Frequently Asked Questions

All undergraduate and postgraduate applications are submitted through the University of Phayao central admission portal at admission.up.ac.th. The portal lists open rounds, required documents, and deadlines for each program. You may also download program brochures directly from the SAFA website.

Applicants must hold a Thai secondary school certificate (Mathayom 6 / ปวช. / equivalent) or an accepted equivalent qualification. Some programs may require a practical entrance examination or portfolio review as part of the selection process. Specific criteria are published on the admission portal each round.

Applicants to the Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Creative Architecture must hold a bachelor's degree in Architecture, Fine Arts, or a closely related creative design field from an accredited institution. Final-year students who will graduate before enrollment may also apply. All courses are conducted in Thai, so applicants — including international students — must demonstrate strong Thai language proficiency.

International students are welcome to apply, particularly to the Master's program. Because instruction at SAFA is conducted entirely in Thai, a high level of Thai language proficiency is required. Please contact safa@up.ac.th before applying to confirm language requirements and discuss your situation.

Portfolio requirements vary by program and admission round. Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Art & Design programs typically include a portfolio or creative aptitude test in their selection process. The Music and Dance program may require an audition. Always check the current admission round announcement for exact requirements.

SAFA participates in the Thai university central admission system (TCAS) with multiple rounds throughout the academic year, typically from December through May. Exact dates are announced each year on admission.up.ac.th. It is advisable to check the portal regularly as openings vary by program and round.

SAFA currently offers four bachelor's programs and one master's program: Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Architecture (Interior Architecture), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Art & Design), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music and Dance), and Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Creative Architecture. Visit the Programs page for full curriculum details.

Architecture and Interior Architecture are 5-year programs. Art & Design and Music and Dance are 4-year programs. The Master of Fine Arts offers three study plans: Plan 1.1 and Plan 1.2 are designed to be completed in 2 academic years (4 semesters), while Plan 2 (coursework-only, no thesis) can be completed in 3 semesters.

As a public university program, tuition is government-subsidized. Per semester fees are: Architecture and Interior Architecture — 21,000 THB; Art & Design — 21,000 THB; Music and Dance — 18,000 THB. For the Master's program, Plans 1.1 and 1.2 are 35,000 THB per semester; Plan 2 is 55,000 THB per semester. Fees are paid each semester at enrollment.

All programs at SAFA are delivered in Thai. The Master's program also uses Thai as the primary language of instruction. International applicants must have a high level of Thai language proficiency to participate effectively.

Plan 1.1 is a research-only track requiring the completion of a full thesis (no coursework). Plan 1.2 combines coursework with a thesis and takes approximately 2 years. Plan 2 is a coursework-only track (no thesis) that can be completed in 3 semesters — suited for practitioners who want to deepen their expertise without a full research thesis. All three plans lead to the same Master of Fine Arts degree.

Each program page on this website includes a year-by-year study plan, career paths, and a link to the official program specification PDF (Thai version) hosted on the SAFA website. You can access these from the Programs section in the navigation.

The SAFA building houses a range of purpose-built spaces: Multipurpose Room 1-1 (ground floor east wing) and Multipurpose Room 1-2 (ground floor west wing) for studio workshops and events; a Co-Working Space and library on the 2nd floor; SAFA Meeting Arts on the 3rd floor for seminars and presentations; and the Digital Learning Area on the 4th floor with computers, design software, and audio-visual equipment. A new Workshop Building is currently under construction on campus (foundation stone ceremony held February 2026).

SAFA is located on the main University of Phayao campus in Phayao Province, Northern Thailand. The campus includes a university hospital, sports fields, a swimming pool, Phayangam Hall, and student dormitories. A university shuttle service runs between key campus zones. The nearest city is Phayao, accessible by bus from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai.

Yes. University of Phayao provides on-campus dormitories (UP Dorm) at affordable rates. Students should apply for accommodation separately through the university housing office. Off-campus rental housing is also available in the surrounding area.

SAFA regularly hosts design exhibitions, studio critiques, inter-university showcases, and cultural workshops throughout the year. Highlights include the annual Young U D CRAFT Festival, which in 2026 marks the faculty's 15th anniversary. Students are encouraged to participate in community outreach projects and collaborative creative events both on and off campus.

Several scholarship opportunities may be available to enrolled students, including university merit scholarships and need-based financial support. Contact the University of Phayao financial aid office or email safa@up.ac.th to ask about current available support for your program.

A personal laptop is strongly recommended for all programs. Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Art & Design students will use industry-standard software including CAD and 2D/3D design tools. The Digital Learning Area on the 4th floor of the SAFA building is available for students who need on-campus computer access. Check with your program office for recommended hardware specifications before enrollment.

In addition to tuition, students should budget for studio materials, model-making supplies, printing, and software licenses that may not be covered by the university. Estimated material costs vary by year level and program — architecture and art programs are typically more material-intensive than other programs. Program coordinators provide a materials list during orientation.

You can reach the SAFA office by email at safa@up.ac.th or by phone at +66 54 466-666 ext. 3358. Office hours are Monday–Friday during the academic term. For general inquiries you can also use the Contact form on this website.

The University of Phayao operates on a two-semester academic year. The first semester typically runs from June to October, and the second semester from November to March. A short summer session may also be offered. Exact dates are published annually on the university academic calendar at up.ac.th.