NU CEPT 2026 Promotes University Internationalisation and Cross-Border Learning

Naresuan University Strengthens Global University Partnerships Through Cultural Exchange Initiative

Naresuan University( NU), a major public university in northern Thailand, is well known for its academic excellence and creative students engaging in learning approaches, considered among the best universities in the country. The university’s focus on research, academics, and international cooperation makes it stand out; it also offers numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like science, engineering, health, humanities and social sciences.

It has become very popular due to its focus on research, academic excellence, and international cooperation. In Phitsanulok, NU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields such as science, engineering, health, humanities, and social sciences. The university is fostering global engagement by continuously establishing cultural collaborations, student exchange programs and cross-border learning and university internationalisation support initiatives.

In line with this, the university announced that the NU Cultural Exchange Program Thailand (NU CEPT), the university's 2026 student exchange program, is currently accepting applications. International undergraduate students have the opportunity to be part of a 14-day cultural experience from February 15–28, 2026, through experiential learning and interaction with the locals, which will help them develop their foreign language and cultural skills and knowledge.

The university has confirmed that there will be 20 participants in the program, and both partner and non-partner students can partake in it. Students from global university partnerships will pay USD 450, while other students will pay USD 900. The deadline for applications for the exchange program is November 17, 2025. According to NU, the program fee covers accommodation in university dormitories, shuttle service between Bangkok and Phitsanulok, meals, cultural activities, study materials, a certificate of attendance, and the like. The participants will be assigned Thai student peers in order to make cross-cultural friends and to facilitate the internationalisation of the university.

The list of activities for the program includes Thai language and culture courses, Thai music and dance, Thai food, boxing, and Thai applied therapy. Besides that, the students will be participating in craft courses and taking day trips to such ancient cities as Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Noen Maprang. The program's goal of fostering global learning is hence achieved by immediate contact experiences as well as Thailand's cultural exchange program.

The application needs to be submitted with a duly filled NU CEPT application form, a copy of the passport, and a letter of enrollment in the university. The form has to be signed by the home university's faculty or the international office. The last date for the submission of the application by email to nusae@nu.ac.th is November 17, 2025 (Thailand local time). The participants will be announced by the university on November 24, 2025, and the payment schedule will be from November 24 to November 30. An acceptance confirmation is to be done by December 12, 2025. International scholarship programs, as pointed out by Naresuan University, give students the chance to learn about Thai culture and make friends with people from various countries. The program is a clear indication of the university's commitment to internationalisation, exchange of students, and the establishment of meaningful partnerships with other universities worldwide.

The scholarship recipients are advised to either consult the NU International Affairs Institute or contact the program team directly for more information.

Editor’s Note:

Through the 2026 Cultural Exchange Program announcement, Naresuan University has made an excellent and timely decision to invest in the student exchange and global university partners. In a global context where international understanding is crucial, the NU CEPT initiatives not only allow the students to go for a trip around but also to have an experience with the new languages and cultures, and besides, to grow personally, and to be enriched academically. The programme's architecture is admirable. It keeps cultural activities and practical learning to take place side by side, with strong support given by Thai student buddies and guided excursions. This experience is not only a short-term visit but also one that promotes university internationalisation and creates lasting ties beyond borders. What is the most impressive thing about NU is the commitment to accessibility. In the case of students from partner institutions, they will have their fees reduced, and Clean will receive a proper application process for the exchange programme. Thus, the university admits that money is not the only barrier for those who wish to participate. Moreover, the traditional arts, local history, and wellness aspects included in the programme not only point to the setting of Thai culture but also the practice of being felt in its full richness.

Skoobuzz underscores that this is a landmark cultural exchange programme in Thailand for other institutions to learn from. It shows how the universities can not only promote global learning through international scholarship opportunities but also enhance their role as a cultural bridge.

FAQs

1. What is the NU Cultural Exchange Program 2026?

The NU Cultural Exchange Program in Thailand (NU CEPT) is a 14-day student exchange program hosted by Naresuan University. It invites international undergraduate students to explore Thai culture through hands-on activities, cultural visits, and peer engagement from 15–28 February 2026.

2. How can international students apply for exchange programs in Thailand?

Students must complete the NU CEPT application form, obtain approval from their university’s international office or faculty, and submit it along with a passport copy and proof of enrollment. Applications must be emailed to nusae@nu.ac.th by 17 November 2025.

3. What are the benefits of joining a global student exchange program like NU CEPT?

Participants gain immersive language and cultural learning, build international friendships, receive a certificate of attendance, and experience Thai traditions through cooking, dance, boxing, and excursions. The programme also supports university internationalisation and global awareness.

4. Which universities partner with NU for the cultural exchange program?

Students from global university partnerships with Naresuan University benefit from a reduced programme fee of USD 450. Non-partner university students may also apply, with a fee of USD 900.

5. What does the NU CEPT programme fee include?

The fee covers accommodation in NU dormitories, airport transfers (Bangkok–Phitsanulok), meals, cultural visits, local transport, learning materials, Wi-Fi, a welcome lunch, farewell dinner, and a souvenir. Thai student buddies will also support participants throughout the programme.

6. What activities are included in the NU Cultural Exchange Program?

Key activities include:

• Thai language and culture classes

• Thai music, dance, and cooking

• Thai boxing and traditional therapy

• Craft workshops (key holders, decorations, bag patterns)

• Excursions to Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Noen Maprang

• Peer activities with NU students

7. What costs are not covered by the NU CEPT programme?

Participants must cover their international flight to Bangkok, overseas travel insurance, medical expenses, and personal spending.

8. What are the important dates for the NU CEPT 2026 application process?

• Application Deadline: 17 November 2025

• Selection Announcement: 24 November 2025

• Payment Period: 24–30 November 2025

• Confirmation of Acceptance: 12 December 2025

9. How do cultural exchange programs promote global learning?

Cultural exchange programmes like NU CEPT help students understand different traditions, improve communication skills, and develop a global mindset. They also strengthen university internationalisation and foster long-term academic and cultural partnerships.

10. Where is Naresuan University located and what does it offer?

Naresuan University is a top public university in northern Thailand, based in Phitsanulok. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in science, engineering, health, humanities, and social sciences, and is known for its commitment to research, academic excellence, and global cooperation.