Frequently Asked Questions
These are questions that we often receive from the prospectus students and the applicants. You may find the answers to your questions.
Last update: 07-01-2024
Q: What are the differences between 2 batches in the application process?
A: The only difference lies in the timing of the interview exam. Batch 1 interview is for the applicants who are prepared and want to have an interview exam early. Successful candidate from this batch are guaranteed the admission to study in the MSF Program for the upcoming academic year. Unsuccessful applicants will be included in the pool for the selection process together with the applicants in Batch 2. The final and official results will be announced together after the interview of batch 2 is finished (approximately in May of each year). Subsequently, all of the successful applicants will start the academic journey in the MSF program together.
Q: What are the differences between Full-Time vs. Flexible and Plan A vs. Plan B. Aren’t they the same?
A: In short, the Full-time program differs from the Flexible program in terms of class time and study plans. The class hours for full-time students are mostly on weekdays from 9:00-16:00, while the classes for flexible students are mostly held on weekends or weekday evenings.
However, Plan A (Thesis track) and Plan B (Special Project track) are primarily based on the applicant’s qualifications and graduation requirements. Applicants with less than 1 year of work experience are required to choose Plan A (thesis), while those with more than 1 year of experience are recommended to choose Plan B (special project).
Therefore, students in the full-time program consist of both the plan A (doing a thesis) and plan B (doing a special project), while the students in the flexible program with more than one-year work experience are recommended to choose plan B.
For more information about the program’s structure and requirements, please refer to the following link: https://msf.cbs.chula.ac.th/#academic-section
Q: How the MSF program count the work experience? If my work experience is 11 months upon the application date, can I still apply for Plan B?
A. The program considers the work experience up until the interview exam date, rather than the application submission date. In addition, the internship is also eligible to include as part of your work experience as well, provided that you have the certification from the employer.
Q: What if I work as a freelance and do not have any proof of work certificate?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to consider work experience without any proof or certification from your workplace.
Q: If I got an offer to the program this year, but I am not ready to study for some reasons. Can I defer by accepting status for another year?
A: Unfortunately, that is not the case. If an admitted applicant chooses to defer starting the course, they will have to go through the entire application process again in the following year. Nonetheless, the results from the previous year will not have any positive or negative influence on the subsequent year’s application.
Q: When the MSF program accepting new students each year?
A: The application period for the MSF program typically spans from November to early May, although the exact timing may vary each year. Following this, students will engage in pre-term courses held during June and July. Subsequently, the first semester for a new cohort of students, encompassing both full-time (FT) and flexible (FX) students, commences in August every year. This information will assist any interested applicants in planning their schedule in advance.
Q: How many students are being accepted each year?
A: There is no specific number of accepted applicants each year. The program evaluates applicants based on various criteria to ensure alignment between the MSF Program’s offerings and the applicants’ objectives. Examples of criteria may include, but are not limited to, qualifications, communication skills, study objectives, readiness, as well as study and work backgrounds.
Q: What are the estimated costs and expenses of this program?
A: Information about tuition fees is available here. https://msf.cbs.chula.ac.th/apply/tuitions-fee-and-financial-aids/.
Additional financial aid opportunities are available through the Graduate School at Chulalongkorn University. For more details, please visit their website. https://www.grad.chula.ac.th/scholarship.php?type=1
MSF Program and Chulalongkorn University reserve the right the change the information and conditions of the scholarship and financial aids. It is advised to refer to the most up-to-date information provided through official sources.
Q: Are the scholarships and financial aids available for students in the flexible program too?
A: The availability of scholarships depends on the specific conditions set by each scholarship. However, scholarships are predominantly offered to full-time students.
Q: If I get an offer from the Asian/Non-Asian scholarship, do I still need to pay the 30,000 Baht bond?
A: Yes, the scholarship is exclusively offered to the accepted students. To qualify for the scholarship, admitted students must pay a 30,000 Baht bond as confirmation of their seat in our program.
Q: Who should (or should not) be writing the recommendation letter? It is stated that one recommendation should be from academic reference. If I graduated for so long time/I cannot contact my advisor/I graduated from different field/etc…
A: The MSF program strongly advises that at least one reference should be from an individual who can provide insight into the applicant’s academic abilities, such as a lecturer or project advisor from their undergraduate program.
In the rare circumstance that an applicant is unable to obtain a reference from someone within their university at the bachelor’s level, it is acceptable to submit reference letters from professional sources, such as a supervisor, higher-level colleague, or team leader. However, the applicant will need to demonstrate their capability to thrive in our rigorous program.
It is important to note that MSF does not recommend obtaining references from individuals who are unrelated to the applicant either academically or professionally, such as friends, relatives, or junior colleagues. Such references are unlikely to provide useful information, and the interview committee may view them unfavorably.
Q. If my institution does not use the 4.00 GPA system and instead utilizes a different grading system such as the 5.00 GPA or the 100% grading system, how to convert it for the application form.
A. It is recommended to reach out to the admissions office or the MSF program for specific instructions regarding GPA conversion. They will be able to provide guidance on how to accurately convert your grades from your institution’s grading scale to the 4.00 GPA system used in the application form. It is important to ensure that the conversion is done correctly to provide an accurate representation of your academic performance during the application process.
Q. Do you also offer online courses?
A. No, currently we only offer on-site classes that require students to attend classes at our campus.
Q. I encountered an error while submitting the online application. The sending icon keeps spinning on the screen.
A. This issue often occurs when the attached documents, particularly PDF files, are secured or locked. Please ensure that the attached PDF documents are not protected or locked as this can lead to the problem you are experiencing.
Q. What are the differences between the MSF and MFE Programs at Chulalongkorn Business School?
A. The focus of the MSF program is on building a strong fundamental knowledge of finance theories and their applications in the finance industry. It offers a vast array of studies suitable for students aiming at various areas in finance, including securities firms, mutual funds, banking, insurance, and other sectors. On the other hand, the MFE program centers on applying mathematical and quantitative tools, coupled with computer programming skills, to solve problems and create innovations in finance. This program provides rigorous technical training complemented by a strong foundation in finance, paving the way for a successful career in quantitative finance.
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Q. Do you offer Thai program?
A. No. Currently MSF Chula offers the English program only.
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Answers to some frequently asked questions may be found in the record of Open House 2021 event below
Q&A Session