Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), located in Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand, is one of the country’s most prominent public universities, known for its strong emphasis on internationalization, research excellence, and modern education infrastructure. Established in 1998, the university was named in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, affectionately known to the people as “Mae Fah Luang” or “Royal Mother from the Sky.”
Institutional Overview
MFU operates as an autonomous public university under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. It was created with the mission to support sustainable regional development, particularly in Thailand’s northern border provinces, and to serve as a hub of education and innovation in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
As of 2024, the university has over 15,000 students enrolled, including approximately 1,500 international students from more than 40 countries, positioning it as one of Thailand’s most internationally inclusive institutions.
Academic Structure
MFU offers academic programs through 11 schools:
- School of Science
- School of Management
- School of Law
- School of Health Science
- School of Liberal Arts
- School of Information Technology
- School of Cosmetic Science
- School of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine
- School of Social Innovation
- School of Integrative Medicine
- School of Chinese Studies
Degree Programs
- Undergraduate: Over 40 bachelor’s degree programs
- Postgraduate: 32 master’s programs and 17 doctoral programs
- Languages of Instruction: Many programs offered fully in English, particularly in international business, health sciences, and information technology
Rankings and Achievements
- Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2023: Ranked among top Thai universities for UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) engagement
- QS Asia University Rankings 2024: Ranked within the top 350 universities in Asia
- Webometrics Ranking of World Universities: Consistently ranks in the top 20 universities in Thailand
Research and Innovation
MFU is recognized for its advanced research in:
- Herbal and natural products
- Cosmetic science and bio-extracts
- Smart agriculture
- Sustainable development and border studies
The university houses over 25 specialized research centers, including:
- Natural Products Research Center of Excellence
- Cosmetic and Beauty Innovation Center
- Smart City Innovation Center
MFU has also received significant funding from the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) agency, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), and multiple international grant bodies.
International Collaboration
MFU maintains over 200 MOUs with institutions in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, supporting:
- Exchange programs
- Dual degrees
- Joint research projects
- ASEAN and GMS cross-border educational frameworks
International partners include universities such as:
- Kyoto University (Japan)
- University of Nottingham (UK)
- National Taiwan University (Taiwan)
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Malaysia)
Facilities and Campus
- Campus Size: Over 800 hectares at the foot of Doi Ngaem mountain
- Infrastructure: Smart classrooms, multiple research labs, health sciences complex, botanical gardens, innovation hubs
- Libraries and Digital Access: More than 500,000 volumes, integrated digital learning systems
- Dormitories: On-campus housing for 5,000+ students
Admissions and Global Outreach
- International Admissions Office: Provides tailored support for international students
- Languages Supported: English, Mandarin, and Thai
- Scholarships: Multiple merit- and need-based scholarships available for both domestic and international students
- Contact Emails:
- General inquiries: reg@mfu.ac.th
- International admissions: interadmission@mfu.ac.th
- Global relations: global@mfu.ac.th
Sustainability and Community Engagement
MFU’s campus has been recognized as a model for green development and sustainable practices:
- Zero waste initiatives and plastic reduction programs
- Solar-powered transportation and green architecture
- Engagement with hill tribe communities in education and healthcare
- Ranked in the Top 3 Green Universities in Thailand (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings)
Strategic Achievements
- First Thai university to be a member of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network
- Developed Thailand’s first undergraduate program in Cosmetic Science
- Awarded “Best Internationalized University” by Thailand’s Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC)
- Hosted over 100 regional academic and policy conferences in the past five years
Mae Fah Luang University is widely regarded as a forward-thinking institution blending cultural heritage with global academic standards. Its continued emphasis on quality education, research leadership, and international collaboration has positioned it as a beacon of higher education excellence in Southeast Asia.