English tests and school qualifications
Inter-Portfolio 2 and TCAS 3 accept one English test at the minimum score. Inter-Portfolio 1 and the non-Thai rounds need an SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing result instead.
Responsible office BIR office, Faculty of Political Science
Last checked 17 October 2026
Updated 17 October 2026
Quick answers
- What are the minimum English scores?
- TOEFL 500 paper or 61 iBT, IELTS 6.0 overall, TU-GET 500 paper or 74 computer, or SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing at least 50 percent. Details
- How old can my test result be?
- No more than 2 years old on the day you apply. Details
- Can I apply with a GED?
- Yes. You need at least 165 in each subject. The documents depend on the round. Details
On this page
Inter-Portfolio 2 and TCAS 3 need one English test result at or above the minimum score. Inter-Portfolio 1 and the two non-Thai rounds need an official SAT result on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, with no minimum score. Every result must be no more than 2 years old on the day you apply.
The BIR website is the official source
The BIR office publishes the official requirements at birpolsci.com (opens in a new tab). Scores and rules can change, so check that page before you apply.
Minimum English scores
You need one of these results. You do not need more than one.
| Test | Minimum score | Required for | Counts as your English test for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL | 500 on the paper test, or 61 on the iBT | None | |
| IELTS | 6.0 overall | None | |
| TU-GET | 500 on the paper test, or 74 on the computer test | None | |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | At least 50 percent |
You must hold a valid result that meets the minimum on the day you apply. You cannot send your score later. The result must be no more than 2 years old on that day.
Which rounds need which test
| Round | English evidence you need |
|---|---|
| Inter-Portfolio 1 | Official SAT result on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, with no minimum score |
| Inter-Portfolio 2 | One test from the table above |
| TCAS 3 | One test from the table above |
| Non-Thai round 1 and round 2 | Official SAT result on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, with no minimum score |
For Inter-Portfolio 1 and the non-Thai rounds, the BIR committee calls the applicants with the highest SAT scores to interview.
School qualifications
How you apply depends on how your school records are graded.
Thai school records
If your school gives a GPAX on a 4.0 scale, use your transcript and your ปพ.1. The minimum grades differ by round.
| Round | School record you need |
|---|---|
| Inter-Portfolio 1 | In Mathayom 6 with at least 4 semesters of results, or graduated. No minimum GPAX. |
| Inter-Portfolio 2 | In Mathayom 6 with a cumulative GPAX over 5 semesters of at least 3.75 |
| TCAS 3 | A complete GPAX of at least 2.80 over 6 semesters, or an equivalent |
| Non-Thai round 1 and round 2 | In Grade 12 with at least 4 semesters of results, or graduated. No minimum GPAX. |
GED diploma
The minimum is 165 in each subject. A total above 660 does not help if any one subject is below 165. You must have finished all subject tests and hold the official GED Official Transcript and High School Equivalency Credential Certificate. The BIR office does not accept scores that are still pending when the round closes.
| Round | What to send |
|---|---|
| Inter-Portfolio 1 and non-Thai | The HSCES High School Equivalence Certificate and GPAX Equivalence Certificate |
| TCAS 3 | Your GED diploma and your GED score report. The BIR programme does not accept the HSCES certificate. |
International school and overseas records
If your school records are not on a 4.0 scale, for example an international school in Thailand or abroad, GCE O Level, GCSE, IGCSE or the International Baccalaureate, apply with two certificates from the High School Certificate Equivalency system (HSCES).
- the High School Equivalence Certificate
- the GPAX Equivalence Certificate
HSCES is run by the Academic Testing Center at Chulalongkorn University. Use the HSCES website (opens in a new tab) and search for BIR. The programme is listed as 10050103903201E, the Bachelor of Political Science in Politics and International Relations (International Program), Faculty of Political Science. HSCES completes the process about 7 working days after it confirms your payment, so start early.
The High School Certificate Equivalency guide (PDF, English) (opens in a new tab) shows how GED and foreign diploma applicants apply.
TCAS 3 qualifications from other systems
For TCAS 3, these also qualify.
- GCE O Level, GCSE or IGCSE with at least grade C in five different subjects, plus AS at least grade A to E in five subjects, or GCE A Level at least grade A to E in three subjects
- International Baccalaureate with at least 4 in five different subjects
Exchange students
If you took a high school exchange year abroad, you must have a pass in all subjects. Thai students submit the ปพ.1 from their Thai school. Read Common questions.
Ask the BIR office
Email bir@tu.ac.th or call 02-221-6111 ext. 3409.
Related guides
- Compare the admission roundsBIR has five admission rounds for 2027 entry. Thai applicants choose Inter-Portfolio 1, Inter-Portfolio 2 or TCAS 3, and applicants who are not Thai use one of two non-Thai rounds.
- Documents you needEach round asks for certified copies of your ID, transcript, student certificate and test score, plus an ID photo. Sign and date every page you certify.
- Common questionsAnswers to eight questions applicants ask about grades, exchange years, documents, GED scores, English tests and confirming a place.
- Apply through TCAS 3 and the BIR written examTCAS 3 has 15 seats and is for Thai applicants only. Apply for the BIR written exam from 2 to 17 February 2027, sit it on 21 March 2027, then apply on myTCAS from 7 to 11 May 2027.
Sources
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