Universities in Cambodia

Universities in Cambodia

Cambodia, which is officially called the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country situated in the Indochina Peninsula of Southeast Asia. With Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and the Gulf of Thailand as its boarders, Cambodia is on the southern part of the peninsula and is home to over 15 million people. It is one of the world's most populous countries.

Cambodia has a high economy compared to the rest of Asia, and is growing at a fast rate as textiles, construction and tourism continue to draw the eyes of international traders.

Practical Information

 

Climate 

Cambodia is a distinctly tropical climate with monsoons that are common in the wet season. Temperatures rarely dip below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season lasts from May to October and the dry season covers the remainder of the year.

 

People and Culture

The people of Cambodia are largely peaceful people and followers of Buddhism, and beautiful temples are a common sight in the country. The agricultural nature of the society means its people work hard. Traditional dress and artwork common to southeast Asia is seen regularly throughout the country. People consume large amounts of rice and fish in Cambodia, and French influences also play a part on the food in the country.

 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Cambodia is relatively low, especially when compared to the Western world. It is also considered one of the cheapest places to live in most of Southeast Asia. Students can enjoy a high quality of life on a very tight budget.

 

Useful Tips

When traveling in Cambodia, finding ATM machines is almost impossible, and stores or restaurants rarely accept credit cards. Students will need to learn to travel safely with cash for purchases.

 

Students will need to attain a student or business visa in order to stay in Cambodia, because a tourist visa is only valid for 30 days. However, a passport is sufficient to get a student into the country, and the necessary visa paperwork can be completed after arrival.

 

Because it is a tropical country, malaria from mosquitoes is a real risk. Students should have sufficient medical coverage that extends to international travel, and should take precautions against mosquito bites. Also, using anti-malarial medications can help prevent problems.

Higher education in Cambodia takes place at one of the country's universities, which are typically located in its larger cities. While the university system is still growing and may not have as rich or deep of an educational experience as other more established countries, Cambodian universities do provide a quality education mixed with the unique opportunity to study in a distinctly Asian culture.

 

Why Study in Cambodia?

Studying in Cambodia gives a student the chance to study in a somewhat stable Asian country that is still largely agricultural in nature. This provides numerous opportunities to study the people and culture of a different part of the world, all while gaining an excellent education. In addition, Cambodian universities place a strong emphasis on English studies, so they are an excellent choice for those looking to study in English or to learn English as part of their university education.

 

The Cambodian Academic Year

Cambodian universities tend to operate under three, sometimes four, terms. The first term runs from around October through February, followed by a second term from March until June. A third term from July  to October rounds out the academic calendar. However, each university has its own scheduling, and some universities have different schedules for their English programs than their other programs.

 

Tuition in Cambodia

The cost of tuition in Cambodia is relatively low compared to other countries. Students can attain a bachelor's degree for around $2,500 USD. Master's programming is available for just a little bit more. Doctoral credits are the most expensive, requiring around $9,000. There are fees in addition to these tuition costs as well, including fees for transcripts, admission, English placement, student ID cards and registration. Student should plan to spend around four years completing an undergraduate degree and two to three years completing graduate work.

 

Potential for International Students

As Cambodia works to grow its educational offerings, the government is looking to attract foreign students. Enrollment opportunities for foreign students are excellent. After graduation, students who have studied in Cambodia are uniquely prepared to deal with the needs of companies and people throughout southeast Asia, because of the rich cultural experience provided through Cambodian university education.