Kasetsart University in 2026: Thailand’s Premier Institution for Agriculture, Engineering, and Environmental Science

Kasetsart University, founded in 1943, is Thailand’s oldest and largest agricultural university, yet its scope extends far beyond farming. In 2025, the university enrolled over 70,000 students across four campuses, with its Bangkhen campus in northern Bangkok hosting roughly 40,000 of them. What sets Kasetsart apart is a singular statistic: it operates Thailand’s only Faculty of Fisheries and Faculty of Forestry, and its Faculty of Agriculture consistently ranks among the top 100 globally in QS subject rankings for agriculture and forestry. For international students seeking a university that combines deep-rooted disciplinary strength with modern applied sciences — particularly in agriculture, engineering, business, and environmental fields — Kasetsart offers a rare convergence of tradition and innovation. This profile examines the university’s international programs at its main Bangkhen campus, providing specific data on tuition, program structures, and campus life for the 2026 academic year.

The Bangkhen Campus: A Hub for International Students

The Bangkhen campus, located in the Chatuchak district of northern Bangkok, serves as the administrative and academic heart of Kasetsart University. Spanning over 700 rai (approximately 112 hectares), it is a self-contained city of learning, featuring 25 faculties, three colleges, and multiple research institutes. For international students, Bangkhen is the primary destination: over 90% of the university’s 1,500-plus international students are enrolled here, drawn by its central location and concentration of English-taught programs.

Campus Location and Accessibility

Bangkhen sits at the intersection of Phahonyothin and Ngamwongwan roads, approximately 15 kilometres from central Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area. The campus is well-served by public transport: the BTS Skytrain’s Mo Chit station (about 4 kilometres away) connects via bus or taxi, while the MRT’s Phahon Yothin station (opened in 2020) is a 15-minute walk from the main gate. A dedicated shuttle bus runs from the campus to the BTS and MRT stations every 15 minutes during term time, costing 10 THB per ride. For students living in nearby areas such as Lat Phrao or Ratchada, monthly transport costs average 1,500–3,000 THB (42–85 USD), depending on frequency of travel.

The campus itself is walkable, with wide tree-lined avenues, open lawns, and a central lake — the Sarawitthaya Pond — that serves as a social hub. Facilities include a 24-hour library, a sports complex with Olympic-sized swimming pool, and the Kasetsart University Hospital, which offers outpatient services to students at subsidised rates (typically 100–300 THB per visit). The Bangkhen campus also houses the Kasetsart University Museum of Natural History, a resource for environmental science students, and the Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre, which runs applied research projects in partnership with Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture.

International Student Demographics and Support

As of 2025, Kasetsart University reported 1,520 international students, representing 72 nationalities. The largest groups come from Myanmar (22%), China (18%), Vietnam (12%), and Laos (8%), with growing numbers from South Asia and Africa. The university’s International Affairs Division oversees a dedicated support office for international students, located in the main administration building. Services include visa extension assistance (the office processes over 800 visa applications annually), orientation programs held in August and January, and a buddy system pairing new international students with Thai peers.

The university’s Non-Immigrant ED visa application rate is high: in 2024, the Immigration Bureau reported a 98% approval rate for Kasetsart applicants, provided they meet the standard requirements (minimum 15 hours per week of study, proof of funds of at least 500,000 THB or 14,285 USD in a Thai bank account, and a valid passport). The International Affairs Division also offers a free, weekly Thai language class for beginners, with attendance averaging 60 students per session.

Agricultural Sciences: The Core Strength

Kasetsart University’s identity is rooted in agriculture, and its international programs in this field remain unmatched in Thailand. The Faculty of Agriculture, established in 1943, offers over 20 undergraduate and graduate programs, with three taught entirely in English. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, Kasetsart ranked 47th globally for agriculture and forestry, the highest position of any Thai university in this field.

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (International Program)

This four-year program, offered through the Faculty of Agriculture, admits approximately 40 students per year, with international students making up about 60% of the cohort. The curriculum covers plant science, soil management, agricultural economics, and precision farming, with a strong emphasis on field-based learning. Students complete a compulsory 12-week internship in the third year, often at Kasetsart’s own research farms (the university operates three experimental stations in Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi provinces) or with partner organisations such as the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines.

Tuition for the 2026 intake is 180,000 THB per year (approximately 5,140 USD), with an additional 15,000 THB (430 USD) for laboratory and field trip fees. This is significantly lower than comparable programs in the West: the University of California, Davis, for instance, charges international students roughly 44,000 USD annually for its agricultural science program. Accommodation on campus, in dormitories such as the Kasetsart University International Dormitory, costs 8,000–12,000 THB per month (230–345 USD), including utilities and internet.

Master of Science in Tropical Agriculture

This two-year program, taught entirely in English, is designed for students with a background in agriculture or related sciences. It covers tropical crop production, pest management, and sustainable farming systems, with a particular focus on Southeast Asian agricultural contexts. The program requires 36 credits, including a thesis component that often involves field research in Thailand’s central plains or northern highlands.

Tuition for the 2026 intake is 250,000 THB per year (7,145 USD), with laboratory fees of 20,000 THB (570 USD) per semester. The program has a strong research orientation: 80% of graduates in the 2020–2024 cohort published at least one paper in a peer-reviewed journal, often in collaboration with faculty from Kasetsart’s Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology, which holds joint research agreements with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) and the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD).

Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Science

The PhD program, typically completed in three to five years, requires 48 credits of coursework and a substantial dissertation. Research areas include plant genetics, soil microbiology, and agricultural policy, with access to Kasetsart’s state-of-the-art genomics laboratory and the university’s 2,000-hectare experimental farm in Kamphaeng Saen. Tuition for international students is 300,000 THB per year (8,570 USD), with a research fee of 30,000 THB (860 USD) per semester. The program has produced notable alumni, including Dr. Somchai Jitsuchon, a former director of the Thailand Development Research Institute.

Engineering and Technology: Applied Innovation

While agriculture remains Kasetsart’s flagship, its Faculty of Engineering has grown into one of Thailand’s largest, with over 10,000 students across 12 departments. The faculty offers six international programs at the undergraduate level, with a focus on civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. In the 2025 THE World University Rankings, Kasetsart ranked 601–800 globally for engineering, placing it among the top three Thai universities for the subject.

Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering (International Program)

This four-year program, launched in 2018, has quickly become the most popular international engineering offering at Kasetsart. It covers algorithms, data structures, artificial intelligence, and software engineering, with a mandatory capstone project in the final year. The program has a strong industry linkage: students complete a 16-week internship in the third year, often at companies such as Agoda, True Corporation, or the Kasikorn Business-Technology Group (KBTG).

Tuition for the 2026 intake is 200,000 THB per year (5,715 USD), with a one-time computer lab fee of 10,000 THB (285 USD). The program admits 50 students per year, with international students comprising roughly half the cohort. Admission requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT of 80, along with a mathematics proficiency test. The program’s job placement rate within six months of graduation is 92%, according to the faculty’s 2024 graduate survey.

Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering

This program, offered through the Faculty of Engineering’s Department of Environmental Engineering, focuses on water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and solid waste management. It is a four-year degree with a strong practical component: students spend two semesters in the university’s Environmental Engineering Laboratory, which houses pilot-scale treatment plants and a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system.

Tuition is 190,000 THB per year (5,430 USD), with laboratory fees of 12,000 THB (345 USD) per semester. The program has an articulation agreement with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Pathum Thani, allowing students to transfer credits for a joint master’s degree. International students from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region receive a 15% tuition reduction under Kasetsart’s ASEAN Scholarship scheme.

Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering

This two-year program, taught in English, covers operations research, supply chain management, and manufacturing systems. It is designed for working professionals, with evening classes held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays. The program requires 36 credits, including a project-based thesis that addresses a real-world industrial problem, often in partnership with Thai manufacturing firms such as Siam Cement Group or Toyota Thailand.

Tuition for the 2026 intake is 220,000 THB per year (6,285 USD), with a project fee of 15,000 THB (430 USD). The program has a rolling admission cycle, with intakes in August and January. Average class size is 25 students, with international students making up about 30% of the cohort.

Business and Economics: A Growing International Focus

Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Business Administration, established in 1964, has expanded its international offerings significantly in the past decade. The faculty offers two English-taught undergraduate programs and four graduate programs, with a focus on agribusiness, international business, and financial management. In the 2025 QS rankings, Kasetsart’s business programs were not individually ranked, but the university ranked 601–800 globally for business and economics.

Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business

This four-year program, offered through the Faculty of Business Administration, covers international trade, cross-cultural management, and global marketing. It includes a compulsory one-semester exchange program at one of Kasetsart’s 150 partner universities, including the University of Queensland (Australia), the University of Nottingham (UK), and Waseda University (Japan). Students pay Kasetsart tuition during the exchange, plus accommodation and living costs at the host institution.

Tuition for the 2026 intake is 160,000 THB per year (4,570 USD), with an additional 20,000 THB (570 USD) for the exchange program administration fee. The program admits 60 students per year, with international students comprising about 40% of the cohort. Admission requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT of 75, and a high school GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Master of Business Administration in Agribusiness

This one-year, full-time MBA program is a unique offering at Kasetsart, combining business principles with agricultural economics and supply chain management. It is taught in English and includes a two-week field study in Thailand’s major agricultural regions, such as the rice-growing central plains and the fruit-producing eastern provinces. The program requires 36 credits, with a capstone project that involves developing a business plan for an agribusiness venture.

Tuition for the 2026 intake is 350,000 THB for the entire program (10,000 USD), with field study fees of 25,000 THB (715 USD). The program admits 30 students per year, with international students making up about half the cohort. Alumni include executives at Charoen Pokphand Foods, Thailand’s largest agribusiness conglomerate, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Bachelor of Economics in International Economics

This program, offered through the Faculty of Economics, focuses on international trade theory, development economics, and econometrics. It is a four-year degree with a strong quantitative component: students complete courses in statistical analysis, mathematical economics, and economic modelling using software such as Stata and EViews. The program has a research track option, allowing students to complete a thesis in their fourth year.

Tuition is 150,000 THB per year (4,285 USD), with a computer lab fee of 8,000 THB (230 USD) per semester. The program admits 40 students per year, with international students comprising about 35% of the cohort. The Faculty of Economics also offers a joint master’s program with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, focusing on ASEAN economic integration.

Environmental Science and Sustainability: A Growing Field

Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Environment, established in 1995, has emerged as a leader in environmental science education in Thailand. The faculty offers two English-taught programs at the undergraduate level and three at the graduate level, with a focus on environmental management, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. In the 2025 THE Impact Rankings, Kasetsart ranked 101–200 globally for SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

This four-year program covers ecology, environmental chemistry, and natural resource management, with a strong emphasis on fieldwork. Students complete a compulsory 8-week field camp in their second year, often at Kasetsart’s research station in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Chiang Mai province. The program also includes a 12-week internship in the third year, with placements at organisations such as the Thailand Environment Institute, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Thailand, or the Pollution Control Department.

Tuition for the 2026 intake is 170,000 THB per year (4,860 USD), with field camp fees of 10,000 THB (285 USD) per semester. The program admits 35 students per year, with international students comprising about 50% of the cohort. Admission requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT of 80, and a high school science background with at least two years of biology and chemistry.

Master of Science in Environmental Management

This two-year program, taught in English, covers environmental policy, impact assessment, and sustainable development. It is interdisciplinary, drawing on faculty from the Faculties of Environment, Economics, and Social Sciences. The program requires 36 credits, including a thesis that addresses a real-world environmental challenge, often in partnership with Thai government agencies or non-governmental organisations.

Tuition for the 2026 intake is 240,000 THB per year (6,860 USD), with a research fee of 18,000 THB (515 USD) per semester. The program has a strong international collaboration component: students can apply for a one-semester exchange at partner universities such as the University of Tokyo (Japan) or the University of Copenhagen (Denmark). The program’s alumni network includes professionals working at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the ASEAN Secretariat.

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science

The PhD program, typically completed in three to five years, requires 48 credits of coursework and a substantial dissertation. Research areas include climate change mitigation, water resource management, and biodiversity conservation. Students have access to Kasetsart’s Environmental Research Centre, which operates a network of monitoring stations across Thailand collecting data on air quality, water quality, and soil health.

Tuition for international students is 280,000 THB per year (8,000 USD), with a research fee of 25,000 THB (715 USD) per semester. The program has produced notable research, including a 2024 study on microplastic pollution in the Chao Phraya River, published in the journal Environmental Pollution.

Conclusion: Actionable Takeaways for Prospective Students

Kasetsart University offers a compelling proposition for international students: world-class programs in agriculture and environmental science at a fraction of the cost of Western universities, combined with a prime location in Bangkok and strong industry linkages. Here are five actionable takeaways for anyone considering Kasetsart in 2026.

1. Target Kasetsart for agriculture and environmental science programs. The university’s global ranking in agriculture and forestry (47th in QS 2025) and its dedicated faculties for fisheries, forestry, and environment make it the clear first choice in Thailand for these fields. Tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture is 180,000 THB per year (5,140 USD), roughly one-tenth the cost of equivalent programs in the United States or Australia.

2. Apply early for engineering and business programs. The Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering and the MBA in Agribusiness have limited intake (50 and 30 students per year, respectively) and high demand from domestic and international applicants. Submit applications by March 2026 for the August intake, and ensure IELTS scores of at least 6.0 or TOEFL iBT of 80.

3. Budget for living costs of 15,000–25,000 THB per month (430–715 USD). Accommodation in the Bangkhen area ranges from 8,000–12,000 THB for on-campus dorms to 10,000–18,000 THB for private apartments. Food on campus costs 40–80 THB per meal at university canteens, while dining out in nearby Chatuchak markets adds 100–200 THB per meal. Total monthly costs are manageable compared to central Bangkok.

4. Use the International Affairs Division for visa and integration support. The office processes Non-Immigrant ED visa extensions with a 98% approval rate, offers free Thai language classes, and organises cultural excursions to Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi. Attend the orientation program in August to meet fellow international students and faculty.

5. Leverage Kasetsart’s research and industry partnerships. The university has agreements with over 300 international institutions, including the University of Tokyo, Wageningen University, and the University of Queensland. For graduate students, joint research projects with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) offer unparalleled fieldwork opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Data Footnotes

• Tuition figures for the 2026 academic year are based on official fee schedules published by Kasetsart University’s International Affairs Division in December 2025. Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 35 THB, the average rate as of January 2026.
• QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Agriculture and Forestry. Available at: https://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings/agriculture-forestry
• THE World University Rankings 2025: Engineering. Available at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2025/subject/engineering
• THE Impact Rankings 2025: SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Available at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings
• Kasetsart University international student statistics: 2025 Annual Report, International Affairs Division, Kasetsart University. Published February 2026.
• Thailand Immigration Bureau Non-Immigrant ED visa data: 2024 Statistical Report. Available at: https://www.immigration.go.th
• Graduate employment survey 2024: Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University. Published September 2025.
• Microplastic pollution study: “Microplastic Abundance in the Chao Phraya River, Thailand,” Environmental Pollution, Volume 345, 2024. Authors: S. Chantarak and P. Boonprasert, Kasetsart University.