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: 28-12-2025
About the Program of Study
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: The Full-Time and Flexible programs differ primarily in class schedules and study plans. Full-Time students attend classes predominantly on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, please note that some Full-Time courses may occasionally be conducted during weekday evenings or weekends. Flexible program students, on the other hand, have classes mostly on weekends or weekday evenings, making it a suitable option for those who wish to continue working while studying.
Plan A (Thesis track) and Plan B (Special Project track) are based on the applicant’s qualifications and graduation requirements:
- Plan A (Thesis track): This track is mandatory for applicants with less than 1 year of work experience, including fresh graduates with no work experience.
- Plan B (Special Project track): This track is recommended for applicants with more than 1 year of work experience.
To decide between the Full-Time and Flexible programs:
- If you wish to dedicate yourself fully to your studies and attend classes during weekdays, the Full-Time program is the right choice.
- If you prefer to continue working while pursuing your degree, the Flexible program is ideal as it allows you to attend classes on weekends or weekday evenings.
It is important to note that students in the Full-Time program may choose either Plan A (doing a thesis) or Plan B (doing a special project), depending on their work experience. However, students in the Flexible program, who typically have more than one year of 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: When the MSF program accepting new students each year?
A: The application period for the MSF program typically spans from December 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: When does the MSF program accept new students each year? Can I apply to start the program in the second semester?
A: The MSF program accepts a new cohort of students once per year only. The application period typically runs from November to early May, although exact dates may vary each year. After the application process is completed, admitted students are required to participate in pre-term courses, which are held during June and July. The academic year officially begins in August, when the first semester starts for both Full-Time (FT) and Flexible (FX) students.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to begin the program in the second semester, as the curriculum is structured to start in the first semester. Interested applicants are encouraged to plan their schedules accordingly to align with this timeline.
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: When will the next open house be held?
A: The most recent open house was in October. Details about future events will be announced later.
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.
About Qualification
Q: What are the minimum requirements for English proficiency tests?
A: Minimum test scores are:
- TOEFL (IBT: 68 / PBT: 520 / ITP: 520)
- IELTS (Academic): 5.5
- CU-TEP: 70
Q: If I fall short of the criteria by just one point (e.g., CU-TEP=69), can I still apply for the program?
A: It is not advisable to apply if your test score does not meet the minimum requirements. The MSF program is conducted entirely in English, so having a strong command of the language is critical for academic success. Meeting the minimum criteria demonstrates that you possess the necessary level of English proficiency to handle the program’s demands effectively. Additionally, applications that do not meet the minimum English requirements are likely to be disqualified during the document review stage, and the applicant may not be invited to the interview exam. To strengthen your application, we recommend retaking the test to achieve the required score before applying.
Q: Are there specific subject requirements or additional tests for admission?
A: There are no specific subject requirements, but a background in mathematics, statistics, or calculus is beneficial. The English proficiency and interview exam are the only required tests.
Q: Can I waive the English proficiency score (CU-TEP/TOEFL/IELTS)? I graduated from an international program in Thailand or I earned my bachelor’s degree from a UK/US university?
A: The MSF program requires all applicants to submit an English proficiency test score, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or CU-TEP. However, the requirement may be waived if the applicant has completed a degree from an English-speaking institution that is accredited by Thailand’s Board of Civil Service Commission (OCSC). This applies to degrees obtained from countries such as the UK, the US, or other English-speaking nations, provided that the institution meets the accreditation criteria. To verify whether your institution is eligible for this waiver, please refer to the OCSC’s accreditation list: Accredited Institutions by OCSC.
Q: I recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree and have no work experience. Am I eligible to apply for the MSF program?
A: Yes, recent graduates without work experience are eligible to apply. Applicants with less than one year of work experience are required to choose the thesis track (Plan A). A strong academic background and motivation are essential for consideration.
Q: Am I eligible to apply if I recently graduated with no work experience?
A: Yes, recent graduates without work experience can apply. Applicants with less than 1 year of work experience are required to choose Plan A (Thesis track).
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.
About Tuition Fees and Scholarship
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.
About Application Process
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: I registered for the program but didn’t receive the activation email. What should I do?
A: Check your spam/junk folder and verify your email address. If you previously registered for the MSF program, you do not need to register again.
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.
Miscellaneous
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. Do you offer Thai program?
A. No. Currently MSF Chula offers the English program only.
Answers to some frequently asked questions may be found in the record of Open House 2021 event below
Q&A Session