Rajabhat University system

The Rajabhat Universities (มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏ, RTGS: Mahawitthayalai Ratchaphat) are a group of public universities in Thailand that were originally founded as teacher training colleges.

In 1995, the Thai government elevated existing teacher training colleges to so-called Rajabhat Institutes. The transformation expanded the legal mandate of these institutions, granting them the authority to confer postgraduate degrees, including doctorates.^[1] Rajabhat Institutes were further transformed to Rajabhat Universities in 2005, allowing the institutions to function as independent universities.^[2]

There are currently 38 Rajabhat Universities. They are generally considered easier to gain admission to than the traditional public universities.^[3] Most Rajabhat Universities offer graduate degrees, some even to the doctoral level. Enrollments have been shrinking. As of 2018^[update], students numbered 540,000, down from 600,000.^[3]

Name

The word "Rajabhat" is derived from the same origin as the Hindi, "Rajput" (from Sanskrit raja-putra, "son of a king"). In this sense, a "Rajabhat University" might be regarded as being analogous to the English "King's College", or "Royal Institute", or more literally as a "Prince's University" ("Rajabhat" could be considered to mean "prince"). For simplicity they may be considered a "Royal University".

List of Rajabhat Universities

Bangkok group

• Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University
• Chandrakasem Rajabhat University
• Dhonburi Rajabhat University
• Phranakhon Rajabhat University
• Suan Dusit Rajabhat University (since 2015 change to Suan Dusit University)
• Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Northern group

• Chiang Mai Rajabhat University
• Chiang Rai Rajabhat University
• Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University
• Lampang Rajabhat University
• Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University
• Phetchabun Rajabhat University
• Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University (Phitsanulok)
• Uttaradit Rajabhat University

Northeastern group

• Buriram Rajabhat University
• Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University
• Kalasin Rajabhat University (since 2016 combined to Kalasin University)
• Loei Rajabhat University
• Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University
• Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University
• Roi Et Rajabhat University
• Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University
• Sisaket Rajabhat University
• Surindra Rajabhat University
• Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University
• Udon Thani Rajabhat University
• Nakhon Phanom Rajabhat University (since 2005 combined to Nakhon Phanom University)

Central group

• Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University (Ayutthaya)
• Muban Chom Bung Rajabhat University (Chom Bung, Ratchaburi)
• Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University
• Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University
• Phetchaburi Rajabhat University
• Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University (Chachoengsao)
• Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University (Chanthaburi)
• Thepsatri Rajabhat University (Lopburi)
• Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University (Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani)

Southern group

• Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University
• Phuket Rajabhat University
• Songkhla Rajabhat University
• Suratthani Rajabhat University
• Yala Rajabhat University

References

Public

University	Kalasin University Mahasarakham University Nakhon Phanom University Naresuan University Princess of Naradhiwas University Ramkhamhaeng University Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Thailand National Sports University Ubon Ratchathani University
Rajabhat Universities	Chandrakasem Rajabhat University Chiang Mai Rajabhat University Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University Phuket Rajabhat University Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University Songkhla Rajabhat University Udon Thani Rajabhat University Uttaradit Rajabhat University
Rajamangala University of Technology	Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi
Institute	Bunditpatanasilpa Institute Pathumwan Institute of Technology Praboromarajchanok Institute
Armed Forces and Police	Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Royal Thai Naval Academy Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy National Defence College of Thailand Phramongkutklao College of Medicine Royal Thai Police Cadet Academy

National

University	Burapha University Chiang Mai University Chulalongkorn University Kasetsart University Khon Kaen University King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi Mae Fah Luang University Maejo University Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Mahamakut Buddhist University Mahidol University Navamindradhiraj University University of Phayao Prince of Songkla University Silpakorn University Srinakharinwirot University Suranaree University of Technology Thaksin University Thammasat University Walailak University
Institute	Chitralada Technology Institute Chulabhorn Graduate Institute King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang National Institute of Development Administration Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Srisavarindhira Thai Red Cross Institute of Nursing
College	HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science

Private

University	Asia-Pacific International University Assumption University Bangkok University Bangkokthonburi University Chaopraya University Dhurakij Pundit University Far Eastern University Hatyai Huachiew Chalermprakiet University International Buddhist College Kasem Bundit University Krirk University Lumnamping College Mahanakorn University of Technology Nation University North Chiang Mai University Pathumthani University Payap University Rangsit University Saint John's Group of Schools and University Shinawatra University Siam University Sripatum University Stamford International University Tapee College University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Thonburi University Vongchavalitkul University Webster University Thailand
Institute	Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology
College	Dusit Thani College International Buddhist College Thongsuk College

Other institutionsCollaboration with
foreign institutions