Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University was established by H.M.King Chulalongkorn, King Rama V in year 1887 to be the education institute of the monks and lay students to study the Tipitaka and other advanced subjects.
Ever since that, the community of the monks has continued the intention of H.M. King Rama V
– In year 1947, the institute has been upgraded as a university.
– In year 1969, the Supreme Sangha Council advocated Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University as the Univeristy of the Sangha of Thailand.
– In year 1984, the Parliament issued a bill of certification of educational level to certify the status and rights of graduates of the university.
– In year 1997, the Parliament issued a bill to advocate Mahachulalongkorn University to become a university of the state (public university) causing the university to grow and improve rapidly. The space of the university buildings at Wat Maha That Temple premises became inadequate to accommodate the growing number of students. Therefore the university had to move to a new location in Tambol Lamsai, Ampheu Wangnoi, Ayutthaya, to a land donated by Dr. Rasmi and Madam Sompong Wannissorn.
– On 13th December, 1999, H. M. the King Vajiralongkorn, King Rama X, while holding the position of the Crown Prince of Thailand, laid the foundation stone for building the new university building.
In the present the main university consists of 5 faculties and 2 colleges. In regional level there are 11 campuses, 23 colleges, 1 extended classroom, and 7 educational centers. Moreover there are 6 affiliated institutes in international level.
There are 105 programs conducted in Thai and Enlgish languages. This consists of 54 under graduate level programs, 36 masters programs, 15 doctoral programs.
In the present there are altogether 18,420 students consisting 14, 846 under graduate students, 2, 182 masters level students, 1392 doctoral level students. Each year there are more than 1200 international students enrolling to study in the university. Since 1947 up until now 64,355 students graduated from the university.
There are 3680 staff members working in the university of which 1218 people are academic staff and 2462 people are working staff.
Research and development
Since year 1987 until the present day, the university has conducted 1948 projects by spending the budget of 193502800 Baht
These projects were in accordance with National Strategy of 20 Years to develop and improve the capability of the human resource, creating opportunities and equality of the society, improvement of quality of life that is friendly to the environment, creating learning, innovation, stability, that will lead to sustainable development.
Rendering academic service to the society
The University has applied the knowledge obtained from studies and research in rendering academic service to the society.
The university has carried out international Tipitaka project, transliteration and translation of the Tipitaka and commentaries, organizing the international vesak day celebrations, monks teaching moral in the school project which provided 18000monks to teach at 15000 schools all around the country, Dhamma Travel for eradicate poverty in highlands, ordination of novice monks in the summer program, solving drug problems, holding Sunday Dhamma School, Teaching Moral to the Youth, Training of Dhammadhuta (missionary) monks, holding meditation programs for the public, facilitating a TV channel for education and dissemination of Buddhist Teachings. Moreover the university has provided necessary donation programs for the people affected by various disasters.
-In monastic level the university has participated in conducting various projects such as Temple People and the State Project, Village Observing Five Precepts Project, Reforming the Buddhist Activity Program, and Serving the disadvantaged and elderly people.
The direction for the future of the university
In becoming a leading Buddhist university in the world the university has created a development plan in accordance with National Strategy of 20 Years and the policy of the ministry of higher education, science, research and innovation.
The application of information technology is for the learning and teaching process and for the administration in order to become a digital university. Development of education program is emphasizing capability. Creating diversity by having both degree and non-degree programs, creating credit bank. Development of the university to be an education center based on Buddhism that advocates communal and social innovations through Buddhism designing the university to be a Green University.
– Constructing International Buddhist Studies College on a land of 84 rai to create graduates in international level by emphasizing on ASEAN countries.
All these factors are the important directions of the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University with focus of continuing, protecting, and developing to be a leading education institute of the world in the future.
In this special occasion, Phra Soponvachirabhorn, (Sawai Chotiko), Vice Rector for Foreign Affairs, is the chairman for reception section with administers, lecturers and staff of MCU to form committee members from Foreign Affairs as International Relations Division, Dhammaduta College, Student Affairs Division, Office of Registration and Evaluation, Information Technology Division, Central Library Division, Office of Internal Auditing, and MCU Alumni Association to organize reception guests and others concerning.
The event is to organize such as Knowledge Management (KM) and Foreign Students Exhibition, merit-making ceremony as a Royal Tribute to H.M King Chulalongkorn, the university’s founder and tributes to former lecturers, and giving awards. It is led by Phra Dhammapanyabodi, President of the University Council and Prof. Dr. Phra Rajapariyatkavi, MCU Rector.
Since MCU establishment to now as having 6th Rectors are following:
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Somdet Phra Buddhaghasajarn (Fuen Chutintharo) Wat Sam Phraya (2490-2491/1947-1947)
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Somdet Phra Thirayanamuni (Thirpunnak Mahathen) Wat Chakrawatrachawat (2491-2496/1948-1953)
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Phra Dhammaworayok (Somboon Chanotko), Wat Udom Thanni Temple, Nakhon Nayok Province, (2496-2529/1953-1986)
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Phra Rattanamoli Dr. (Nakhon Khemapali), Wat Mahathat, Bangkok, (2529-2540/1986-1997)
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Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, (Prayoon Dhammacitto), Wat Prayurawongsawas, Bangkok (2540-2561/1997-2018)
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Prof. Dr. Phra Rajapariyatkavi, (Somjin Sammapanyo), Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, Bangkok, (2561/2018 to present)
News: International Relations Division
English News: Phra Siriwanna Siriwanno