Chulalongkorn University (Chula) is an autonomous public research university in Bangkok, Thailand. The University was originally founded in 1899 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), as the School for Royal Pages and Civil Servants on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. In 1917, the School was elevated to the status of a national university by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), who named it Chulalongkorn University as a tribute to his father, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Thailand. The main mission of Chula is to be the centre for academic learning and professional excellence, which is in line with the vision of the University’s founder, King Rama VI. Since its inception, the University has relentlessly strived for excellence in teaching and learning, as well as research.
As a research university that teaches, Chula has initiated the new vision 'Innovations for Society', under which it has implemented the key strategies in three main areas, viz., future leaders, impactful research, and sustainability, so as to be ready for future challenges and to ensure a sustainable future.
Chula is committed to producing quality students who, after their graduation, can make all the difference to society on a national and an international level. With a sense of leadership instilled in them throughout their undergraduate years, Chula graduates should be able to lead their own community and, with hope, be able to develop themselves to become leaders in their future endeavors. Apart from that, Chula encourages and supports its researchers to conduct research and create innovations that are in line with social needs. To address today’s challenging issues, Chula has been active in collaborating with local and international universities and organisations to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Chula consists of 20 faculties, 23 colleges and research institutes, which are administered and taught by 8,200 faculty members. Currently, it has over 38,000 students, who are undergraduates, postgraduates, and certificate programme students.
On 1 August 2022, Chula and SUSS signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on students and faculty exchange, joint workshops and activities.