New cooperation agreement aims to guide academically strong Thai students toward future medical study opportunities in Guangzhou
GUANGZHOU, China | 26 October 2026
Prof. Dr. Pongkit Ekvitayavetchanukul and Prof. Chen Jun, Dean of International Education, at the cooperation agreement signing.
A new education partnership between Thailand and China is intended to help academically strong Thai students prepare for future medical study at Southern Medical University (SMU) in Guangzhou. The agreement was signed on 26 October 2026 by Prof. Dr. Pongkit Ekvitayavetchanukul, representing MATH-SCIENCE by Cadet-Tutor, and Prof. Chen Jun, Dean of International Education at SMU.
The signing followed an educational visit focused on the university’s medical curriculum, teaching environment and the experience of Thai students already studying medicine at SMU. The discussions offered the visiting educators a closer view of the academic setting and student life that they can share with Thai students and families considering overseas medical education.
A guided route for prospective students
The cooperation agreement establishes a framework for MATH-SCIENCE to support the preparation of qualified Thai applicants. The goal is to help students build the academic readiness needed to pursue an application and understand the expectations of an international medical education pathway.
Scholarship consideration may be available to applicants who meet the university’s criteria. Any scholarship or admission decision remains subject to SMU’s requirements and individual assessment; the agreement does not guarantee either admission or funding.
The visiting delegation at SMU’s School of International Education in Guangzhou.
An academic visit with a student focus
The delegation included Prof. Dr. Pongkit Ekvitayavetchanukul, Professor of Education at Pebble Hills University and a QAHE-affiliated academic, who also serves as Honorary Advisor to Thailand’s Senate Standing Committee on Education, Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. He was accompanied by Dr. Patraporn Ekvitayavetchanukul, representing the international affairs division of the MATH-SCIENCE Academic Development Institute.
Meeting Thai students at the university was a central part of the visit. Their perspectives can help prospective applicants and parents better understand the transition to studying medicine abroad, alongside the formal information provided by the university.
A university with international visibility
Southern Medical University is listed in the #51–150 band in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, it is placed joint 284th globally. These are results from different ranking systems and categories, and should be read as separate measures of the university’s international profile.
Southern Medical University campus, Guangzhou.
The agreement marks a step toward connecting Thai students with a clearer view of international medical education. For families, the next stage will be to review programme requirements, language and academic expectations, costs, and scholarship conditions directly with the university before making study plans.
RANKING REFERENCES
QS: Southern Medical University profile, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. | THE: World University Rankings 2027, Southern Medical University entry.
