FAQ

Institute

a. Who is the founder of CIDI Chanapatana? How long has CIDI Chanapatana been in operation?

The founder is Luangphor Viriyang who aims to develop Thailand ‘s human resources to be competitive in design and the international landscape, as well as establish Thai brands in the global market. Chanapatana International Design Institute or CIDI (pronounced “Cee-I-Dee-I”) was founded and operated since year 2000 under Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo Foundation.

b. Who is CIDI Chanapatana’s management?

The management team is working on a volunteer basis serving Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo Foundation at no remuneration. The team led by President Dr. Sakorn Suksriwong, who is currently a special lecturer at Chulalongkorn University and a top executive of private and public organizations, consists of high-level executives from private corporations in various fields who wish to share their passion for developing the level of design education in Thailand.

c. Given that the institute is a non – profit organization, can the applicants trust in the professionalism and quality of educational management provided by the institute?

Yes. In fact, CIDI Chanapatana students can benefit from the nature of non-profit organization because tuition fee for Thai students is partly subsidized by Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo Foundation. Despite that fact, the administration of this institute is managed by highly experienced executives from educational and private organizations. Therefore, you can be assured that the quality of education at CIDI Chanapatana is not compromised.

d. Does CIDI Chanapatana have any academic cooperation with other domestic and international universities?

Yes. CIDI Chanapatana has achieved academic cooperation of various types with public universities in Thailand such as the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Phranakhon Rajabhat University, Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, Thonburi Rajabhat University, Chulalongkorn Business Administration, Chulalongkorn University. Several public universities have sent their instructors to study at CIDI Chanapatana. CIDI students also have the advantage of membership to the Cumulus Association and international collaborations with our partners in Italy, UK, Spain, Korea, Mexico, Slovakia, India, Uzbekistan for both the academic semester exchange and also the top-up degree with transferred credits of the program.

e. Does CIDI Chanapatana have any professional cooperation with any other organizations?

Yes. CIDI Chanapatana has established professional cooperation with a number of well-known organizations. For example, the Thai Yamaha Motor Company and the fashion brand, CC Double O in the form of awarding scholarship to study diploma programs at CIDI Chanapatana to the winners of particularly selected contests arranged by them. In another example, CIDI Chanapatana also cooperated with Thailand Textile Institute (THTI) to mutually exchange research and knowledge in the design industry.

Admission & Tuition Fee

a. What is the minimum educational requirement?

The minimum requirement is a high school diploma (M.6 or 12th grade)

b. When is the annual enrolment period?

Given the nature of the curriculum, CIDI Chanapatana only offers admission annually for a September intake

c. Given that CIDI Chanapatana is an international institute, does it require English’s scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC?

No. Even though CIDI Chanapatana currently does not require any standardized English proficiency score, we require an average level of English skills for all applicants. We also strongly encourage applicants to improve their verbal English skills to obtain the highest benefit from the program.

d. Is English skill an obstacle to achieve the certification?

It is not. We have a teaching assistant in the class who is happy to help clarifying the points you do not understand. Students can ask the professors to repeat any content that they might not understand. Furthermore, we also see classmates who are more familiar with English help other classmates who are not.

e. Do the applicants need to have an educational or professional background in design?

No. A background in design is not required. We have experienced a number of graduates without any basic design skills on their first day of classes become successful designers. CIDI Chanapatana’s students learn from the beginning of how to draw, choose material, finish their own collections and projects.

f. If I have already had an educational or professional background in design, what will I get more from CIDI Chanapatana?

Yes. To further academic excellence, CIDI Chanapatana offers a wide range of networks that students can leverage. We have a strong relationship with our alumni. Additionally, with a high diversification of student profiles, students will learn a from a variety of experiences of their colleagues.

g. Is the tuition fee too expensive? Does the institute have any special discounts or Installment payment plan?

Our fee is absolutely not expensive. Compared to the level of education available at CIDI Chanapatana, the rate of tuition is a very good value. As we are a non – profit organization, we offer courses for reasonable prices with the intention to produce more designers for the market. From time to time, we offer an “early bird” discount and issue credit vouchers which can be used for any elective courses over the period of study. Be sure to follow us closely to take advantage of these promotions. Please be reminded, we also offer an Installment plan for students to manage their tuition fees.

Program & Scholarship

a. What is the accreditation for CIDI Chanapatana’s curriculum?

Our 2-year curriculum is accredited by Ministry of Education, Thailand

b. How long does it take to complete the diploma program?

Students take 2 years (5 semesters) to complete the program

c. What is the profile of the CIDI Chanapatana professors?

Our professors have both high academic achievement and professional experience in design as well as experience in design education, teaching design and related subjects. Our professors come from leading countries in design i.e. Spain, Italy, Japan and USA

d. What is the schedule of classes?

Classes are scheduled from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. for both ‘Monday and Tuesday’ classes and ‘Saturday and Sunday’ classes. For short courses, the schedule will be announced separately in advance.

e. How many students are in each class?

To maintain a high educational standard, maximum class size is 40 students.

f. Does CIDI Chanapatana offer scholarships?

Yes. Every year, we offer 2 types of scholarships which are the Viriyapatana Scholarship and the International scholarship. Viriyapatana scholarship is open for everyone who has a passion for design but has financial difficulties. For our graduates, we offer an international scholarship to study abroad to pursue higher degree in design.

Top – up Degree & Exchange Opportunities

a. If I would like to pursue Bachelor or Master degree, how can the institute support me?

CIDI Chanapatana currently has partnerships with top international design schools in Italy, Spain, South Korea and United Kingdom where our students can pursue higher degrees in design. Students can explore further details regarding Top – up Degree & Exchange Opportunities in the top-up degree section

b. Is there an exchange program?

Yes. CIDI Chanapatana has expanded our network with top international design schools for collaboration in exchange programs. Students can explore further details in the Exchange Program section

c. Do I need to pay additional fees for an exchange program?

No. There are no additional tuition fees required. However, students are responsible for their own living expenses during the for the duration of the Exchange Program.

Graduation & Career

a. What certificate will I receive after the graduation? Where can I transfer CIDI Chanapatana’s course credit?

Each CIDI Chanapatana student who passed all academic requirements will be awarded a design certificate co-signed by the Chairman (Phra Thepjetiyajarn) and the President of CIDI Chanapatana. Graduates are eligible to transfer credits to further study in Bachelor and Master program in our partner institutions.

b. What types of careers are available to CIDI Chanapatana graduate?

Generally, CIDI Chanapatana graduates pursue their career in design as designers: freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Successful alumni have made their way into some of Thailand’s leading design houses, some have become design lecturers, and some have started their own brands or businesses.

c. Can I practically apply the academic knowledge to professional practice?

Of course! Our courses do not focus on theory. We teach by doing ... Students will solve “real world design problems in their design studios. Students will learn a design process that to applies the academic knowledge to the real world.

d. How can students exhibit their design projects? Is there an art exhibition to showcase students’ work?

CIDI Chanapatana has a policy to exhibit students’ work in the leading commercial and public spaces i.e. Siam Center, Siam Discovery or CentralWorld. We also encourage students to gain experience by designing and organizing an exhibition. Graduates are required to organize an annual art thesis exhibition including a fashion show to showcase their works to public as well as to design enthusiasts. Every year our hallmark annual thesis exhibition has continually gain recognition from leading media both domestic and international such as CNN, BBC, Asian Wall Street Journal, ch.3, 5, 7, 9, 11, ITV, Thairat, Daily news, Krungthep Thurakij, Bangkok Post, and Post Today