Starting and growing your own company is no small task. Whether you aim for a scalable startup or a large intrapreneurship, it is a good idea to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree to become fully equipped with the skillset in turning your dream business into a reality.

An MBA programme can significantly help aspiring entrepreneurs acquire practical knowledge and become familiar with various programme structures that will help them with the decision-making processes as they create their own companies in the future.

To assist you in finding the best MBA degree, we’ve rounded up five business schools and universities in Thailand to choose from.

Siam University – International

Siam University is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious private educational institutions in Bangkok, Thailand. They provide an international MBA degree that comes with a variety of benefits. This includes the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in one of the largest cities in Thailand, improve one’s ability to communicate across cultural boundaries, expand professional network by getting to know new people from all over the world, and participate in a variety of campus-based activities during your free time.

The curriculum covers both the theoretical underpinnings of business and management as well as their practical applications to qualify for top management positions.

To complete an MBA degree at Siam University, students must pass a total of eight courses (five compulsory core courses and three selective core courses), which is equivalent to 24 credits. He/she must also finish three elective courses of the major area of study (9 credits), two free elective courses (6 credits), and one independent study or case study (3 credits). Enrolees may choose two elective courses related to their major field of study (6 credits) and a thesis (12 credits), including the eight core and three elective courses.

In addition, students have the option of signing up for three to five MBA classes per semester.

Semesters: Trimester 1 (Aug – Dec), Trimester 2 (Jan – May), Trimester 3 (May – Aug)

Fees: 3500 USD; US$97 tuition fee per semester or US$9000-US$10000; US$97/ full degree + US$97 (application fee)

Completion period: 12 months

Location: Siam University International, Phet Kasem Road, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok

Bangkok University International

The MBA programme at Bangkok University provides students with the managerial skills needed to effectively collaborate with others, as well as a solid foundation in analytical problem-solving.

In order to achieve this, the MBA curriculum at Bangkok University incorporates theoretical yet practically oriented content in digital marketing, creativity and innovation in New Product Management, and digital brand communication in marketing.

The international MBA programmes available come with both thesis and non-thesis options and can be taken by Thai and foreign students. The admission period starts every year from mid-January to mid-June.

Semesters: 2 semesters + summer + 1 semester (42 credits)

Fees: THB217,430- THB231,030 (subject to Scholastic Assessment Test)

Completion period: 1 year and 6 months

Location: Bangkok Univesity International Main Campus, The Graduate School A8-201 (A8 Building, 2nd floor), 9/1 Moo 5 Phaholyothin Road, Klong Nueng, Klong Luang, Pathumthani

Asian Institute of Technology School of Management

The Asian Institute of Technology School of Management in Thailand is home to one of the top-ranked MBA programmes in the kingdom. The program's mission is to educate students to become "creative global leaders."

Its curriculum is designed to prepare students to become effective managers in an international business environment, equipped with conceptual, analytical, and personal skills. It covers courses on Leadership and Organisation Management, Accounting for Decision-Making, Strategy and Corporate Sustainability, Corporate Finance, Change Management, Managerial Economics, Managing Technology & Innovation, Operations Management, and Marketing Management.

The programme is linked to interdisciplinary elements from the fields of engineering, economics, social psychology, and management.

The framework of the programme allows for a flexible mode, which means that you have the option to choose between a minimum of 36 credits (1-year MBA) or up to 48 credits (2-year MBA). Upon admission, you must present your bachelor's degree certificate with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 out of 4. If English is not your native language, you must have the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 5, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 173, and TOEFL 60.

Completion period: 1-2 years

Location: Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, 58 Moo 9, Km. 42, Paholyothin Highway, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani; AIT School of Management, 15th Floor, Column Tower, Sukhumvit 16 (Bangkok Campus)

Stamford International University

Stamford International University is an award-winning university in Thailand for their innovative blended learning. The university’s MBA programme presents an interactive learning environment combined with flexible learning modules using the latest technology. This gives students the ability to learn anywhere and at any time, even outside the classroom.

Upon completion, students are expected to either start their own businesses or advance to doctoral studies. They prepare their students through practical, real-world learning research, innovative programs, inspirational pedagogies, and various industry collaborations.

The international MBA program is offered full-time or part-time (every Saturday only) at their Bangkok campus, while Thai students can choose between part-time classes every Saturday only or every Sunday or weekday evening. They also offer online MBA classes for Thai students only.

Fees: THB260,016- THB 418,000 (Bangkok Campus)

Completion: Up to 1.5 years

Location: Stamford International University, 16, Motorway Road – Km2, Prawet, Bangkok

Sasin School of Management

Sasin School of Management also offers flexible MBA programmes that will surely fit in your schedule.

If you have a tighter schedule, you may opt for Sasin's part-time MBA, which consists of one course per four-week module and weekday evening classes. Full-time students, on the other hand, have the option of taking two classes during each four-week module, which take place during the daytime and in the evening.

Both choices involve engaging in practical and hands-on issues to foster one’s creative curiosity, questioning, and reflection.

Outstanding MBA candidates may be eligible for financial assistance from the business school if they meet the following criteria: they must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5, a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score of at least 600 (or the Graduate Record Examination equivalent), a TOEFL score of at least 600 (internet-based test score of at least 100), professional leadership experience, and they must demonstrate potential skills related to their fields.

The Flexible MBA Program offered by Sasin encompasses a total of 66 credit hours of study. It includes nine credits of the Skills & Values Module, 27 credits of required courses (covering Statistical Methods for Management Decisions; Economics for Decision Makers; Marketing for a Digital Age; Leadership in Organizations; Accounting for Decision Making; Business Strategy; Entrepreneurial Management; Financial Management; Digital Transformation: Disruption, Transformation and New Business Models), at least one 6-credit Action Learning Lab, and at least 24 credits of elective courses

Fees: THB: 1,589,000*

Completion period: 12-48 months

Location: Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University, Sasa Patasala Building Soi Chula 12, Phyathai Road Bangkok