Suan Dusit University (SDU) recognizes the significance of equity and equality in education, a core principle of sustainable development that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities of the United Nations. The university has established systematic policies and mechanisms to ensure equitable access to higher education for all learners—particularly those from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities, low-income students, and lifelong learners.
Policy Framework for Educational Equity
Suan Dusit University operates under the Suan Dusit University Act, B.E. 2558 (2015), which explicitly emphasizes equality in educational opportunities. Section 7 (1) states:
“The University shall take into account equality in educational opportunities.”
This provision reflects the university’s strong commitment to inclusive higher education, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of gender, age, race, religion, disability, or socioeconomic background—have equal access to learning opportunities.
More details are available at: Suan Dusit University Act, B.E. 2558 (2015)
Policy on the Admission of Students with Disabilities
To strengthen equality and accessibility in higher education, the university issued the Announcement of Suan Dusit University: Policy, Criteria, and Procedures for the Admission of Persons with Disabilities to Undergraduate Programs for the Academic Year 2024. Clause 4 states that:
“The University supports, assists, and promotes access to undergraduate education for persons with disabilities in order to ensure equal rights, opportunities, and educational standards, as well as necessary services and academic support.”
This policy embodies the principle of Positive Discrimination—a proactive approach designed to provide supportive measures that empower students with disabilities to study and succeed on an equal footing with others.
Full document available at: Policy for the Admission of Persons with Disabilities, Academic Year 2024
Expanding Access to Lifelong Learning
Suan Dusit University promotes lifelong learning for all through an open-access policy that welcomes learners of all genders, ages, educational backgrounds, and nationalities. This principle is defined in the Suan Dusit University Regulation on the Credit Bank for the Promotion of Lifelong Learning, B.E. 2563 (2020), which stipulates in Clause 5 that:
“Learners may enroll in courses, course modules, or training programs without restrictions on gender, educational qualification, age, or nationality, subject to the university’s rules and regulations.”
This initiative reflects SDU’s vision of becoming a “University for a Learning Society”, enabling everyone to access knowledge and enhance their potential throughout life.
Full document available at: https://sdulaw.dusit.ac.th/wp-content/regular/file/2563-U07C-780.pdf
Financial Support for Economically Disadvantaged Students
In addition to equitable admission policies, SDU provides financial assistance for students facing economic hardship. Under the Suan Dusit University Regulation on Student Scholarships, B.E. 2564 (2021), Clause 8 (7) specifies:
“Type (7): Scholarships for students with financial difficulties.”
This measure ensures that low-income students can pursue higher education without being constrained by economic barriers, thereby advancing social equity and inclusive growth.
More details available at: https://regis.dusit.ac.th/main/?p=5851
Monitoring and Evaluation for Educational Equality
The university systematically collects and monitors data on student applications and admissions from underrepresented groups, including: Persons with disabilities, Economically disadvantaged students, Non-traditional and adult learners, and LGBT students.
These data are analyzed to inform targeted policy interventions—such as additional scholarship programs, mentorship systems, and tailored academic support—to enhance inclusivity and ensure that all students can learn successfully and meaningfully within an equitable educational environment.
Suan Dusit University’s initiatives in tracking and supporting admissions for underrepresented groups (SDG 10.6.2) exemplify its institutional commitment to advancing educational equity and social inclusion. Through clear and comprehensive policies covering gender, disability, age, income, and social background, the university continues to drive sustainable change in Thai higher education. These efforts reaffirm SDU’s position as a “University for Educational Equality”—one that strives to build a fair, inclusive, and sustainable future where all learners have equal opportunities to succeed.
Summary
Suan Dusit University (SDU) promotes equal access to higher education for all, especially underrepresented groups such as persons with disabilities, low-income students, and lifelong learners. Guided by the Suan Dusit University Act B.E. 2558 (2015), which ensures equality in educational opportunities, SDU enforces inclusive policies through the “Admission of Persons with Disabilities Policy (2024)” and the “Credit Bank for Lifelong Learning Regulation (2020).” The university also offers scholarships for financially disadvantaged students and systematically tracks applications from diverse groups to inform inclusive interventions. These initiatives affirm SDU’s role as a University for Educational Equality, aligned with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
สรุป
มหาวิทยาลัยสวนดุสิต (SDU) ส่งเสริมการเข้าถึงการศึกษาระดับอุดมศึกษาอย่างเท่าเทียม โดยมุ่งสนับสนุนกลุ่มผู้มีโอกาสน้อยและกลุ่มเปราะบาง เช่น ผู้พิการ นักศึกษาฐานะยากจน และผู้เรียนตลอดชีวิต (Lifelong Learners) ภายใต้กรอบของ พระราชบัญญัติมหาวิทยาลัยสวนดุสิต พ.ศ. 2558 ที่กำหนดให้มหาวิทยาลัยต้องคำนึงถึงความเสมอภาคในโอกาสทางการศึกษา
มหาวิทยาลัยได้ดำเนินนโยบายเชิงรุกเพื่อเสริมสร้างการเข้าถึงการศึกษาอย่างเท่าเทียม อาทิ “นโยบายและหลักเกณฑ์การรับผู้พิการเข้าศึกษา ประจำปีการศึกษา 2567” และ “ข้อบังคับว่าด้วยคลังหน่วยกิตเพื่อการเรียนรู้ตลอดชีวิต พ.ศ. 2563” รวมถึงจัดตั้ง ทุนการศึกษาสำหรับนักศึกษาที่ขาดแคลนทุนทรัพย์ เพื่อสนับสนุนผู้เรียนที่มีข้อจำกัดทางเศรษฐกิจ
นอกจากนี้ SDU ยังมีระบบติดตามข้อมูลการสมัครและการรับเข้าศึกษาของกลุ่มผู้มีโอกาสน้อย เพื่อใช้ในการกำหนดนโยบายส่งเสริมความเท่าเทียมอย่างเป็นรูปธรรม ทั้งหมดนี้สะท้อนบทบาทของมหาวิทยาลัยสวนดุสิตในฐานะ “University for Educational Equality” ที่มุ่งขับเคลื่อนเป้าหมาย SDG 10: ลดความไม่เสมอภาค อย่างยั่งยืน