The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is a not-for-profit international, English-speaking postgraduate institution on a campus north of Bangkok, founded in 1959.[1] It reports more than 1,900 students from over 50 countries and 160 faculty from over 30 countries.[2] It has no overall position in the QS World University Rankings 2027 that we could confirm; it was in the 101–200 band of the THE Impact Rankings 2026.[3][4]
AIT publishes complete programme costs rather than per-year fees: about THB 855,600 for a two-year master’s in its faculties and THB 1,495,800 for a doctorate, and THB 856,600 for a two-year MBA or MSc at the School of Management.[5] English is the language of instruction, and applicants must prove their English level.[6]
Key facts
| Location | Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok, Thailand (P.O. Box 4, 58 Moo 9, Km. 42, Paholyothin Highway, Pathum Thani 12120)[7] |
| Type | Not-for-profit international, English-speaking postgraduate institution[1] |
| Founded | 1959 as the SEATO Graduate School of Engineering (royal decree of 30 July 1959; opened 8 September 1959); named Asian Institute of Technology under a charter approved in 1967[1] |
| Students and alumni | 1,900+ students from 50+ countries; 28,000+ alumni[2] |
| Staff | 160+ faculty from 30+ countries; 500+ research and support staff[2] |
| Programmes | 40+ academic programmes per the facts page (the admissions FAQ says 35); 1,000+ graduate courses[2] |
| Degrees | Master’s (MBA, MEng, MSc), executive master’s, doctoral (DEng, DTechSc, PhD, DBA), certificates[1] |
| THE Impact Rankings 2026 | 101–200 overall (score 88.3 of 100, 1,603 universities)[3] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | No overall position confirmed; QS subject ranking for Development Studies 101–150 (2026)[4] |
| Language of teaching | English[6] |
| Total fees, 2-year master’s (faculties) | THB 855,600 for 4 semesters (48 credits); no study year stated[5] |
| Application fee | THB 800 or US$25, non-refundable[6] |
| Official website | ait.ac.th |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 9 November 2026.
About the Asian Institute of Technology
AIT began as the SEATO Graduate School of Engineering. The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization started the project in 1957; the King of Thailand signed the royal decree on 30 July 1959 and the school opened on 8 September 1959. In 1967 Thailand’s Constituent Assembly approved the charter of the newly named Asian Institute of Technology, and the Enabling Act was published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette in November 1967, when AIT became independent of SEATO.[1]
Today AIT describes itself as a not-for-profit international, English-speaking postgraduate institution focusing on engineering, environment and management studies, on a green campus north of Bangkok.[1] It reports 1,900+ students from 50+ countries and 28,000+ alumni.[2]
How is the Asian Institute of Technology ranked?
On its QS profile, AIT shows no overall QS World University Rankings 2027 position; QS lists a subject ranking for Development Studies in the 101–150 band (2026) and a QS Sustainability position of =927.[4] A Thai ranking site that lists Thai universities in the QS ranking does not include AIT.[8] We therefore treat the QS 2027 overall position as not confirmed.
AIT highlights the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings: in 2026 it scored 88.3 out of 100 and placed in the 101–200 band among 1,603 universities, with 25th in the world for SDG 1 (No Poverty), 35th for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), 33rd for SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and 52nd for SDG 15 (Life on Land).[3] Those are sustainability results, not a general ranking. How we compile rankings.
What can you study at the Asian Institute of Technology?
AIT offers master’s degrees (MBA, MEng, MSc), executive master’s programmes, doctoral degrees (DEng, DTechSc, PhD, DBA), certificate programmes and an intensive English and academic bridging programme.[1] Its fee page names these academic units: the Faculties of Advanced Science and Technology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Climate Change and Sustainability, Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Public Policy and Sustainable Development, plus the School of Management.[5] The facts page counts 40+ programmes; the admissions FAQ says 35, so confirm the current list with the admissions office.[2][6]
A master’s programme at AIT normally takes 22 months (August intake) or 24 months (January intake) over four semesters; doctoral studies take at least 42 months or seven semesters.[6]
How much does the Asian Institute of Technology cost?
AIT states its study costs for the whole programme, in Thai baht. The page names no study year but quotes exchange rates for the January 2027 semester. Registration is THB 20,000 per semester and tuition THB 16,000 per credit in the faculties.[5]
| Programme | Duration and credits | Total fees, THB |
|---|---|---|
| Doctorate (faculties) | 7 semesters, 84 credits, 42 months | 1,495,800 |
| Master’s and M.Phil (faculties) | 4 semesters, 48 credits, 22 months | 855,600 |
| Master, 1 year (faculties) | 30 credits | 524,800 |
| Certificate (faculties) | 1 semester, 12 credits | 69,400–213,400 |
| PhD (School of Management) | 7 semesters, 84 credits, 42 months | 1,501,500 |
| DBA (School of Management) | 3 years | 1,516,100 |
| MBA/MSc 1 year (School of Management) | 1 year | 632,700 |
| MBA/MSc 2 years (School of Management) | 2 years | 856,600 |
The totals include registration, tuition, a language support fee (THB 2,000), medical insurance (THB 2,500 per year) and a student union fee (THB 150 per semester). Visa fees (THB 1,900 per year) and living costs are extra: AIT estimates living, accommodation and miscellaneous expenses at THB 11,500 to 15,000 per month, with dormitory rooms at THB 2,500 to 7,000 per month.[5] The application processing fee is THB 800 or US$25 and is not refunded.[6]
How do you apply to the Asian Institute of Technology?
Applications are made online, one programme at a time; AIT does not allow two applications at once. The academic year has two main intakes, January and August, and the School of Management offers extra terms.[9][6] Scholarships have their own deadlines, listed on the same page.[9]
We give no deadlines here because they change every year. The admissions page lists the current dates for overseas applicants who need an education visa. Contact: admissions@ait.ac.th.[9]
Which language level do you need?
All AIT programmes are taught in English, so applicants must prove adequate English in one of three ways:[6]
- citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA who were also educated there are exempt from testing;
- a certificate of English as the medium of instruction from a previous university, which AIT may accept or reject; these applicants sit the AIT Academic Writing Test on arrival;
- an approved test: the AIT English Entry Test (EET) with a score of 6, or IELTS Academic with a writing band of 6. Other tests (TOEFL, CEFR) may be considered if they are equivalent.
Applicants with good academic records but lower scores may receive conditional admission and take English classes at AIT until their scores improve.[6]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Asian Institute of Technology a public university?
AIT calls itself a not-for-profit international, English-speaking postgraduate institution, founded in 1959 and governed by its own Enabling Act. It is not a typical Thai public university.[1]
How much does a master’s degree at AIT cost?
A two-year master’s in the faculties costs THB 855,600 in total fees, a one-year master THB 524,800, and a two-year MBA or MSc at the School of Management THB 856,600. The page names no study year.[5]
Does AIT offer bachelor’s degrees?
AIT describes itself as a postgraduate institution and lists master’s, executive master’s, doctoral and certificate programmes.[1]
What English level does AIT require?
An AIT English Entry Test score of 6 or an IELTS Academic writing band of 6, or a recognised English-medium certificate or citizenship of an English-speaking country; lower scores can lead to conditional admission.[6]
More about studying in Thailand
- Thailand: best universities
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Thailand
Sources
[1] Asian Institute of Technology: About AIT (page without a date)
[2] Asian Institute of Technology: Facts and figures (page without a date)
[3] Asian Institute of Technology: Rankings (page without a date; latest entry THE Impact Rankings 2026)
[4] QS Top Universities: Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand profile (QS profile page read in a browser on 9 Nov 2026; shows subject and sustainability rankings, no overall WUR position)
[5] Asian Institute of Technology: Tuition and fees (page without a date; exchange rates for the January 2027 semester)
[6] Asian Institute of Technology: Admissions frequently asked questions (page without a date)
[7] Asian Institute of Technology: Location (page without a date; address from the page footer)
[8] Thai University Rankings: QS World University Rankings listing for Thailand (aggregator; page does not state the edition or a date)
[9] Asian Institute of Technology: Admissions (page without a date)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.