The academic year starts at the end of June and comprises two sixteen-week semesters (June to October and November to February) with a summer session (March to June). Thai higher education uses grade points and letter grading systems in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
More and more programs at SIAM are adopting and applying problem-based learning methods in their classes, which allow students to develop practical solutions to real-life situation, and thus be better prepared for their future career.
Academic Calendar
- First semester (Summer): June – October
- Second semester (Autumn/Fall): November – March
- Third semester (Spring): April - May
Grading and Examination
SU uses a letter grading system similar to the one in the US. Two or more tests including mid-term and final examinations are scheduled each semester.
Letter grades are used to show the academic standing of a student. The letter grades are converted to grade points as follows:
| grade | meaning | grade point |
|---|---|---|
| A | Excellent | 4.00 |
| B+ | Very good | 3.50 |
| B | Good | 3.00 |
| C+ | Fairly good | 2.50 |
| C | Fair | 2.00 |
| D+ | Poor | 1.50 |
| D | Very poor | 1.00 |
| F | Failure | 0.00 |
| I | Incomplete | |
| W | Withdrawn | |
| AU | Audit |
Two or more tests, including mid-term and final examinations, are given each semester. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.00 for a bachelor’s degree completion and 3.00 for a master’s and doctoral degree.
Students can check their grades online by logging on the Registrar Department web site: http://reg.siam.edu/registrar/home.asp?lang=2.
Class Enrollment and Attendance
Undergraduate students are required to enroll in at least 12 credits/hour but no more than 21 credits/hour per semester. Graduate students are required to take between 9 to 15 credits hour. The process of registration must be completed before the class starts.
Candidates for the bachelor's degree must complete the minimum of 120-150 credits. Undergraduate candidates must maintain their grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 or better on a sale of four points in order to achieve their degree. Candidates for master's degree must complete a minimum of 36 credits with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 on the scale of four points. The doctoral degree program requires candidates with a bachelor's degree to complete a minimum of 72 credits hour while master's degree holders must complete the program with a minimum of 48 credits.
In Thailand, 80% class attendance is required in order to be eligible to sit for final exams.
Transfer of Credits
SIAM recognizes credits earned in other accredited institutions and accept transfer of credits for courses that are least 75% similar to SIAM curriculum and for which a grade of C or higher was earned.
Students must provide a detailed course description from their former university for each course they wish to transfer credits for.
