In 2024, Maejo University recorded a significant increase in the number of international students from 306 in 2023 to 615, representing a growth of over 100% within one academic year. This expansion demonstrates the university’s growing international recognition and commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable education under the framework of SDG 4.3 (Equal Access to Affordable and Quality Education) and SDG 10.2 (Empowerment and Inclusion of All People Irrespective of Status).

The data reveal that the majority of international students (434) are enrolled at the undergraduate level, followed by 94 master’s and 87 doctoral students. The female-to-male ratio of approximately 1.6:1 (378 females to 237 males) indicates gender balance trends consistent with global higher education participation patterns.

A large proportion of students (398) are stateless or of undefined nationality, highlighting Maejo University’s unique social mission to provide access to higher education for marginalized or displaced populations in the Mekong subregion. Other nationalities include students from China (68), Laos (10), Myanmar (5), Taiwan (4), Cambodia (1), Thailand (1 international programme), the Philippines (1), and Malaysia (1).

In terms of academic distribution, the Faculty of Business Administration hosts the largest number of international students (150), followed by the Faculty of Agricultural Production (79), Faculty of Science (21), and Faculty of Tourism Development (47). This reflects Maejo University’s regional leadership in agriculture-based and sustainable development disciplines, directly contributing to SDG 17 (Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development) through academic mobility and collaboration.

The upward trend—from 306 students in 2023 to 615 in 2024—demonstrates the success of Maejo University’s internationalization policy, expanded English-taught programmes, and strengthened institutional partnerships with ASEAN and Asian universities. These developments align with the university’s strategic vision of “Maejo University: Smart, Sustainable, and Globally Engaged” and support its aspiration toward THE Impact Rankings 2026 Gold level.