Chulalongkorn University: Ensuring Equal Recruitment and Opportunities for Underrepresented Groups

Policy and Operation

Chulalongkorn University is a leading academic and professional institution that upholds the principles of equality, human rights, inclusiveness, coexistence, and diversity. The university strictly prohibits discrimination or unjust restriction of rights and benefits—whether direct or indirect—on the basis of race, nationality, skin color, language, religion, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, physical or mental condition, disability, or any other individual difference.

To ensure fair and sustainable access to education and employment, the university has developed and implemented plans, projects, and mechanisms to recruit and provide opportunities for students, staff, and faculty members from diverse and underrepresented groups. Key initiatives include:

1. Establishing Supportive Policies as University-Level Mechanisms

Chulalongkorn University has established several key policies to drive inclusivity and equality, including the Chulalongkorn University’s Regarding university lifelong learning policy [ http://www.sustainability.chula.ac.th/th/rule-regulation/2118/ ], the Chulalongkorn University’s Equality policy in Human Resources Management [ https://www.hrm.chula.ac.th/th/home/cu-hrm-equality-policy ], and the Chula Employee Lifetime Value Policy. [ https://www.hrm.chula.ac.th/en/home/cu-quality-of-life-policy ]

These policies provide operational guidelines for all faculties and departments, ensuring consistent and practical implementation across the university. They cover every aspect of the university’s operations—from recruitment, student admission, and employment, to career advancement and equitable welfare provision—under the supervision of central administrative units.

2. Recruitment and Admission Programs for Students from Rural and Underprivileged Areas

The Chula-Rural Project (Chula-Chonnabot Project) [ https://www.facebook.com/chularural/ ] is one of the university’s flagship initiatives aimed at providing equal educational opportunities for underprivileged students. Established in B.E. 2525 (1982), the project’s primary goal is to support talented and academically capable students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education at Chulalongkorn University.

Students selected for the program receive full scholarships covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living allowances throughout their studies, enabling them to focus on their education without financial concerns.

Beyond financial support, the program provides close personal and academic mentoring, background assessments, academic tutoring, and mental health support to help students adjust to city life and succeed academically.

To date, the program has produced over 1,300–1,400 graduates, many of whom have gone on to contribute to the development of rural communities—fulfilling the university’s long-standing commitment to equality and social upliftment.

The program continues annually, admitting over 170 rural students each year, including:

The General Chula-Rural Admission Program, offering 161 full scholarships to rural students;
The Chula-Rural Special Ponoh Schools Program, admitting 9 students from Islamic schools under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in the four southern border provinces; and
The Chula-Rural (Princess Mother’s Legacy) Dental Project, approved by the Ministry of Public Health, focusing on recruiting students from areas with a shortage of dentists.

In addition, Chulalongkorn University offers other direct admission programs and scholarships targeting specific groups—such as students from border provinces or children of public servants working in high-risk areas—reflecting the university’s commitment to expanding equitable access to higher education nationwide.[ https://admission.chula.ac.th/admission_c1.php ]

Announcement of Chulalongkorn University: Admission of Students under the Chulalongkorn University Rural Student Admission Project (CU-Rural Project), Academic Year 2025

Announcement of Chulalongkorn University: Admission of Thai Students from the Four Southern Border Provinces to the Faculty of Economics, Academic Year 2025

3. Educational and Financial Support for Students with Disabilities

Chulalongkorn University operates the CU Student Corner, located on the ground floor of the Phra Kieo Pavilion (opposite the Chulalongkorn University Book Center). This office, under the Division of Student Affairs and Scholarships, provides comprehensive support to students with disabilities—covering academic assistance, daily life support, and career preparation.

[ https://www.sa.chula.ac.th/en/ ]
[ https://www.sa.chula.ac.th/service/cu-student-corner-%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B9%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%81/ ]

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) also provides educational grants for students with disabilities at the undergraduate level. These grants are part of a national initiative to promote educational access and equity. Eligible Chulalongkorn students with disabilities can obtain information and apply for these grants directly through the CU Student Corner.

The financial support program operates on a voluntary basis, with funding allocated according to government-defined criteria. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for the grants.

[ https://www.sa.chula.ac.th/fund/%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3/ ]

4. Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities

At the personnel level, Chulalongkorn University—guided by its principles of equality, human rights, and non-discrimination—actively promotes inclusive employment. The Office of Human Resources Management oversees the Employment Project for Persons with Disabilities, which aims to promote equal access to decent and meaningful employment opportunities.

The university continues to recruit and employ persons with disabilities across various departments, where many individuals with diverse abilities work successfully as valued members of the Chulalongkorn community. This initiative not only ensures compliance with equality principles but also fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

[ https://www.hrm.chula.ac.th/th/home/disabilities-potential ]

The Office of Property Management, Chulalongkorn University (PMCU), in collaboration with volunteer partners for special needs, the Five For All Foundation, and the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand, organized the “Siam Square Walking Street for All” event from November 2–3, 2024, at Siam Square Walking Street.

The event aimed to build an inclusive and equitable society by providing a platform for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents and abilities through various performances such as fashion shows, singing, music, and dance. It also featured food, drinks, handmade products, crafts, and artworks (Art Able) created by persons with disabilities. Participants and visitors were encouraged to dress in “Pinky of Special” — a theme color representing joy and positivity among people with special needs.

The activity sought to empower persons with disabilities, helping them develop self-confidence, gain social recognition, and create income opportunities, while inspiring others to embrace diversity.

“Siam Square,” redesigned under the Universal Design concept, has become a public space of opportunity for everyone — accessible to all genders, ages, and physical conditions — promoting a truly walkable and inclusive city.

[ https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/202824/ ]
[ https://www.chula.ac.th/news/196497/ ]