BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat announced new measures to improve fairness in the TCAS university admissions system. These include freezing application fees, expanding free exam privileges, and reducing portfolio-round costs for disadvantaged students. The policies were finalized following discussions with the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT).
Under the plan, TCAS application fees will remain unchanged for another year. Students will continue to receive free registration for TGAT and TPAT1-5 exams. Applicants are also entitled to free A-Level registration for up to seven subjects, valued at 100 baht per subject, and may apply for seven free choices in the Admission round.
Students supported by the Equitable Education Fund will receive a 25 percent reduction in Portfolio-round application fees to help ease financial pressure on families.
Authorities introduced “TCASFolio,” a standardized portfolio submission system intended to better reflect student potential and reduce inequality. The model aims to lower unnecessary portfolio costs and discourage commercial portfolio services. A separate “TCAS Verified” system will enable institutions to certify student activities directly.
Universities are requested to limit Portfolio admissions to 30 percent to preserve opportunities for all applicants. They are also encouraged to review selection criteria that impose excessive burdens, such as costly activities or mandatory published research.
Officials stated that risk management will be enhanced throughout all stages, including exam preparation, scoring, and public communication, to ensure transparency and build confidence.
TCAS 70 will open on July 15. TGAT and TPAT examinations will be held in January 2027 to minimize flood-related disruptions and enable nationwide simultaneous testing. (NNT)
