UNIVERSITY REVERTS TO OLD TERMS

>> The academic year for students under the umbrella of Rajamangala University of Technology is set to revert to the old system, starting next term, for the benefit of local students.

Prasert Pinpathomrat, chancellor of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, said yesterday that all nine Rajamangala universities of technology will switch their academic term back to the old system. Thai students will reap the benefits, he said.

The institution will adopt the old academic year as it matches the academic term of high schools and vocational schools in Thailand, Mr Prasert said, adding that Thai students are the main target of the institution.

Two years ago, Thailand changed its university semester dates to be in line with other countries in Asean due to the establishment of the Asean Economic Community, prompting universities to make adjustments to their academic terms to allow them to work more effectively with other universities.

According to the old system, the first term is from June to October, while the second runs from November to March. Based on the Western educational system, the first term of the current system runs from August to December and the second from January to May. Universities are closed for summer in June and July.

The current system has affected Thai students, Mr Prasert noted, saying the university’s academic year should be based on term dates in Thailand.

He said Thai students vastly outnumber foreign students in Rajamangala universities. If the university is using the old system, the entrance examination for each university would take place in March and the registration process for new students should start in April.