SDG 10 : REDUCED INEQUALITIES
Mahidol University is firmly committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion across all identities, genders, groups, and races by ensuring equal opportunities in education and employment. In accordance with the Mahidol University Regulations on the Dress of Students, B.E. 2021, students are permitted to dress in alignment with their gender identities during classes and graduation ceremonies.
The University also upholds non-discriminatory access to education for foreigners and stateless persons under the Mahidol University Regulations on the Admission of Persons to Study in Undergraduate Programs as a Special Case for Persons Who Are Not of Thai Nationality, B.E. 2560, with nine stateless students currently enrolled. Furthermore, Ratchasuda College serves as a leading center for enhancing the quality of life of persons with physical disabilities in ASEAN, providing both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as rehabilitation services to support their academic and career development. Comprehensive assistance is available for students with disabilities, including adapted teaching methods, examination accommodations, assistive technologies, Braille production, and accessible campus facilities such as wheelchair lifts, dormitories, and dedicated parking areas. In addition, Mahidol University promotes principles of transparency, accountability, and participatory governance, ensuring that key policy decisions involve public engagement and reflect good governance practices at all levels of management.
10.2 First generation students
|
10.2.1 Proportion of first-generation students |
35.4 |
|
4,905 |
|
1,735 |
10.3 International students from developing countries
|
10.3.1 Proportion of international students from developing countries |
2.37 |
|
29,721 |
|
703 |
10.4 Proportion of students with disabilities
|
10.4.1 Proportion of students with disabilities |
0.28 |
|
29,721 |
|
82 |
10.5 Proportion of employees with disabilities
|
10.5.1 Proportion of employees with disabilities |
0.08 |
|
39,242 |
|
33 |
10.6 Measures against discrimination
10.6.1 Non-discriminatory admissions policy
Mahidol University maintains a non-discriminatory admissions policy that clearly outlines and justifies any appropriate positive discrimination measures. This policy is publicly announced in the Mahidol University Announcement on the Equality Policy for Student Admissions (2023).
The University ensures that admissions to higher education, as well as the provision of education, are conducted under the principle of educational equality—based on the aptitude, interests, and abilities of each individual—without discrimination against any person or group. The principle of equality requires that individuals who are similar in essential respects be treated alike, and those who differ in essential respects be treated according to those differences.
Guidelines for Admissions
Mahidol University admits students to its associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs based on the principles of fairness, honesty, transparency, accountability, and equality, in accordance with the University’s good governance standards.
Discrimination Protection Policy
Discrimination can manifest in many forms and contexts. Within the framework of human rights, key considerations include identifying the grounds for discrimination and addressing them appropriately. Discrimination may occur between superiors and subordinates, among colleagues, between lecturers and students, or between senior and junior students.
To prevent and resolve such issues, Mahidol University has established the following Student Admissions Equality and Anti-Discrimination Policy:
As an institution of higher learning, Mahidol University not only provides education to students at all levels—who are the nation’s future leaders—but also fosters an inclusive environment where people from diverse backgrounds can coexist harmoniously. The University ensures equal opportunities for all in employment, education, and participation in university life.
The University actively manages diversity and equality within its community. This approach promotes fairness among staff and students and informs broader initiatives such as international education programs and ASEAN student admissions, taking into account cultural diversity and gender equality.
Mahidol University is committed to supporting the new generation in discovering and developing their talents free from prejudice or bias. The University values freedom, individuality, and creativity, striving to create an equitable educational environment that fosters mutual respect, trust, belonging, and shared goals.
The University promotes good governance by communicating its equality and anti-discrimination principles to administrators, staff, students, and all stakeholders, ensuring that the University’s vision for equality is well understood and upheld.
Mahidol University is dedicated to maintaining a working and learning environment free from discrimination and to developing mechanisms that strengthen equality across the institution.
Reference
10.6.2 Access to university track underrepresented groups applications
Mahidol University actively monitors the applications, admissions, and academic outcomes of underrepresented groups, including low-income students, to ensure equitable access to higher education and promote social mobility.
The data represent the number of scholarship recipients from low-income backgrounds who successfully completed their studies during the academic years 2022–2024. This reflects Mahidol University’s ongoing commitment to supporting students with financial needs through scholarships, academic assistance, and inclusive educational opportunities that empower them to achieve academic and professional success.
Graduation Statistics (Academic Years 2022–2024)
Number of Scholarship Students Who Graduated in the Academic Years 2022 – 2024 |
|||
Academic Year |
2022 (people) |
2023 (people) |
2024 (people) |
Financial Need-Based Scholarships |
162 |
159 |
111 |
External Scholarships (Government) |
9 |
7 |
3 |
External Scholarships (Private Sector) |
57 |
36 |
46 |
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities |
10 |
2 |
46 |
Student Loan Fund (SLF) |
387 |
669 |
837 |
Mahidol University systematically measures and tracks the applications and admissions of underrepresented and potentially underrepresented groups, including students with disabilities.
Graduation and Employment Data of Students with Disabilities, Mahidol University
This information presents the graduation outcomes and employment status of students with disabilities at Mahidol University. It demonstrates the university’s strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed academically and professionally. The initiative also supports graduates with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and active participation in society.
References
10.6.3 Access to university underrepresented groups recruit
Mahidol University actively promotes diversity and inclusion by recruiting students, staff, and faculty from underrepresented groups. A key initiative in this effort is the Social Employment Model for Persons with Disabilities, led by Rajasuda College, which aims to expand inclusive employment practices to the national policy level.
Since the enactment of the Employment Promotion and Development Act (2007), opportunities for persons with disabilities have improved. However, many organizations remain hesitant to employ them due to limited prior experience. To address this, Associate Professor Dr. Adam Neelapaijit, from the Department of Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities at Rajasuda College, has spearheaded efforts to shift social attitudes and promote inclusive employment through research, advocacy, and collaboration. His work was recognized through the Mahidol University Social Policy Driving Project Grant (FY2023) for the project “Mechanism for the Development of a Social Disabled Employment System.”
Mahidol University has long been a model institution in employing persons with disabilities—doing so even before the 2007 legislation. This initiative supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, ensuring employees with disabilities receive equal status, fair compensation, and opportunities for advancement based on merit.
The project, in collaboration with the Institute for the Development of Integrated Health Services, the National Health Foundation, and the Social Employment of Persons with Disabilities program, promotes community-based employment, enabling persons with disabilities to work independently and contribute to society.
A practical employment model and training manual have been developed to guide organizations new to hiring persons with disabilities. This framework aims to strengthen inclusive employment practices nationwide and influence future national disability employment policies.
Dr. Neelapaijit envisions a future where persons with disabilities are no longer viewed as burdens, but as valuable contributors to society—equal in rights, capable in work, and integral to Thailand’s social and economic progress. Through inclusion and shared understanding, Mahidol University seeks to create a society where everyone can thrive together.
Reference
10.6.4 Anti-discrimination policy
Mahidol University upholds a comprehensive anti-discrimination policy, which is implemented through a series of specific policies and regulations that promote equality and protect the rights of all members of the university community. These include:
These policies collectively reinforce Mahidol University’s commitment to fostering a fair, safe, and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
Mahidol University is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all members of its community. This policy aims to ensure fairness and equal opportunities regardless of gender, and to eliminate gender-based inequalities within the University. Mahidol University affirms that every individual—regardless of gender—has the right to equal access to educational, professional, and developmental opportunities.
This policy applies to all faculties, departments, personnel, students, visitors, and stakeholders associated with Mahidol University.
The University will regularly assess the effectiveness of this policy through surveys, feedback, and other evaluation tools, and will report progress to the University community.
Mahidol University is dedicated to promoting equality and maintaining a community free from sexual harassment and abuse. The University expects all members to treat one another with dignity and respect, upholding human rights and refraining from any form of inappropriate behavior.
Mahidol University recognizes the rights and dignity of students whose gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation does not align with their sex assigned at birth. These guidelines aim to protect such students from discrimination, ensure respect for their identity, and uphold their human rights in accordance with international human rights law and national gender equality legislation.
Acts of bullying, humiliation, harassment, or discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation constitute disciplinary offenses.
The Vice President for Student Affairs is authorized to issue additional guidelines to ensure full compliance with this policy.
References
10.6.5 University diversity officer
According to Mahidol University Announcement on Gender Equality Policy B.E. 2567 (2024), Mahidol University is committed to creating an inclusive and fair environment for everyone within the university community. This policy aims to promote fairness and equal opportunities regardless of gender identity and to address any inequalities that may arise within the university. Mahidol University pledges to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal access to educational and professional opportunities. The university is also dedicated to eliminating gender-based discrimination and promoting gender equality in all aspects of university life.
Objectives
Scope
This announcement applies to all faculties, departments, staff, students, and individuals associated with Mahidol University, including visitors and stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Measures to Promote Gender Equality
Furthermore, the Disability Support Services Mahidol University (DSS Mahidol) provides comprehensive assistance to students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to the university’s learning and teaching systems. The service is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community where persons with disabilities and non-disabled individuals can live, learn, and grow together in harmony, reflecting Mahidol University’s commitment to equality, accessibility, and social inclusion.
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10.6.6 Support for underrepresented groups
Disability Support Services Mahidol University (DSS Mahidol)
The Disability Support Services (DSS) at Mahidol University provides support to students with disabilities, enabling them to access the university’s learning and teaching systems equally with other students. The service aims to build an inclusive community where persons with disabilities and non-disabled individuals can live, learn, and grow together in harmony.
Inclusive University
An Inclusive University is one
that promotes equality among all groups, races, and religions, offering everyone the opportunity to build a
shared social future, interact, belong, and take collective responsibility within society.
Career Preparation and Development
Mahidol University organizes study visits and
career preparation programs to help students with disabilities develop professional skills and move toward
becoming entrepreneurs or active members of the workforce.
Disability Support Unit, Ratchasuda College
Service
Development of Individualized Services Plan (ISP)
One Stop Service System
Monitoring and Evaluation of Individualized Service Plans
Collaboration with the Disability Support Services, Mahidol University (DSS MU)
Support for Faculty and Staff with Visual Impairments
Pilot Model Project (Non-Degree) “Flexible Education” Program for Persons with Disabilities
Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University, has launched a pilot project titled “A One-Year Innovative Flexible Education Program for Persons with Disabilities.” The program aims to create educational opportunities and develop learning competencies and vocational skills for persons with disabilities in response to labor market demands and learners’ individual needs. It provides flexible learning pathways that can be adjusted according to each learner’s interests and potential, emphasizing hands-on practice linked to employment. The program also fosters intrinsic motivation for lifelong learning and supports individuals who have left the formal education system to reintegrate into mainstream education.
This project is part of the Capacity Building for Sustainable Well-being of Persons with Disabilities Program, funded by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). The program is directed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Watchara Riuphibul, M.D., with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natthaniya Toraksa serving as the project leader of the Flexible Education initiative.
The Flexible Education Program for Persons with Disabilities is a non-degree program implemented through collaboration among multiple partners. Internal collaborators include the Division of Student Affairs, Division of Physical Systems and Environment, Division of Information Technology, Division of Education Administration, Contemplative Education Center, Sireeruckhachati Nature Learning Park, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, and the Mahidol University International College. External partners include Suan Sampran, Central Group, Siam Commercial Bank, HomePro, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand, and several social enterprises such as School of Changemakers, Vulcan Coalition (Ava Advisory), and A-Chieve.
A key feature of the project is the “One System, One Team” approach, emphasizing integration, shared goals, and incentive alignment. All partners collaboratively co-design curricula from the initial stage through implementation to employment outcomes. Together, they create diverse career pathways, including self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for persons with disabilities.
This initiative represents a new business model for open innovation in education systems, with Mahidol University serving as the central hub for building a collaborative learning environment. It promotes flexible, multi-pathway learning routes tailored to individual learners’ needs and aspirations.
The program consists of multiple short courses, each offering a certificate of completion. Ratchasuda College continuously monitors and evaluates participants through individual case management, providing guidance and counseling to help learners develop career management skills and choose suitable career paths.
In the first pilot cohort, a total of 32 participants joined the program, including individuals with hearing impairments and those with physical or mobility disabilities.
References
10.6.7 Accessible facilities
Mahidol University ensures that its campus environment and facilities are designed according to Universal Design principles, enabling individuals with disabilities to access and utilize all areas with ease and equality. The university has implemented a wide range of accessible features, such as designated parking spaces for people with disabilities, wheelchair ramps, and barrier-free pathways, ensuring convenience, safety, and inclusivity throughout the campus.
References
10.6.8 Disability support services
Mahidol University is deeply committed to being an Inclusive University—a place where everyone, regardless of ability, race, or religion, has equal opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to society. Through the Disability Support Services (DSS) unit under the Division of Student Affairs, the university provides a wide range of assistance to ensure that students with disabilities have full and equitable access to education and university life.
Key Services:
Beyond academic support, Mahidol University actively promotes social inclusion through awareness campaigns, universal design initiatives, and programs that foster engagement in campus life and career development. These collective efforts reflect the university’s dedication to building an accessible, equitable, and compassionate learning environment for all.
Disability Support Unit, Ratchasuda College
Ratchasuda College promotes educational opportunities for students with disabilities by admitting them to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. To ensure equality in access to education, the college has established the Disability Support Unit to provide services that help students with disabilities achieve their academic goals.
References
10.6.9 Disability access scheme
Mahidol University is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, have equal access to education and opportunities for success. To achieve this, the university established the Support Service Unit for Students with Disabilities (DSS) under the Division of Student Affairs to reduce barriers to learning, provide individualized support, and foster an inclusive university community where students with and without disabilities can thrive together.
The DSS provides a comprehensive support scheme designed to empower students with disabilities through personalized service plans, mentorship programs, and collaboration with faculties to ensure appropriate accommodations in teaching, learning, and campus participation.
Furthermore, Mahidol University actively promotes awareness, inclusion, and understanding of people with disabilities through a wide range of training programs, workshops, and educational events. These initiatives are designed for faculty, staff, and students to build skills, empathy, and knowledge to better support persons with disabilities and foster an inclusive campus culture.
References
10.6.10 Disability accommodation policy
Mahidol University is committed to promoting equal access to higher education for persons with disabilities through the Mahidol University Announcement on the Policy, Criteria, and Procedures for Admission of Persons with Disabilities (2021). This policy aligns with the Education for Persons with Disabilities Act (2008) and national regulations supporting inclusive education.
Under this policy, the university ensures reasonable accommodation and adequate funding mechanisms to support students with disabilities in both academic and campus life. The key components are as follows:
Through this policy, Mahidol University demonstrates its ongoing commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusion, ensuring that all students — regardless of ability — have the opportunity to pursue higher education with dignity and full support.
Mahidol University upholds the principle of equality, ensuring that every individual has fair access to opportunities regardless of age, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. As a global educational institution welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, Mahidol promotes mutual respect and inclusion among all races, cultures, and beliefs—fostering social responsibility, opportunity, and meaningful interaction within its community.
Additionally, Mahidol University provides adequately funded mechanisms to support students with disabilities through various scholarship programs aimed at promoting equal access to higher education and empowering students to reach their full potential.
The scholarships for undergraduate students are supported by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Eligible applicants must possess a disability identification card in accordance with the law on the promotion and development of the quality of life of persons with disabilities. They must be studying in a bachelor’s degree program or lower at a public or private higher education institution and must not have previously received similar support or completed a bachelor’s degree.
Each scholarship is valued at 60,000 baht per academic year for students in science programs and 50,000 baht per academic year for those in social sciences and arts programs, with the number of awards determined by the total number of qualified applicants.
Furthermore, Mahidol University also provides graduate-level scholarships for students with disabilities pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees to promote educational opportunities and professional development.
These initiatives reflect Mahidol University’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and lifelong learning for all.
To support students with disabilities, the university provides comprehensive Disability Support Services that ensure equal access to learning and campus life. These include personalized learning management and counseling, assistive technologies (such as Braille displays, screen readers, and wheelchairs), exam accommodations, production of accessible learning materials, scholarships, and volunteer assistance. The university also facilitates career readiness through training, study visits, and entrepreneurship development, while encouraging feedback on Universal Design to enhance campus accessibility.
Mahidol University is committed to being an Inclusive University—a place where all individuals, regardless of ability, race, or religion, have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to society. The Disability Support Services (DSS) unit under the Division of Student Affairs provides comprehensive assistance to ensure that students with disabilities can access education and university life on an equal basis with others.
Key Services:
Beyond academic support, Mahidol University promotes social inclusion through awareness training, universal design initiatives, and programs that encourage participation in campus life and career development. These efforts reflect the university’s ongoing mission to create an accessible, equitable, and compassionate learning community for all.
Through these comprehensive supports, Mahidol University ensures that students with disabilities can achieve their academic goals equitably and confidently.
References
10.6.11 Anti-harassment policy
Mahidol University upholds a strong commitment to equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals, striving to foster a safe and inclusive environment that is free from sexual harassment and abuse. To achieve this, the university has issued the “Mahidol University Announcement on Intention to Prevent and Solve Sexual Harassment and Abuse Problems (2023)”, outlining key actions and preventive measures as follows:
Detailed guidelines for the prevention and resolution of sexual harassment and abuse are provided in the annex to this announcement, reinforcing Mahidol University’s ongoing effort to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive academic community for all.
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