in the Mahattai Ministry or other government ministries.

On April 1, 1902 the king thought the name of the school should be renamed to increase the dignity of students and graduates. Hence the name Royal Pages School (Thai: โรงเรียนมหาดเล็ก) was later used. Later, on January 1, 1911, King Vajiravudh renamed the school again to Civil Service College of King Chulalongkorn (Thai: โรงเรียนข้าราชการพลเรือนของพระบาทสมเด็จพระจุลจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว) as a memorial to his father and moved the school to Windsor Palace (Thai: วังวินด์เซอร์ หรือวังใหม่) in the Pathumwan district.

The academic demands, however, increased all over the country as a whole as Siam was modernized. King Vajiravudh then took the remaining funds of Chulalongkorn's Royal Equestrian Statue construction, which was collected from people. Then combined with his own funds to subsidize the construction of a university campus. The king organized various schools around the city proper into the Chulalongkorn's College. The college offered 8 majors taught by 5 schools including;

School of International Relations in the Royal Palace

School of Teacher Training at Baan Somdet Chao Phraya

Royal Medical College at Siriraj Hospital

School of Legal Studies

School of Mechanical Sciences at the Windsor Palace

King Rama VI then realized that the education should be provided to all people not only for the bureaucrats. On March 26, 1917, the college was upgraded to the Chulalongkorn University (Thai: จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย), and the schools were transformed into four faculties: Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Public Administration, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Medicine.

The university firstly granted certificates to its graduates. The education for a degree was then prepared. The Rockefeller Foundation reorganized the curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine. In 1923, the Faculty of Medicine became the first faculty to accept students from the secondary education (known as Mattayom). The remaining faculties then followed suit. After the 1932 Revolution, the Khana Ratsadon wanted the legal and political studies to be independent of "royalists'" Chulalongkorn University so they took the Faculty of Law and Political Science into their new Thammasat University in 1933.

In 1938, the Chulalongkorn University's Preparatory School was founded to provide pre-collegiate education for its students. Those who managed to enter the university had to spend two years in the Preparatory School before going on to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The Preparatory School, however, ceased to be a university-owned preparatory school in 1947 and became independent Triam Udom Suksa School. Later, the university established Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School (CUD) system as laboratory primary and high schools for Faculty of Education.

Phra Kiao

Since the establishment of the Royal Pages School, the former name of the university, Chulalongkorn authorized the use of his personal emblem as school emblem. The emblem is 'Phra Kiao', or Thai style coronet which is made to fit hair topknot. As the school was transformed into the university, the King of Thailand authorized the use of Phra Kiao until nowadays. Today, Phra Kiao is used in formal letters, transcripts, souvenirs made by the university and student uniforms.

Student Uniform

Undergraduate students are required to wear the uniform as they are studying, taking examinations and contacting the university. For graduate students, collared or polo shirt and dark trousers are required for male students while plain blouse with a properly long skirt are required for female students.

Originally, the university uniform was adapted from uniform worn by Chulalongkorn's heirs. Later, the uniform was changed into more modernized version but the original one is reserved as a formal uniform. Formal uniform is usually worn by student leaders and bachelor graduates.

Today, the normal uniform for male undergraduate students are the plain white shirt with long or short sleeves and black (or dark blue) trousers. Dark blue necktie with colored Phra Kiao in its front is required for first-year students but optional for higher years. However, black tie with silver Phra Kiao pin is usually used by higher year students in some faculties. For female students, they are required to wear a short-sleeved blouse with a fold along the spine. The buttons must be made of metal and Phra Kiao emblem must be pinned on right chest. Slightly dark blue or black pleated skirt and any black, white, brown shoes that conceal heels are also required. For female first year students, white leather shoes are required. Chulalongkorn University's uniform has long been the template of uniforms used in other universities in Thailand.

Academic Dress

The academic dress of Chulalongkorn University is based on ceremonial attire called suea krui, which is long-sleeved robe made of very fine mesh. Like dresses worn in the United Kingdom, the robe is open-fronted and calf-length. Cap and hood, however, are omitted. Colored felt strip decorated with gold-colored ribbons is attached to the margin of the gown including elbow and wrist. Bachelor and master students use the black strip, while respective scarlet and pink are for doctors (including honorary degrees recipients) and lecturers. Yellow strip is specially used for the king of Thailand.

In addition, the colored yarn (bachelor) or ribbon (master and doctor) is added to the center of the strip longitudinally, according to degree-granting faculty. The gown was authorized for use by Vajiravudh.

Rain Tree

Rain tree is very common on the university campus. It was deeply associated with the university since the past. Fresh green leaves in the beginning of the semester represent freshmen's enjoyment. As the tree produces slimy pods and sheds leaves, the below ground becomes dirty and slippery. As a simile, it is described as a warning to students to be ready for examination. When they walk carefully, they do not slip (able to pass examination). Whereas if they walk carelessly, they would slip and get injured (unable to pass examination).

Around 1937–1957, many rain trees were to be cut down to allocate the area for new buildings and enhance cleanliness. The King Bhumibol Adulyadej recognized the dramatic decrease in the number of rain trees. Hence on January 15, 1962, the king planted five trees that he brought from Hua Hin in front of the university auditorium and said: "Hence I give these five trees as eternal memorial" (Thai: จึงขอฝากต้นไม้ไว้ห้าต้นให้เป็นเครื่องเตือนใจตลอดกาล).

Organization

Chulalongkorn University consists of 19 faculties, 3 colleges, 1 school and many institutes which function as a teaching and researching unit.

In 1917, the university had four faculties: Arts and Sciences, Public Administration, Engineering and Medicine. The Faculty of Law was established in 1933 as part of the Faculty of Law and Political Science. During the 1930s to the 1950s it expanded to various fields including Pharmacy (1934), Veterinary Science (1935), Architecture (1939), Dentistry (1940), and Commerce and Accountancy (1943). In 1943, the regency government under General Phibun separated the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Science to become the University of Medical Sciences (now Mahidol University). In 1948, the Faculty of Political Science was re-established. The Faculty of Education was established in 1957 from the School of Teacher Training at Baan Somdet Chao Phraya (Thai: โรงเรียนฝึกหัดครู บ้านสมเด็จเจ้าพระยา). In 1967, the Faculty of Veterinary Science was returned from Kasetsart University and the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn Hospital was moved from University of Medical Sciences to Chulalongkorn University. In 1972, the Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Pharmacy were retrieved.

Office of Commission on Agricultural Resource Education (OCARE) was established in 2009. It is actually not administration office but the school in which teaching and research are carried out. It intakes students from two groups: one from Northern Thailand provinces (Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Uttaradit) and another from the rest of country. It has been upgraded into School of Agricultural Resources with full degree-granting power by university council on 5 March 2014.

Health Sciences

Faculty of Allied Health Sciences

Faculty of Dentistry

Faculty of Medicine

Faculty of Nursing

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Faculty of Psychology

Faculty of Sport Sciences

Faculty of Veterinary Science

Sciences and Technologies

Faculty of Architecture

Faculty of Engineering

Faculty of Science

School of Agricultural Resources

Social Sciences and Humanities

Chulalongkorn Business School

Faculty of Arts (Language&Literature)

Faculty of Communication Arts

Faculty of Economics

Faculty of Education

Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts (Art)

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Political Science

Graduate institutes

College of Population Studies

College of Public Health Science

Graduate School

Language Institute

Petroleum and Petrochemical College

Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration

Research institutes

Aquatic Resources Research Institute

Energy Research Institute

Environmental Research Institute

Institute of Asian Studies

Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute

Social Research Institute

Transportation Institute

Associated institutes

Police Nursing College

Red Cross College of Nursing

Research

Chulalongkorn University has research organizations in many fields of study.

The other research supporting organization.

The Unisearch purposes to promote academic staffs and researchers to publish their researches and The Intellectual Property Institute purposes to help the researchers register their patents. CU also supports endowments to set up Research Units(RU) and Center of Excellence(CE). Nowadays, CU has over 100 research units and 20 national Center of Excellence.

Rankings

In the QS Asia University Rankings 2016. Chulalongkorn has been ranked as the top Thai university and 45th in Asia

In the QS World University Rankings 2016/17. Chulalongkorn is ranked the 1st in Thailand and 252nd in the world

In the QS graduate employability rankings 2016. Chulalongkorn is No. 1 university in Thailand and No. 151 - 200 in the world

In the Center for World University Ranking or CWUR, Chulalongkorn is ranked as number 1 university in Thailand and 320th in world rankings in 2016, considered by alumni, researches, quality of curriculums and instructors.

In the Round University Ranking 2016. Chulalongkorn is ranked the 1st in Thailand and ranked 424th in the world.

In the RUR Research Performance World University Rankings 2016. Chulalongkorn is No. 1 university in Thailand and No. 424 in the world

In the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2016. Chulalongkorn is ranked the 1st in Thailand and ranked 432nd in the world.

In the THE World University Rankings 2016. Chulalongkorn is ranked 601- 800 in the world.

In the RUR Reputation Rankings 2016. Chulalongkorn is No. 1 university in Thailand and No. 182 in the world.

In the SCImago institutions Ranking, which ranks international researches of universities. Chulalongkorn is ranked 475th in World rankings in 2016, up six places from last year.

In the U.S. News. Chulalongkorn is ranked 579th in the world. considered by the university's reputation, medium, citations, international cooperation, the quantity of Ph.D. students, etc.

QS World University Ranking by Subject 2016

27 subjects that CU tops in the country's list includes:

Arts & Humanities

Anthropology

English Language & Literature

History

Modern Languages

Linguistics

Philosophy

Engineering & Technology

Chemical Engineering

Computer Science

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering

Mineral & Mining Engineering

Life Sciences & Medicine

Biological Sciences

Dentistry

Psychology

Veterinary Science

Natural Sciences

Physics & Astronomy

Mathematics

Environmental Sciences

Earth & Marine Sciences

Chemistry

Materials Sciences

Geography

Social Sciences & Management

Accounting & Finance

Communication & Media Studies

Social Policy & Administration

Economics & Econometrics

Politics & International Studies

9 subjects that CU comes in second on the country's list includes:

Arts & Humanities

Architecture / Built Environment

Engineering & Technology

Engineering – Civil & Structural

Life Sciences & Medicine

Medicine

Nursing

Pharmacy & Pharmacology

Social Sciences & Management

Education

Business & Management

Sociology

Statistics & Operational Research

3 subjects that CU ranks third in the country's list includes:

Arts & Humanities

Performing Arts

Social Sciences & Management

Development Studies

Law

Other Rankings

QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2017 indicates the impressive alumni outcomes or the strongest reputation among employers. Chulalongkorn University has been ranked as Number 1 in Thailand and 151-200 in the World.

In the Nature Index, the affiliations of high-quality scientific articles. Chulalongkorn is ranked the 1st in Thailand in 2016.

In the UI Green Metric-City Center, Chulalongkorn was ranked the 1st in national rankings and the 15th in world rankings. considered by Setting and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation and Education.

The Webometric ranking indicates quantity and quality of the university's medium, considered by being searched by search engines, online documents, and citations in Google Scholar. Chulalongkorn is ranked 452th in the world.

Exploring Chulalongkorn University

Panoramic view of Chulalongkorn: http://www.chula.ac.th/CUpanoV1/CuPano.html

International Programs

International Programs offered at Chulalongkorn University

Research Scholarships

The 90th Anniversary of Chulalongkorn University Scholarship

CU.Graduate School Thesis Grant

Overseas Research Experience Scholarship for Graduate Student

Overseas Academic Presentation Scholarship for Graduate Students

Overseas Academic Presentation Scholarship Option II for Graduate Student's and Postdoctoral Fellow's Publication

Domestic Academic Presentation Scholarship for Graduate Student

Postdoctoral Fellowship

Education Scholarships

The 100th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University for Doctoral Scholarship

H.M. the King Bhumibhol Adulyadej's 72nd Birthday Anniversary Scholarship

Thainess Study Schorlarship for Graduate Students

60/40 Support for Tuition Fee

Teaching Assistant Scholarship

Research Assistant Scholarship

Tuition fees Scholarship for Master to Doctoral

ASEAN Scholarship

Scholarship for International Graduate Students

for more details see Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University.

Accommodation

Chulalongkorn University International House (CU iHouse)

Chulalongkorn University International House ( CU iHouse) is a 26-storey, 846-unit, on campus residence for international students and lecturers. Rooms come fully furnished with air conditioning, modern conveniences, 24-hour security and safety systems. The residence is included in the university’s shuttle bus services.

for more details see website

Honorary Degrees

The University has given honorary degrees to heads of state and other international dignitaries, including two US Presidents:

Lyndon B. Johnson, October 29, 1966

Bill Clinton, November 26, 1996

Nelson Mandela, July 17, 1997

Traditions

Chulalongkorn University student traditions include:

Chula–Thammasat Traditional Football Match: The annual football match between Chulalongkorn University and Thammasat University in January at Suphashalasai Stadium. It first started in 1934.

Loy Krathong: an annual celebration of the full moon night, which usually falls on the first full moon day in November. Since the festival is open to the public, it attracts many people, especially Chulalongkorn students and faculty and those who live in downtown Bangkok, to come to the university to float their Krathongs on the university's pond.

Chulalongkorn Academic Exhibition: a triennial academic and research exhibition presented by Chulalongkorn University's students and faculty. It is regarded as one of the most important academic fairs in Thailand.

Student activities and clubs

The University is host to 40 student clubs, including the Buddhism and Traditions Club, the Religious Studies Club, the Mind Study Club, and the Thai Classical Music Club. Chulalongkorn also have a Morals Network, which actively campaigns to protect student activities from damaging the university's reputation. The University's Cheer Club annually organizes the Chula-Thammasat traditional football match.

Notable alumni

HRH Prince Mahidol Adulyadej of Songkhla, father of King Ananda Mahidol and King Bhumibol Adulyadej

HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, princess of Narathiwat, Thailand

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, princess of Thailand

HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, princess of Thailand

Banjong Pisanthanakun, co-directed and co-written of a box-office hit film such as Shutter (which was re-made in the US as Shutter, and in India as Sivi and Alone)

Surakiart Sathirathai, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture and the former Thailand's candidate for United Nations Secretary-General in 2006

Mallica Vajrathon, a sociologist, political scientist and former United Nations Senior Staff member

Win Lyovarin, a Thai writer, two-time winner of the S.E.A. Write Award

Binlah Sonkalagiri, a winner of the S.E.A. Write Award

Thanpuying Dhasanawalaya Sornsongkram, daughter of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

Apinan Poshyananda, Director-General, Office of Contemporary Art, The Ministry of Culture and one of the top curators in the Asian region

Pinyo Suwankiri, Thailand National Artist in the area of applied arts (Thai architecture)

Borwornsak Uwanno, a Thai legal expert and a cabinet secretary-general under the Thaksin-government

Kiatisuk Senamuang, a professional football player

Sukhumbhand Paripatra, the 15th Governor of Bangkok

Thitiya Rangsitpol a Politician, the 1st Spokesperson Ministry of Defence 1995,Deputy Secretary of Defence 2001and Congress Woman of Thailand 2001-2005

Suporn Watanyusakul, pioneer in vaginoplasty & facial reconstruction

Pakorn Chatborirak, Thai actor and model.

Yong Poovorawan, a noted scientist in the fields of pediatric hepatology, viral hepatitis and virology, and an expert on the H5N1 avian influenza virus

Chit Phumisak, a Thai author, philologist, historian, poet and Communist rebel. His most influential book was The Face of Thai Feudalism (Thai: โฉมหน้าศักดินาไทย, Chom Na Sakdina Thai). He also has been described as the "Che of Thailand".

Alexander Rendell, Thai actor and model.

Natapohn Tameeruks, Thai actor and model.

Urassaya Sperbund, Thai actor and model.

International Reputation

Two medals from Olympic 2016 Rio de Janeiro games

Tawin Hanprab, Silver medal, Men's −58 kg taekwondo.

Panipak Wongpattanakit, Bronze medal, Women's −49 kg taekwondo.

The PH21 team, Computer Engineering students at Chulalongkorn University, got the 1st prize from the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2016 in the games category

Chulalongkorn University Concert Choir Won Gold Award in World-Class Musical Competition 2014

Robocup competitions

The university Robocup team, Plasma‐Z, got several prizes from the robotics competition as follow.

In 2005, almost reached the quarter-final at Osaka RoboCup.

In 2006, the third place and technical challenge at Bremen RoboCup.

In 2007, second place Atlanta World RoboCup.

In 2008, finally, the team got champion of World RoboCup Small‐Sized Robot League at Suzhou, China.

Moreover, another university Robocup team, Plasma-RX has participated in Rescue robot league at World RoboCup 2008, Suzhou, China, and won the first prize and the best-in-class in mobility award.