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. Program brochures are also available from the SAFA website.

Applicants must hold a Thai secondary school certificate (Mathayom 6 / vocational certificate / equivalent). Some programs may require a practical entrance examination or portfolio review. Specific criteria are published on the admission portal for each round.

Applicants to the master's program in Interdisciplinary Creative Architecture must hold a bachelor's degree in Architecture, Fine Arts, or a closely related creative field from an accredited institution. Final-year students who graduate before enrollment may apply. All courses are conducted in Thai, so strong Thai proficiency is required.

International students are welcome to apply, particularly to the master's program. Because instruction at SAFA is entirely in Thai, a high level of Thai proficiency is required. Contact safa@up.ac.th before applying to confirm the language requirements.

Portfolio requirements vary by program and admission round. Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Art & Design typically include a portfolio or creative aptitude test. Music and Dance may require an audition. Check the current admission announcement for exact requirements.

SAFA participates in the Thai university central admission system (TCAS), usually with several rounds from December through May. Exact dates are announced each year at admission.up.ac.th and vary by program and round.

SAFA offers four bachelor's programs—Architecture, Interior Architecture, Art & Design, and Music and Dance—and a master's program in Interdisciplinary Creative Architecture. Visit the Programs page for full details.

Architecture and Interior Architecture are five-year programs. Art & Design and Music and Dance are four-year programs. For the master's program, Plans 1.1 and 1.2 take two academic years (four semesters), while the coursework-only Plan 2 can be completed in three semesters.

Per-semester fees are 21,000 THB for Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Art & Design, and 18,000 THB for Music and Dance. For the master's program, Plans 1.1 and 1.2 are 35,000 THB per semester and Plan 2 is 55,000 THB per semester.

All SAFA programs, including the master's program, are taught in Thai. International applicants must have a high level of Thai proficiency to participate effectively.

Plan 1.1 is research-only and requires a full thesis. Plan 1.2 combines coursework with a thesis and takes about two years. Plan 2 is coursework-only, has no thesis, and can be completed in three semesters. All three lead to the same degree.

Each program page includes a year-by-year study plan, career paths, and a link to the official full program specification. These pages are available from the Programs menu.

The SAFA building includes Multipurpose Rooms 1-1 and 1-2 for workshops, studios, and events; a Co-Working Space and library on the second floor; SAFA Meeting Arts on the third floor; and a fourth-floor Digital Learning Area with computers, design software, and audiovisual equipment.

SAFA is on the main University of Phayao campus in Phayao Province, Northern Thailand. A university shuttle connects key campus areas. Phayao city is accessible by bus from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai; see the Getting Here page for details.

Yes. The University of Phayao provides affordable on-campus dormitories (UP Dorm). Students apply separately through the university housing office. Off-campus rental housing is also available nearby.

SAFA hosts design exhibitions, studio critiques, inter-university showcases, cultural workshops, and the annual Young U D CRAFT Festival. Students can also join community outreach and collaborative creative projects on and off campus.

Scholarship opportunities may include merit awards and need-based financial support. Contact the University of Phayao financial aid office or email safa@up.ac.th for current opportunities.

A personal laptop is strongly recommended for all programs, especially those using CAD and 2D/3D design tools. The fourth-floor Digital Learning Area provides on-campus computer access. Ask your program office for recommended hardware specifications before enrollment.

In addition to tuition, budget for studio materials, model-making supplies, printing, and software not covered by the university. Costs vary by year and program; coordinators provide a materials list during orientation.

Contact the SAFA office by email at safa@up.ac.th or phone at +66 54 466-666 ext. 3358, Monday to Friday during the academic term.

The University of Phayao uses two semesters. The first typically runs from June to October and the second from November to March. A summer session may also be offered. Exact dates are published in the university academic calendar.