Bangkok: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) have announced the launch of TCASFolio, a new standard portfolio system that will be available for free to students. This initiative is part of the TCAS69 system, which aims to provide equal opportunities for students seeking admission to higher education institutions for the 2026 academic year. The announcement was made during a press conference held at Suan Dusit University, which was attended by key officials including Ms. Suda-wan Wangsuphakikosol, Minister of Higher Education, and Prof. Dr. Wilert Phuriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University.
According to Thai News Agency, the TCASFolio system is designed to alleviate financial burdens on students and parents by offering a free and standardized way to create portfolios, which are a crucial part of the university admissions process in Thailand. The Ministry has also committed to subsidizing exam application fees, covering key areas like TGAT and TPAT application fees. Ms. Sudawan emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in education to ensure it is accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
Prof. Dr. Wilert Phuriwat highlighted the collaborative efforts of 82 higher education institutions in developing a transparent and fair selection process. The TCAS69 system introduces several key points, such as a focus on the quality and accuracy of portfolio content and the introduction of contingency measures like alternative exam dates for emergencies. The exam application process and timeline have been clearly defined, with registration opening on October 28, 2025, and exams scheduled for December 2025 and March 2026.
The TCAS69 system will also implement a dual-language approach for the TGAT/TPAT and A-Level exams, offering both Thai and English versions. This move aims to accommodate a broader range of students and ensure fairness in the examination process. Additionally, examination questions and statistics will be published online to aid students in preparation.
Looking ahead, the TCAS69 system plans to adjust examination fees starting from the 2027 academic year to maintain standards in accuracy and fairness, reflecting increased examination costs. Prof. Dr. Wilert concluded by stating that TCAS69 represents a significant step in raising the standards of Thai education and ensuring equal opportunities for all youth across the nation.