Transferable learning informed by leading educational research and global best practice
Measuring Academic Progress
Continuous assessment (SAT, MAP, IB) and preparing for college
ISB established in 1951
We are the first international school in Thailand.
Located in Nichada Thani, a premium expat community outside of Bangkok.
37 acre (79 rai) campus Featuring clean air and a luscious tropical landscap enveloping a spacious single campus.
International curriculum with a personalized approach.
Students enrolled 1810
60+
Nationalities represented in the student body each year.
Panther Spirit, shared with tens of thousands of students, alumni, families and friends of ISB all around the world.
Once a Panther, Always a Panther!
ISB MISSION STATEMENT
Through outstanding teaching and learning in a nurturing environment, ISB inspires students to achieve their academic and personal potential; be passionate, reflective learners; become caring global citizens, and lead healthy, active, balanced lifestyles.
International School Bangkok, ISB, is the premier international school in Thailand. Established on the grounds of the US Embassy in 1951, the school has evolved over the past 70 years to become one of the most sought after schools in Asia. ISB is proudly not-for-profit, which ensures continual investment into facilities and students’ experiences. Put quite simply, at ISB, students come first. Uniquely for schools in Thailand, ISB is positioned in the heart of the welcoming and secure gated community of Nichada Thani, conveniently placed and well-equipped for a high quality family life.
In 2018 we opened our outdoor learning center, the Environmental Wilderness Campus (EWC) in Petchaburi Province; the only outdoor education facility in Thailand. The EWC is available exclusively for ISB students to experience nature, adventure and environmental scientific research.
At International School Bangkok, we offer an international curriculum that is US-accredited, International Baccalaureate authorized, and wholly independent. Our learning is informed by leading educational research and global best practice, incorporated into US, AP and IB frameworks.
Our students come from over 50 countries around the world. We understand international families and ensure that our students’ learning is transferable and meaningful. We are dedicated to providing a challenging learning environment that is child-centered, well-balanced, and aims to develop the whole child - no matter how long they are with us, they leave us with ‘Panther Spirit’ and lifelong friends.
MISSION AND VALUES
ISB’s membership in IASAS - the premier league of schools in SE Asia - affords our students with unrivaled opportunities to ignite their global spirit through athletics meets, arts and cultural exchanges.
VALUES
ISB continuously invests in students, teachers, technology, educational development, and revolutionary learning tools to support and enhanced education, at the highest global and international standard.
Why Choose ISB
Although the ISB community is incredibly diverse, there exists a golden thread woven into each one of us, that of a clear, unwavering dedication to our mission, attributes, and values. These ideals guide our daily interactions, the shape of our curriculum and our plans for the future.
ATTRIBUTES
Creative Developing new and imaginative ideas that have impact.
Globally-Minded Invested in the world and its people, embracing diversity, and aware of the impact of actions on local and global communities.
Adaptable Responding appropriately and with flexibility to ambiguous or changing circumstances.
Socially-Intelligent Recognizing personal emotions and those of others, managing responses productively and collaborating effectively.
Value-Driven Guided by our ISB Values, promoting positive citizenship and fostering personal meaning.
Self-Managing Independently directing, monitoring, and evaluating personal behaviors, goals and time.
RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY GRATITUDE
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Head of School
Dr. Sascha Heckmann
Dr. Heckmann joined the ISB community as Head of School in 2024. He possesses over 25 years of educational leadership experience in international schools across the globe. Prior to joining ISB, Sascha held leadership roles in Mexico, Mozambique, China, and the United States. Dr. Heckmann has led school transformation in a variety of contexts and prioritizes student-centered, personalized learning, and fostering inclusive school cultures that prioritize both academic excellence and well-being of all students.
Dr. Heckmann holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, Master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. He is committed to nurturing students’ intellectual curiosity, creativity, and resilience. He is deeply invested in building strong relationships with students, faculty, and parents to ensure the school remains a welcoming and supportive space for all. Under his leadership, ISB continues to thrive as a world-class institution, dedicated to empowering students to achieve their full potential as global citizens and lifelong learners.
ISB is a special place because it affords students the opportunity to challenge themselves, allowing them to discover who they are and what they love, all the while deepening their commitment to becoming the best version of themselves.”
Headmistress
Ajarn Usa Somboom
Ajarn Usa has been an international school educator for the past 30 years. She has been a middle school teacher, Head of the Modern Languages Department, and now has served as a school administrator in her role as Headmistress for many years. Apart from her roles at ISB, she also is currently serving her 10th term as president of the International Schools Association of Thailand with 179 member schools. She impacts education change through her roles in the Private Education Commission Committee, Ministry of Education, and Parliament Education Committee.
I’ve grown with ISB throughout its long history and have seen the impact the strong education community has had on its students. It’s a community beyond the classroom walls, one that I adore.
Deputy Head of School
Debi Caskey
Mrs. Caskey has extensive school leadership experience in schools in four countries. In her 20+ years in education she has been a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Interim Superintendent, Curriculum Director, and Assistant Superintendent, and now Deputy Head of School. These roles have provided Debi with practical experience in leading teams, strategic planning, curriculum alignment, community building and involvement, communication, recruiting and retention of outstanding educators, and fostering a learning centered focus on students.
Deputy Head of School & Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Marc de Vries
Mr. de Vries has held financial and management functions in the exhibition, aquaculture, semiconductor and jewelry industries. He found his passion for education at ISB where his three children attended from kindergarten to graduation and he served on the Board of Trustees as Treasurer and Chair. Mr. de Vries still thinks of himself as a tri-athlete and is currently in the running for ISB’s goalie coach on the merit of being a two-time IASAS soccer gold medal winner with his Alma Mater IS Manila. Mr. de Vries has a business degree from Nyenrode University in the Netherlands.
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ISB is a caring place to learn and work. Our teachers put students at the center of everything with academic excellence and personal development our priority.
I love ISB because its resources provide unrivalled opportunities for our students to develop themselves in any area they choose.
Our Team Inspires and guides students everyday
Michael Allen Elementary School Principal
Farah Thaxton Elementary Vice Principal
Honey Tondre Elementary Vice Principal
Dennis Harter Middle School Principal
Justyna McMillan High School Dean of Academics
Amaritpal Marwaha Middle School Dean of Students
Cindy Plantecoste Middle School Vice Principal
Justin Alexander High School Principal
Andy Vaughan High School Dean of Students
Dr Dhave Setabutr Director of ISB Health Center
William Randall Director of Student Services
Mark Hevland, Director of Risk Management & Special Projects
Doug Williamson Elementary School Counselor
Nicole Tessmer Elementary School Counselor
Kathryn Many Elementary School Counselor
Frank Sambula High School Counselor
Lindsey Moore Middle School Counselor
Brenda Perkin Middle School Counselor
Jackie Valenzuela High School Counselor
Ryan Rhuhl, Middle and High School Psychologist
Shannon Leoni High School Counselor
ISB Curriculum
Transferable learning is at the heart of ISB’s programs. We want our students to be able to transfer their learning from one context, and continent, to another as easily as possible, as we know that a number of families will be globally mobile during the duration of their children’s educational journey.
Our curriculum incorporates an inclusive learning support system, from in-house speech pathologists to integrated learning support specialists from Elementary through to High School. We ensure classes maintain a low student to teacher ratio ensuring all students get the support they need.
For families joining where English is an additional language, we offer highly effective language support programs in the classroom (EAL), as well as select language programs after school.
Alongside our international curriculum, we offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), Diploma Program (DP) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the High School, offering students the opportunity to tailor their learning to easily access universities and colleges worldwide.
Inclusive Education
Our Life Centered Education (LCE) programs offer children who require a highly individualized curriculum. The opportunity to learn with a specialized team of experienced professionals within our vibrant international school setting. Students focus on functional academics, social-emotional skills, sensory integration, and life skills. It is a leading model of inclusion, which serves each learner in the best way possible for their individual needs.
Our parents say that ISB has a ‘small school ethos’, just on a bigger scale! That stems from our student centered programs, small class sizes and personalized attention, that provide each child with the tools required to reach their academic and personal potential. Through a thoughtful and caring approach to students’ social-emotional learning, our teachers, counselors, and administrators guide students through each stage of their learning and growth. While aligned with best-practice learning standards from around the world, our academic programs provide students with a globally-minded curriculum and instruction that meets students at their level of need. ISB was the first international school in Thailand and still proudly - and successfully - notfor-profit. Students come first, with a substantial re-investment program boosting facilities every year since 1951, including 1-1 iPads or MacBook Airs for all students.
Early Years (Pre-Kindergarten)
Play is a child’s first and most natural form of communication as well as the medium through which young children learn best! Play is necessary for every child’s cognitive, social, and physical development. Children at play are busy solving problems, creating, experimenting, taking risks, engaging their imagination, thinking and learning skills that support joyous adventure and meaningful, transferable learning.
Our Pre-K curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy. This educational philosophy and our programs are based on playful exploration and guided discovery in a supportive and enriching emergent curriculum. Our early childhood learning environment helps children develop meaningful skills, attitudes and knowledge through a wide range of developmental activities. They learn to explore their own interests in unstructured and structured programs that are process-oriented, rather than goal-driven.
Sample Early Years Schedule
7:40-8:30
8:30-9:00 9:00-10:20 10:20-11:10 11:10-1:10
Classroom Learning
Snack
Classroom Learning
Lunch
Classroom Learning
Home time/ afterschool activites
Elementary School (Kindergarten to Grade Five)
ISB’s Elementary School is dedicated to providing a challenging learning environment which is child-centered, well-balanced and aims to develop the whole child. Our school is a center of inquiry, creativity and joyful learning, with students coming together to learn, to dream and to grow. We also offer various grade level trips as part of our curriculum to ensure students actively learn to apply classroom learning to real-life experiences.
Sample Elementary Schedule
7:40-9:00 9:00-9:20
9:20-10:10
10:10-11:35
11:35-12:20
12:20-2:25
Classroom Learning
Snack and Recess
Classroom Learning
Specialists Rotations
Lunch and Recess
Classroom Learning
Home time/ afterschool activites
Elementary Learning Program
Classroom Learning
Reading & Writing Workshop
Word Study
Math Workshop
Science & Social Studies
Health & Wellbeing
Social Emotional
Learning
Technology & Media Literacy
Support Services
(Learning Support and/or EAL)
Specialist Learning
Art Music
Physical Education
World Language
Library
World Languages
Thai*
Spanish
Mandarin
*Thai nationals are required to take Thai Language for Thai Speakers
Middle School (Grade 6 to Grade 8)
Through a thoughtful and caring approach to students’ socio-emotional learning, our teachers, counselors, and administrators guide students through this important developmental stage of their learning and personal growth. Aligned with best-practice academic standards from around the world, our Learning Program provides students with a globally-minded curriculum and instruction that meets students at their level of need.
A significant part of our Middle School (MS) Learning Program is our Wild Panthers Outdoor Education Program. Each year, students take part in a three day, two night adventure, experiencing nature while developing character, leadership, teamwork, and outdoor skills. The three year learning program differs each year, focusing on the developmental growth of the students along with increasingly challenging activities and skills. The Wild Panthers program takes place in and around ISB’s unique, custom-built Environmental Wilderness Campus (EWC). Middle school grade level trips are not limited to the EWC and we offer a number of other exciting, curricular or service learning trips throughout the school year.
The Middle School community encourages student involvement, hard work, care for self and others, and having fun, to make the most of the Middle School experience. Through both curricular and extracurricular programs such as performing arts, athletics, clubs, and service, we foster students’ growth and development of interest and through the ISB Attributes. Our Middle School celebrates its diverse population and values an inclusive community in which everyone can be themselves.
Middle School Learning Program
Core Classes
English
Social Studies
Science
Math
PE & Wellness
World Language
Support Class (EAL or LS)
World Languages
French Mandarin Spanish Intro Thai
Home Country Languages
French* Japanese* Korean* Mandarin* Spanish* Thai* (Thai nationals are required to take Thai)
Electives
In Grade 6, students take required courses in music, performing arts, and visual art. In Grades 7 & 8 elective courses are available that span across departments including: performing and visual arts, design and technology, video production, additional languages.
High School (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
Our High School Students have multiple pathways to graduation with a globally recognized ISB High School Diploma. Students can take the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, IB courses, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and ISB courses in order to build a personalized curriculum that helps them achieve their academic and personal potential.
High School Students are supported in their academic journey through a Social and Emotional Learning program that incorporates our school’s values and Attributes through High School Advisory and strong counseling services, with three dedicated school counselors and four college counselors.
High School Learning Program
Core Classes (G9)
English
World Language Mathematics
World Studies
Science
Physical Education
Health
Core Classes (G10)
English
World Language Mathematics
World Studies
Science
Health
Core Classes G11 and G12
Students choose either the personal choice, AP or IB Diploma. These personalized pathways allow students to specialize early to explore their passions.
Electives
Elective courses are available that span across departments including: Arts, Design, Technology, Physical Education, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Languages
*For full details, credit requirements, lists, and descriptions of courses, classes, and electives, please see the HS program of studies guide, available on our website.
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I believe that good leadership in schools requires administrators to be active listeners and positive role models.
Justin Alexander, High School Principal
The support my counsellors provided me with, helped me pick the best university fit for my carreer path.
- ISB HS Student
International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP)
ISB was the first school in Thailand to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) and our students routinely achieve average scores well above the world average. The IB DP is a rigorous two-year preuniversity curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities and many award advanced standing or university credit for successfully completed IB diplomas and courses.
We also offer the AP Capstone Diploma and a comprehensive selection of individual AP courses. Depending on the student’s aspirations and abilities, AP courses can be taken from Grade 10 onwards. The AP Capstone Diploma encompasses two mandatory courses (AP Seminar and AP Research) plus four other AP courses. Please check the full requirements and courses available in the High School Program of Studies.
College and University Counseling
The High School has a team of four highly qualified and experienced university counselors to support students during the process of researching, selecting, and applying to best-fit universities. In line with the values and attributes of the ISB Mission and Vision, university counselors support students through a thoughtful, reflective, and well-researched post-secondary search and university application process. The counselors’ goal is to teach each student how to identify and evaluate a wide range of university and other postsecondary options around the world that complement their academic and personal achievements, talents, ambitions, and potential. ISB students apply to and matriculate to a wide range of colleges and universities in their home countries, North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
To see the full list of college acceptances, please see at High School Profile on our ISB website.
Athletics
ISB’s Athletic Program is renowned across Asia for its commitment to excellence, community support and Panther Spirit.
ISB offers experienced, caring, coaching staff, top-tier facilities, and the opportunity for students to experience a world-class sports program. ISB Panther Teams participate in: BMAC (Bangkok Metropolitan Athletic Conference), local competition for U11, U12, U14, JV; and our Varsity teams one part of IASAS (Interscholastic Association of South East Asian Schools) IASAS is the top league in S.E. Asia made up of the regions top six international schools.
Arts
All students, from Pre-K through Grade 12, have excellent opportunities to learn through ISB’s design, fine & performing arts. With over 50 arts dedicated faculty, staff, and instructors, along with 27 music practice rooms, 12 performing arts classrooms, seven visual arts studios, two theaters, two art galleries, a film studio, two maker spaces, and our invention center, every learner has plenty of space and support as they explore their own creative talents. Celebrations and events take place throughout the year in the form of exhibitions, concerts, plays, performances, festivals, conferences, and field trips.
Service Learning
D.E.L.V.E
Discover. Explore. Learn. Volunteer. Enrich. DELVE is an experiential learning week that takes ISB High School students throughout Thailand and South East Asia (such as Bhutan or Nepal), and into communities where students experience unique learning experiences. These trips are built around deepening a students’ cultural understanding or taking part in community service to enrich the local community.
The DELVE program is designed to give students the experiences that will inspire them to become caring global citizens. Our students may support local communities through their travel, engage in the protection of the environment or direct service work for the benefit of others. DELVE is a required course for graduation from ISB.
ISB Golf Center
Open Daily, ISB’s custom built state of the art indoor golf center meets the needs of both students, and our community wanting to improve their golf skills.
Clubs and Extracurricular Activities
Clubs are initiated and organized by students and are therefore based on student interests and passions. These clubs give students authentic leadership opportunities in areas of their own interest, often working with organizations and people outside of their ISB comfort zone. This arrangement lets students try new things – such as rock climbing, theater stagecraft, broadcasting, or photography – in a low-risk environment. By embracing these new types of experiences, students can develop a genuinely healthy, balanced, active lifestyle. Moreover, as students step out of their comfort zones, they learn to be more self-managing and socially-intelligent.
Panther Activities
Community Activities at ISB serve nearly 1,000 participants annually, providing active, creative, diverse, and collaborative opportunities for all students. Run by teachers, parents, and professional organizations, our programs foster community by bringing people together. The Panther Den, home to all Panther Activities, is centrally located next to the Booster Hut and main cafeteria. This convenient location makes it easy for students and parents to stop by and speak with activity coordinators, pay fees, or ask questions. Below is a list of just a few Panther Activities on offer at ISB, each year:
Measuring Academic Progress
Our ISB community and potential parents are understandably interested about the quality of our students’ learning, especially against challenging international standards. Over many years, the school leadership and the Board of Trustees have put into place a number of key performance indicators to ensure that we continue to provide outstanding educational opportunities for all our students.
International School Assessment Results (ISA)
Every three years, 10,000 students in each of 40 nations take the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). We administer the International School Assessment (ISA) each year at 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 10th Grades. Our scores are compared to those of students from approximately 200 schools in 60 countries. Because PISA and ISA are related, we can compare our 10th Grade ISB students with those in the nations that consistently perform best on the PISA.
Measures of Academic Progress Results (MAP)
Each September and May, ISB students in grades 3 through 10 take the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test. Taken by more than six million students each year, this test measures student growth and achievement in Reading and Mathematics. The MAP is an online adaptive, assessment that adjusts to most accurately measure a students level of learning. This means that we can gauge a student’s achievement more accurately, more frequently, and more quickly. Most important of all, we can measure actual progress by comparing students’ scores from one year to the next. ISB consistently ranks above the 90th percentile in math compared to other schools, and above the 80th percentile in reading, an accomplishment when one considers that only a third of our students are native English speakers.
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Campus Facilities
ISB is situated within an impressive 37 acres of beautiful landscape. The physical learning environment plays a key role in education especially considering our favorable climate. Our thoughtfully designed learning spaces support our programs and allow learning to be extended in ways that a more traditional school environment cannot provide.
The campus is often described as a nature campus, with an abundance of trees, immaculately maintained gardens, and purposefully built learning-play spaces such as the Panther Park, Sky Park and Parkour Park.
State-of-the-art athletics facilities, performance art theaters, design and robotics labs, visual art labs, libraries, and much more, are the backdrop to every program at ISB.
EWC Environmental Wilderness Campus
The development of environmentally sustainable systems ensures that we are a lighthouse project for educating not only our community, but also the communities that we impact in this area.
Elliott Bower, Outdoor Education Director
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Community and Location
A key benefit for parents is undoubtedly our location in Nichada Thani. With a ready made, safe, friendly and welcoming community, clean air and spacious feel living in Nichada is a fantastic option.
Nichada Thani offers a wide range of accommodation - from fully equipped condos to executive townhouses and luxury family homes, with rental prices to suit all budgets, families and requirements.
For families choosing to live downtown, we have dedicated daily bus service for students and parents.
A Few Happy Panthers
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My kids have gone to ISB for 6 yrs, spanning ES, MS, and HS. Overall, I think it is a great school. Academically, my kids have thrived with an excellent balance between being challenged and supported. The ES Learning Support program is excellent. The school and parents work hard to make it a community, not just a school. In the afternoons and weekends, there are always kids on campus, playing and having fun.
ISB Parent
The LCE class has been WONDERFUL for my son, who has autism. It has allowed the teachers to be very flexible and cater his school days for his specific needs and IEP goals. It’s especially nice that it incorporates learning into all aspects of my son’s time at school, because he does not learn well with traditional methods of schooling. He is excited to go to school every day and LOVES his teachers.
ISB Parent, Elementary School
We have been very impressed with ISB’s inclusive community, its facilities, its rich educational program which offers so many choices for our children, the amount of staff that all care about our family and their level of involvement, the safe and secure environment of Nichada Thani and with the Dutch language and Top and Best International school in Thailand.
ISB Parent, Middle School
I have been at ISB for 13 years. I am overly grateful for what ISB has done for me. ISB wants to help their students the best way that they can. Whether it is adding an extra course, or providing us with extra tools and materials, ISB really cares for the students and also I am very grateful for certain people leading me – administration, and teachers allowing me to realize what I really want to do in the future.
High School Senior
“ ISB is a school full of opportunities and faculty who will support you if you seek it. The value of your education is what you make of it. ISB Alumni, ‘21
SCAN THE QR code to access our online application portal
Applying in Three Easy Steps
A completed application is required in order for us to consider a student’s admission. In order to be offered admission, your child’s application is reviewed by a committee of members who take a holistic view of the information in the online application. We highly recommend reading through the Key Application Dates and Admissions Requirements panels below before starting the application form.
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
Visit our Admissions Portal to start the application form. This form should take you between 15-20 minutes to complete. If you’ve already submitted an inquiry form and have a profile in OpenApply, please log in and go to the checklist and click on ‘Application Form for Admission’.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
The application fee may be paid directly online by credit card or wire transfer via the application portal. If your employer/organization is paying this fee, please let us know. Applicants will not be considered for admissions or scheduled for an admissibility assessment until the application fee is paid. Fees are payable in Thai Baht, net of any bank charges (transfer fees, credit card charges etc.) Payments can be made by online or in person:
• Cash
• Check, made payable to “International School Bangkok”
• Credit Card (Visa, Master, Amex)
• Wire transfer to Account name: International School Bangkok
• Bank Name: (TTB) TMB Thanachart Bank PCL., Pakkret Branch
• Savings account number #029-7-09577-0
• Bank address: 3000 Phaholyothin Road, Jatujak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
• SWIFT code: TMBKTHBK
Important: An email of the wire transfer/deposit slip referring to the children’s name is required.
Step 3: Upload and Complete the Requested Files and Steps
Once you complete the application form, please visit the Checklist accessible through your child’s dashboard. We will need the following for a complete application. We may request further documents and steps based on your child’s profile.
• School Reports (current and previous 2 years)
• Teacher Evaluations
• Standardized Test Results (if available)
• Passport Copies
• Admissibility Assessments
• Students applying for consideration to Kindergarten-Grade 12, who may not be grade-level proficient in English, will be required to take an online or in-person English proficiency assessment. We may also request that your child completes other assessments in the form of standardized testing, math, and/or learning support, based on your child’s learner profile.
ISB follows a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited admissions process, designed to ensure that a range of learner profiles are admitted to the school, upholding our aim toward diversity, inclusion, and in the offering of student support services.
Key Admissions Dates
For Expatriate or Dual National applicants
Applicant families who have at least one parent holding only a foreign passport may be considered an Expat or a Dual National. The applicant must also hold a Non-Thai passport. These candidates are on a rolling admissions cycle and should follow the timeline below.
For Educational Visa applicants
Application portal opens
Acceptance letters begin to be sent
Confirmation of acceptance due Semester 1 (Aug-Dec) Semester 2 (Jan-Jun)
September 15th
On a rolling basis
Within one week of acceptance
Candidates moving to Thailand for educational purposes that will need an ED Visa are considered Educational Visa applicants and should follow the fixed admissions timeline below. Semester 1 (Aug-Dec) Semester 2 (Jan-Jun)
Application portal opens
Application deadline
Complete application due*
Acceptance letter sent
Confirmation and full semester fees due
For Thai applicants
Applicants who hold a Thai passport only should follow the fixed admissions timeline below.
