Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC)

What Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) does

Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) is a private, founder-led higher education institution headquartered in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, established in 2007 by Dr. KOL Pheng. The university delivers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 8 faculties (Arts/Letters/Humanities, Architecture & Design, Communication & Media Arts, Law & Public Affairs, Business & Economics, Education, Social Sciences & International Relations, and Mathematics/Sciences/Engineering) and approximately 16 majors, supplemented by specialized institutes for foreign languages (PUC-IFL), academic research (PIARD Journal), peace and conflict studies, and leadership development, plus a Foundation Year preparatory track. It operates three on-campus locations in Phnom Penh (main campus, Toul Kork, and South Campus) and wholly-owns Paññāsāstra International School (PSIS), a K-12 feeder institution that has enrolled over 7,020 students since 2005 and reported a 92.41% high school graduation pass rate.

The business model is tuition-driven across degree-seeking undergraduates, graduate students, and PSIS K-12 families, with secondary revenue from dual-degree and exchange program fees (often externally funded via partner scholarships), Foundation Year tuition, and PUC-IFL language courses. Tuition varies by program and nationality and is not publicly disclosed in dollar terms; scholarship and student-loan programs are core features of the offering. Technology infrastructure is standard for the sector - learning management systems, a student portal (p.puc.edu.kh), an institutional library (library.puc.edu.kh), and the PMC Tube video/communications platform - with no proprietary AI or differentiated platform assets disclosed.

Go-to-market is community-led and partnership-driven: the university markets through Facebook, YouTube (PUC Official Tube), Telegram, blogs, and education fairs; distributes admissions via direct on-campus channels in Phnom Penh; and recruits internationally through a wide network of partner universities across Japan, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Romania, India, Australia, the USA, Thailand, and Korea, anchored by long-standing dual-degree and Erasmus+ exchange arrangements (notably Teikyo University since 2014 and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific since 2017). Ownership is private, with no parent company, no disclosed funding rounds, and no publicly reported revenue figures.

Name

Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC)

Legal name

Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia

Website

https://puc.edu.kh

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) is a private Phnom Penh-based university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees across 8 faculties, plus a K-12 school (PSIS) and foreign-language institute, serving Cambodian and international students through tuition-funded programs and a broad network of overseas dual-degree and exchange partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Social Sciences & Public Policy Research Universities (EDAHABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Branch Campus & Offshore Program Partnerships (EDAIABAI), Academic & Classroom Integration Support (Study Skills, Academic Norms, Integrity) (EDAIAKAG), Integrated Language + Academic Skills (EAP) Bridging Programs (EDAIAJAF)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Graduate degree programs
• International student exchange
• Language education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Phnom Penh

HQ country

Cambodia

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition, fees, and related educational services for degree programs
2. International Partnerships: Dual degree programs and exchange programs generating revenue through student exchanges and institutional collaborations with partner universities worldwide
3. Foundation Year and Continuing Education: Revenue from Foundation Year Studies Program and Institute of Foreign Languages programs

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) is a private university that delivers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across eight faculties, supplemented by a K-12 international school (PSIS), an Institute of Foreign Languages, a Foundation Year Studies Program, and specialized institutes for peace studies, leadership, and academic research. The university monetizes these academic services primarily through tuition and fees, while offering dual-degree pathways, international student exchange, and scholarship opportunities through partnerships with universities across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.

Product overview

Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) is a private higher education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels across eight faculties. The university operates as a multi-institutional system including the core degree programs, the Graduate School of Management & Economics (GSME), the Paññāsāstra International School (PSIS) for K-12 education, and specialized institutes focused on foreign languages, academic research (PIARD Journal), peace studies, and leadership development. The institution also provides a Foundation Year Studies Program for academic preparation and operates PMC Tube as a media platform for institutional content. This portfolio architecture combines traditional higher education with pre-university schooling and specialized research and training institutes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Paññāsāstra International School (PSIS): International K-12 school operating under the Paññāsāstra educational umbrella
• PUC-IFL (Institute of Foreign Languages)
• Graduate School of Management & Economics (GSME)

Products and services

• Undergraduate Programs Bachelor's degree programs across multiple disciplines including Arts/Humanities, Architecture & Design, Communication & Media Arts, Law & Public Affairs, Business & Economics, Education, Social Sciences & International Relations, and Mathematics/Sciences/Engineering. Offered to high school graduates seeking international-standard higher education in Cambodia.
• Graduate Programs Master's and doctoral degree programs offered through the Graduate School of Management & Economics (GSME) and various faculties, targeting professionals and recent bachelor's graduates seeking advanced credentials and research opportunities.
• Paññāsāstra International School (PSIS) K-12 international school offering primary and secondary education with international curriculum standards, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary institution under PUC. Has served over 7,020 students since 2005 and achieved a 92.41% high school graduation pass rate.
• Institute of Foreign Languages (PUC-IFL) Language education institute offering the General English Program and foreign language instruction for PUC students and the broader community, with annual IFL Graduation Ceremonies marking student achievements.
• Foundation Year Studies Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 92.41% high school graduation pass rate at PSIS
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• U.S. EmbassycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026Grand opening of AmCam Exchange Space and renewal of strategic partnership. Enhanced collaboration between PUC and U.S. Embassy for cultural and educational exchange.
• Bridgewater State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 September 2025Exchange program for PUC students to study at Bridgewater State University, USA. Part of ongoing scholarship and exchange program announcements.
• Chip MongminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2025Father's Day seminar collaboration featuring Dr. Kol Pheng and Mr. Nim Chhunnie as guest speakers. Event held at Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall focusing on modern fatherhood and family bonds.
• Curtin UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2025Discussions for potential MoU with focus on student and staff exchanges, study visits, joint research projects, dual degree program development, and joint academic journal publications.
• ICMS SydneycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2025Exploring potential collaborations for staff and student exchanges, study visits, dual degree programs, and collaborative cultural studies initiatives with ICMS, Australia.
• Superstar EducationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2025Exploring potential collaborations for educational partnerships with Superstar Education, Indonesia.
• University of A Coruña (UDC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 20255-month student exchange program with scholarships awarded to PUC students. Students like Ms. Ouk Sokundalis awarded scholarships to study at UDC, Spain.
• AIA Life Insurance CambodiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2025Collaborative seminar on career opportunities in the life insurance sector. Faculty of Business and Economics partnership with AIA to bridge gap between academic knowledge and practical career readiness.
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2025Launch of regional ACCA Virtual Finhack 2025 competition bringing together university students from Mainland Southeast Asia. Premier platform for showcasing financial acumen and innovative thinking.
• Intercon Consortium (Spain)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2025Erasmus+ partnership with three prominent Spanish educational and vocational institutions. Institutional Agreement signed with commitment for 15 staff and 6 students for exchange programs in Spain. Full scholarships covering travel, daily expenses, and monthly allowances.
• Afyon Kocatepe UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2025Erasmus+ inter-institutional agreement for staff training mobility. One-week staff training program from May 12-16, 2025. Part of mobility program bringing together 31 professionals from 15 universities across 13 countries.
• Apollonia UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2025Erasmus+ staff training mobility program. Miss Kleang Sreyneang selected for staff training at Apollonia University, Iași, Romania. Forum included representatives from Romania, USA, New Zealand, France, Italy, Cambodia, Japan, Egypt, Ukraine, Germany.
• Chaitanya Deemed To Be University (CDU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 March 2025High-level delegation meeting to discuss potential partnerships in student and faculty exchanges, study visits, joint research and publications, and dual-degree programs.
• CHRIST UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 March 2025High-level delegation meeting with CHRIST University, Bangalore to discuss potential partnerships in student and faculty exchanges, study visits, joint research and publications, and dual-degree programs.
• Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (IPCA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 20256-month student exchange program (September 2025 to February 2026 or February 2026 to July 2026) at IPCA, Portugal. Part of Erasmus+ scholarship program. PUC Selection Committee conducts oral interviews for shortlisted candidates.
• United Board for Christian Higher Education in AsiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2025Bilateral meeting to reaffirm commitment to academic collaboration. Focus on enhancing communication and cooperative efforts for faculty development, improving teaching methodologies, and providing professional support.
• Hiroshima University of EconomicscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 20256-month student exchange program for September 2025 to February 2026. Scholarship opportunity for PUC students. Application deadline March 10, 2025.
• Ritsumeikan UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2017MoU signed for exchange students program. Approximately 30 Japanese students visit Cambodia weekly for cultural exposure, research activities, and field trips. Supported by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific.
• Teikyo UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Long-standing dual degree partnership with fully funded scholarships since 2014. Students can earn degrees from both Teikyo University and PUC. Notable graduates include Mr. Kang Youriku and Ms. Chhour Neariroth who graduated from Teikyo University in March 2025.
• Walailak UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThai university partnership as part of international cooperation network shown in partnership logos section.
• Soon Chun Hyang UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKorean university partnership as part of international cooperation network shown in partnership logos section.
• Brigham Young University (BYU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVisit by BYU delegation to PUC as part of international university collaboration efforts.
• Chiang Mai UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for summer camp hosting where PUC students won competitions at Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• National University of Management (NUM): Public Cambodian university specializing in economics, management, and business education. Comparable as an in-country higher education institution competing for the same Cambodian student pool, though operating under public rather than private ownership.
• Royal University of Phnom Penh: Cambodia's oldest and largest public university, offering undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple faculties. Comparable as a primary in-country competitor for top Cambodian students, though publicly funded rather than privately owned like PUC.

Direct peers

• Asia Euro University: Private Phnom Penh-based university offering multi-faculty degree programs with international affiliations. Comparable to PUC as a similarly-sized private institution targeting the same fee-paying Cambodian student demographic.
• International University (IU) Cambodia: Private Cambodian university with a multi-faculty structure and international curriculum focus. Comparable to PUC as a similarly-positioned private higher education provider competing for the same Phnom Penh-based student market.
• BELTEI International University: Cambodian private university affiliated with the BELTEI Group, providing multi-faculty degree programs. Comparable to PUC as another private-sector higher education provider competing for Phnom Penh students and offering international partnerships.
• Paragon International University: Cambodian private university offering international-standard undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple faculties. Directly comparable as a domestic competitor serving the same fee-paying Cambodian and regional student segments with English-instructed programs and international partnerships.
• University of Cambodia: Long-established private university in Phnom Penh offering undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple faculties. Comparable to PUC as one of the principal private higher education competitors in Cambodia's capital.
• Limkokwing University (Cambodia campus): Malaysia-origin international private university operating a Phnom Penh campus with technology-creative curriculum focus. Comparable to PUC as a foreign-affiliated private university offering international credentials to Cambodian students in a similar fee band.
• University of Puthisastra: Private Cambodian university focused on health sciences, IT, and business programs. Comparable as a Phnom Penh-based private higher education provider with an international curriculum orientation and similar partnership-driven recruitment approach.

Emerging players

• Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU): Japan-based international university with which PUC has an active student exchange partnership (since 2017). Comparable as an institutional partner with a similar Asia-focused, English-instructed international education model relevant to PUC's partnership ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@pucofficialtube
• Facebookfacebook.com/PUC.OfficialPage
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pannasastra-university-of-cambodia-puc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC)