Rajabhat University system

Emblem of Rajabhat University system

The Rajabhat Universities (มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏ, RTGS: Mahawitthayalai Ratchaphat) compose one of the university systems in Thailand.

They were formerly called Rajabhat Institutes and originally formed the teachers college system. In 2005, King Bhumibol Adulyadej collectively elevated them to be universities.^[1] Many provinces have one—there are 38 total—and they are generally easier to gain admission to than the public universities (formerly the government universities).^[2] Most Rajabhat Universities offer graduate degrees, some even to the doctoral level. Enrollments have been shrinking. As of 2018, students numbered 540,000, down from 600,000.^[2]

These institutions are equivalent to British polytechnics that have become universities. They face a similar challenge of matching the prestige of older institutions. They were conferred the royal word Rajabhat to possibly shield them from criticism and help raise their status.

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[]

Chandrakasem Rajabhat University
(since 2015 change to )

Northern group[]

Chiang Mai Rajabhat University
Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University (Phitsanulok)
Uttaradit Rajabhat University

Northeastern group[]

(since 2016 combined to Kalasin University)
Sisaket Rajabhat University
Udon Thani Rajabhat University
Nakhon Phanom Rajabhat University (since 2005 combined to Nakhon Phanom University)

Central group[]

(Ayutthaya)
(Chom Bung, Ratchaburi)
Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University
(Chachoengsao)
(Chanthaburi)
(Lopburi)
(Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani)

Southern group[]

References[]

^ "RAJABHAT INSTITUTES ACT, B.E. 2538 (1995)". Isaan Lawyers. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
^ Jump up to: ^a ^b "Rajabhat enrolments 'shrinking'". Bangkok Post. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2018.

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[1] "RAJABHAT INSTITUTES ACT, B.E. 2538 (1995)". Isaan Lawyers. Retrieved 1 December 2016.

[BP020180202-2] Jump up to: ^a ^b "Rajabhat enrolments 'shrinking'". Bangkok Post. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2018.

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