Admission
1. Select your study level and plan
2. Submit your personal info & documents to SPP or GRAD.CMU
3. Payment via QR or Bank transfer (**Foreign Students will be exempted for registration fee)
4. Graduate's staff check your documents and inform the result within 2 weeks
OR

MA & PhD Applications are Now OPEN
Admission Information
PhD
Applicant Qualifications
Our PhD program trains new policy scholars in cutting-edge approaches and analytical tools for policy analysis. Methods include dynamic systems modeling, content analysis using software, network analysis, large-scale online surveys, and various quasi-experimental approaches. Conceptual frameworks include policy systems, policy narratives, institutional analysis, social-ecological systems, communication and behavioral psychology, complexity theory, and deliberative democracy.
Required Documents for Application
- Application endorsed by potential advisor and approved by SPP Curriculum Committee.
- Letter of Intent/ Motivation letter
- CMU-SPP Doctoral Program Application Form
- Curriculum vitae
- Research Ideas
- Coursework Track: 1,000-2,000 words
- Thesis-only Track: maximum 5,000 words
- Master thesis abstract
- One copy of official Master’s Degree certificate and transcript
- Certified proficiency in English, awarded within the last 2 years: choices are between TOEFL (523 points paper-based; 193 computer-based; 69 iBT) or IELTS (score 5.5) and CMU-eTEGS (score 65).
*This is not necessary for native English speakers or students who have had English as language of instruction at the university they previously studied at (certified by the university). - Two letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with your academic and/or professional background.
- One copy of Thai National ID or Passport
- Test results such as GRE, GMAT, list of publications (optional)
Program Requirements
PhD 1.1 (Thesis Only)
- No coursework
- PhD Thesis (48 credits)
PhD 2.1 (Coursework + Thesis)
- Four compulsory courses;
- 950801: Theories of Public Policy
- 950802: Qualitative Methods for Policy Research
- 950803: Quantitative Methods for Policy Research
- 950804: Seminar in Public Policy
- PhD Thesis (36 credits)
Interview Examination
You will be contacted by SPP Degree Program Unit to have an online interview with our Selection Committee.
Download PhD Application Form
MA
Applicant Qualifications
Our MA in Public Policy provides rigorous training for the next generation of decision-makers. We welcome ordinary learners who have big dreams to improve the human condition and planetary wellbeing through public policy processes and systems. We emphasize global citizenship founded on effective local actions. We value inclusivity and multiple narratives. Join us to share your stories and work towards your extraordinary dreams.
Required Documents for Application
- Letter of Intent/ motivation letter stating the type of policy interest
- CMU-SPP Master Program Application Form
- Curriculum vitae
- One copy of official Bachelor’s Degree certificate and transcript
- Certified proficiency in English, awarded within the last 2 years: choices are between TOEFL (523 points paper-based; 193 computer-based; 69 iBT) or IELTS (score 5.5) and CMU-eTEGS (score 65).
*This is not necessary for native English speakers or students who have had English as language of instruction at the university they previously studied at (certified by the university). - Two letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with your academic and/or professional background.
- One copy of Thai National ID or Passport
- Test results such as GRE, GMAT, list of publications (optional)
Program Requirements
MA (Type 3, Independent Study)
- Five compulsory courses;
- 950701: Public Policy and Governance
- 950702: Economics for Policy Analysis
- 950703: Research Methodology for Public Policy
- 950704: Data Analytics for Public Policy
- 950705: Narrative Policy Analysis
- Five elective courses, and One Independent Study project.
Interview Examination
You will be contacted by SPP Degree Program Unit to have an online interview with our Selection Committee.
Download MA Application Form
Q & A
PhD application must be endorsed by a potential advisor. How can I find an advisor for my admission?
You can send an email with the topic ‘Request for Endorsement’ and attach your CV profile along with the research proposal to a potential advisor who is on the list of our website: Our People – School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University (cmu.ac.th).
Once he or she has agreed to be your advisor, please forward your endorsement communication email to spp@cmu.ac.th to confirm your application status.
I don't have the English proficiency, can I apply for the scholarship?
CMU Presidential Scholarship
- The criteria for English Language Proficiency must be dated within the last 2 years: IELTS or IELTS Indicator score of 6.0, TOEFL score of 183 (CBT) or 79 (IBT) or CMU-eTEGs score of 79, except for applicants who are a Native English Speakers. If you are not a native speaker and you don’t have the English proficiency certificate, you will not be applicable to apply for the Presidential Scholarship.
For more information: Scholarship – CMU – Graduate School
SPP Scholarship for MA students
- Please check the qualification through Scholarship & Tuition – School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University (cmu.ac.th).
- Only Myanmar citizens, the selection committee will consider applicants from Myanmar who cannot submit the English proficiency certificate but have outstanding academic background and experience to have an interview for scholarship consideration.