SIAM UNIVERSITY
Study Business at Siam University — Semester Abroad, Gap Year or Full BBA or MBA Degree
Study abroad in Bangkok at one of Thailand’s best private universities. Choose between the International Business Program (BBA) at Bachelor’s level or the International MBA Program at Master’s level — as an exchange student for one or two semesters, for a gap year, or to complete a full degree. Courses taught entirely in English, in one of Asia’s most exciting cities. Apply today and get confirmed in as little as one day.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
SEMESTERS
Semester 1 (Aug – Dec),
Semester 2 (Jan – May)
MAX. CREDITS
ca. 30 ECTS /
18 US credits
Program content
Lectures, assignments, cultural and, business excursions
Levels of study
Bachelor's Level: Full Degree, Semester Abroad & Gap Year | Master's Level: Full Degree & Semester Abroad
Fees
Study Fields
Business, economics, management, social sciences, tourism, hospitality
SIAM UNIVERSITY
TOP 10 OF THAI UNIVERSITIES #301 - 400 WORLD RANKING
#11
BEST UNIVERSITY IN THAILAND
#3
IN GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING RANKING
#11 in Sustainable cities and communities
Program Highlights
Choose from a wide range of business and management courses at Bachelor's or Master's level — or complete a full BBA or MBA degree
Gain international experience in one of Asia's most thrilling cities
Get to know Thailand and Thai culture, and explore Southeast Asia
Improve your intercultural communication and English skills
Meet new people from all over the world and build an international network
Enjoy a variety of free-time activities, both in Bangkok and on campus
STUDYING IN SIAM UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PROGRAM
Siam University’s International Business (BBA) and MBA programs are taught entirely in English and designed for anyone looking to build or accelerate a career in international business. The BBA is a Bachelor’s-level program available for exchange students, gap year students, and full degree candidates. The MBA is a Master’s-level program for professionals and graduates seeking top management skills, available for exchange students and full degree candidates.
This program is for you if…
- You’re a university student, a recent graduate, or between degrees
- You want to boost your business knowledge and skills at Bachelor’s or Master’s level
- You want to improve your English and intercultural communication skills
- You want to meet people from all over the world and build an international network
- You want to explore the dynamic city of Bangkok in your free time
| SEMESTER 1 (2026) | |
| Semester dates | 18.08.2026 – 19.12.2026 |
| Orientation | 16.08.2026* |
| Application deadline | 15.06.2026 |
| Holiday | TBA |
| SEMESTER 2 (2027)* | |
| Semester dates | 11.01.2027 – 20.05.2027 |
| Orientation | 11.01.2027 |
| Application deadline | 25.11.2026 |
| Holiday | TBA |
| SEMESTER 1 (2027)* | |
| Semester dates | 16.08.2027 – 19.12.2027 |
| Orientation | 16.08.2027 |
| Application deadline | 24.07.2027 |
| Holiday | TBA |
| SEMESTER 2 (2028)* | |
| Semester dates | 10.01.2028 – 20.05.2028 |
| Orientation | 10.01.2028 |
| Application deadline | 25.11.2027 |
| Holiday | TBA |
YOU MAY APPLY FOR SEMESTERS IN THE UPCOMING YEARS ALREADY.
*) SMALL CHANGES POSSIBLE / DATES ARE STILL TENTATIVE.
BBA — International Business Program (Bachelor’s level)
As an exchange or gap year student in the IBP, you have plenty of options when making your course selections. You can pick your courses freely from the level and subject area most suitable and interesting for you. No previous background in business studies is required. Some courses in social sciences are also available, and you can choose courses from the International Program in Hotel & Tourism Management. Approximately 20 courses are offered each semester. You can choose 3–6 courses per semester. Up to 2 of the 6 courses can also be picked from the MBA program.
Course documents:
- Timetable – Autumn semester
- Timetable – Spring semester (TBA)
- Business Administration – Syllabi
- Hospitality and Tourism – Syllabi
The syllabi are exemplary and available for most courses. Remaining syllabi will be handed out at the beginning of lectures at the latest.
Course availability
Core Courses (2.1) and Required Courses in the Major Field (2.2) listed in the course catalog occur every year in either semester 1 or 2. When choosing your courses, make sure they are organized during your semester by checking pages 2 and 3 of the catalog. Courses listed under General Education and Major Electives cannot be guaranteed. If you wish to choose one of these, it is recommended to select a core course as a backup. A precise course schedule will be available at the beginning of the semester.
MBA — International MBA Program (Master’s level)
You can go on exchange during the summer, autumn, or spring semester. No previous background in business studies is required — introductory Foundation Courses are available if needed (5 courses offered, see curriculum page 10). The MBA program has nine different areas of specialization. You can choose courses freely from both core and elective courses: 3–5 MBA courses per semester. MBA students can also choose BBA courses, as long as the total number of courses per semester does not exceed 6.
Elective courses and some selective core courses will generally only be organized if there are enough participants — there is therefore no guarantee they will take place. Students are advised to have a backup plan. You can influence which elective courses are organized: after applying through Asia Exchange, contact Siam University about your course selection approximately 3 months before the semester starts. When choosing elective courses, classify your selections into two categories: courses you really need to take, and courses you would like to take.
Course documents:
- MBA Curriculum, Course List and Course Summary
- Course descriptions
- Syllabi – Core courses
- Syllabi – Foundation courses
- Syllabi – Elective courses
Please note that some details in the course descriptions may change depending on the trimester, and some courses may have a former course code.
eCampus
In addition to the courses mentioned above, you have the chance to attend additional distance learning courses in the fields of Economics, Marketing, Sociology, and Politics. All the courses are taught from a distance and can be joined independently from place and time. This gives you the ultimate flexibility to combine your study abroad experience with various academic courses.
All information about the eCampus can be found here.
You have the chance to opt for distance learning courses during your application process. Please note that each distance learning course is worth 5 ECTS and comes at an additional charge of 199 EUR/ 297 USD.
After completing your eCampus courses, you will receive an academic transcript issued by Undiknas University. Additionally, you will receive a participation certificate for each completed distance learning course.
One completed course at Siam University is worth 3 credits, which usually translates into 5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits or 3 US credit points. Read more about credit conversion
Tuition fee (exchange semester):
Application fee:
See what’s included in the fees.
Many of our students apply for national student funding such as PROMOS, BAföG, or CSN.
Are you from North/South America & Oceania? Find out more about the fees.
Benefits when applying via Asia Exchange
- Confirmation even in one day
- Asia Exchange Guide with lots of information about studies, visas, accommodation, and other tips
- Orientation days
- No English proficiency test required
BBA (Semester Abroad, Gap Year & Full Degree)
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Sufficient English skills (B2 level). No language test is required.
MBA (Semester Abroad & Full Degree)
- If applying for a full MBA degree: you must have completed an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree
- If applying for an exchange semester: you are currently studying at graduate (Master’s) level, OR you have completed an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree
- Sufficient English skills (B2 level). No language test is required.
See the additional requirements.
BBA
- An official transcript of records.
- A copy of the identification page of your passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after arriving in Thailand. A passport with a validity of 18 months is sometimes required when applying for a one-year Multiple Entry Visa. Please note this also when sending Asia Exchange your application.
MBA
- A transcript of records of your current studies at graduate/Master’s level OR a certificate of a completed Bachelor’s degree
- A copy of the identification page of your passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after arriving in Thailand. A passport with a validity of 18 months is sometimes required when applying for a one-year Multiple Entry Visa. Please note this also when sending Asia Exchange your application.
- A CV. Only applicable to applicants who have been working for some time after graduation.
Apply to study abroad at Siam University
APPLICATION
Fill out and submit the online application form together with the required documents (same for both an exchange semester and a full degree)
- Flexible application: You can apply even if you’re not yet certain of your plans. Cancel at no extra cost up to 1 month before the semester starts.
- When you apply for two semesters: 100 EUR discount on the second semester
- Get access to comprehensive information materials such as an Asia Exchange Guide and an interactive orientation webinar after you apply
INSTRUCTIONS
- Scan all the required attachments to your computer in PDF format.
- Fill out the online application form below and submit it with the required attachments.
Uploading and submitting the attachments
- Please upload the attachments in PDF format.
- If possible, please submit all the attachments together with the application. If you’re missing some attachment(s) when you first apply, you can later send the missing document(s). However, please note that we won’t process applications without any attachments whatsoever.
- All attachments must be sent to us within 30 days of applying or by the application deadline at the very latest.
- You can submit all the documents electronically. Please don’t send anything via regular mail.
- There is a late application fee for applications or attachments submitted after the application deadline.
Confirmation, official acceptance letter, and visa
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement in 1-7 days, starting from when your application is complete with all the required documents. You’ll receive the official acceptance letter 1.5 months before the semester starts at the latest. We’ll send it to the street address you have provided in your application. Please let us know if this address changes at any point. You need the official acceptance letter to apply for a student visa.
Fees
The application fee invoice will be sent to you soon after the initial acceptance letter. This fee will be due within 10 days of receiving your confirmation. The application fee is non-refundable even if you decide to cancel (see below). You’ll receive the invoice for the tuition fee about 2.5 months before the semester starts.
Cancellation
You have the right to cancel your participation in the program up to 1 month before the semester starts with no extra cost (the application fee will not be refunded, however). Let us know about your cancellation by writing us an email at info[at]asiaexchange.org. Cancellations notified via phone, SMS, or by any other means will not be considered. For more detailed information on our cancellation policy, please see the terms and conditions for cancellation. We also reserve the right to cancel your participation if any of your fees becomes overdue. For more information, please see our terms and conditions.
Travel insurance
You are required to have a valid accident and health insurance from your home country for the whole duration of the program. The university may request a copy of the insurance certificate at the beginning of the semester. See our recommended travel insurance providers.
About Siam University
Siam University (SU) is Thailand’s fifth-largest private university and has several exchange agreements worldwide. It is a popular exchange location among international students: 400 international students participate in Siam University’s international programs every year. Read more about Siam University
Address:
Siam University 235 Petchkasem Road Phasi-Charoen Bangkok 10163 Thailand
Contact person at Siam University:
Mr. Rengson Mualchontham
- the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNI)
- World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE)
UNIVERSITY ACCREDITATION
- Ministry of Education in Thailand
- International Association of Universities (IAU)
- Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL)
- International Association of University Presidents (IAUP)
- Association of Universities in Asia and Pacific (AUAP)
- International Association of Europe Hotel Schools (EUHOFA)
- The Asian Regional Training and Development Organization (ARTDO)
- University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP)
- Member of The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Global University Network for Innovation (GUNI)
- World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE)
Siam University: activities outside class
Siam University has dozens of sports, arts, and career skills clubs that you can join. The sports center is located at the university’s back, at the left-hand corner of Building 19, with a large open space for parking. The sports center serves all students with free basket and volleyballs, badminton rackets, and ping pong rackets. The students of Siam University can use the fitness gym and play almost all indoor games inside the center and outdoor games outside the center.
Bangkok is also one of the best places to call home if you plan to travel around South East Asia. Its convenient location and excellent transport connections make it possible to visit the many beaches, jungles and mountains, and neighboring countries during the weekends.
CO2 OFFSETTING
Unfortunately, traveling by plane to study abroad increases the carbon footprint of each student. Over the past years, it has become more apparent than ever: we face a climate crisis and air transport is responsible for up to 10% of humankind’s contribution to global warming. But should students stop pursuing their dreams of studying abroad and sacrifice their future goals? We don’t think so!
We see it as our responsibility to preserve our environment, live a sustainable life, and minimize the carbon footprint of each of our students. Consequently, Asia Exchange has chosen to work with Atmosfair, a non-profit organization that actively contributes to CO₂ mitigation and offers Co2 offsetting. You can now easily donate a free amount of money to Atmosfair’s projects dedicated to offsetting Co2 emissions. During the application process for your study abroad program, you have the opportunity to donate and mitigate your flight emissions.
Simultaneously, Asia Exchange will support your efforts to reduce their carbon footprint when studying abroad by doubling your donations and contributing equally. Let’s make this world a better place!
Click here to find out more about offsetting your flight emissions
For all destinations, you can choose our Global Essentials Package.
It includes:
- eSIM
- insurance
- airport pickup
A straightforward option if you want support when you arrive, without overplanning.
Explore virtually – interactive destination tour
MOST FREQUENT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
STUDIES & SCHEDULES
Q: Should I choose my courses before the semester starts? A: For the BBA program (semester abroad and gap year), course selections are made after you arrive in Bangkok, preferably before the semester begins. For the MBA program, course selections are made before the semester starts by contacting Siam University.
Q: Are there mandatory courses? A: No, for either program.
Q: Can I take Master-level courses as a BBA student? A: Yes. As a BBA student, you can take up to 1-2 MBA courses.
Q: What is the required minimum attendance? A: You must attend a minimum of 80% of lectures and all mandatory workshops and excursions.
Q: Do I need to participate in the orientation day? A: Preferably yes — you’ll get plenty of useful information during the orientation day.
Q: How long does completing the full degree take? A: The full BBA degree takes 4 years. The full MBA can be completed in a minimum of 12 months; most students finish within 18 months.
EVERYDAY CONDUCT
Q: Will I wear a school uniform? A: BBA students (semester abroad, gap year, and full degree) wear a uniform: a white-collar shirt, black skirt for women and black trousers for men. Our students say they get used to it within two days — and it saves time in the morning! MBA students do not wear a uniform.
VISA & TRAVEL
Q: What type of visa do I need to study in Thailand? A: A “Non-immigrant visa ED”.
Q: When can I apply for my visa? A: After receiving your official acceptance letter, which is sent at the latest one month before the semester starts. The visa process often takes only 4-5 working days. Read our general visa instructions here.
ACCOMMODATION
Q: How can I find suitable accommodation? A: Read our accommodation tips for Bangkok here. Most students stay near the Siam University campus — a pleasant and affordable neighbourhood. Most prefer checking options in person after arrival.
Q: Should I book accommodation in advance or after arriving? A: It is completely up to you. Most students prefer checking options in person after arrival.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Q: Which vaccinations do I need? A: In addition to the basic vaccinations (MMR and diphtheria-tetanus), travelers are most often advised to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B. Always consult your physician.
Q: Do I need travel insurance? A: Yes. You are required to have valid accident and health insurance for the whole duration of the program. The university may request a copy of the insurance certificate at the beginning of the semester. Additional information and recommended insurance packages.
COSTS
Q: What kind of costs should I be prepared for? A: In addition to tuition fees, you should be prepared to pay for the student visa, flights, accommodation, and other living costs. The cost of living is relatively low in Bangkok. Find a list of general living costs here. Read more about budgeting your semester abroad.
DOCUMENTS
Q: I need my learning agreement / certificate of enrollment signed. What should I do? A: Fill out the document and send it to info@asiaexchange.org.
Q: When will I receive my Official Acceptance Letter? A: The official letter of acceptance will be sent approximately 1.5 months before the semester starts.
Q: When will I receive my Transcript of Records? A: The university prepares and sends transcripts usually within 2-3 months after the end of the semester.
WHY COMPLETE A FULL DEGREE IN ASIA?
Completing a full degree abroad offers something a semester or gap year simply can’t match: an internationally recognized degree, deep cultural insight, advanced language skills, and a professional network spanning the globe. Asia is growing in importance in the global economy, and employers increasingly seek professionals with firsthand knowledge of the region.
For the MBA specifically: the main reason to pursue an MBA is to increase your salary potential and advance your career. Graduates are typically eligible for roles beyond the reach of those with just a Bachelor’s degree. Siam University’s MBA has been training high-performing professionals for over 30 years.