On 18 January 1964, the Ministry of Education resolved to create branches of the Bangkok's College of Education in each region of the country. On 25 January 1967, the Phitsanulok campus was established as the fourth branch of the College of Education and was meant to serve mainly the northern provinces. In 1974 the College of Education was upgraded to university status and was named
Srinakharinwirot University. Originally, only the third and fourth years of university study were offered at Phitsanulok, and students were admitted by competitive examination after completing the curriculum at one of the nation's associate degree level teacher training colleges. In 1976, the first and second years were added. Other majors besides education were gradually included, and in 1990 the Phitsanulok campus became independent of Srinakarinwirot University. It was designated "Naresuan University" during the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of King Naresuan the Great's ascension to the throne. Naresuan University has a second campus in
Phayao, which opened in 1999 and was upgraded to university level and named "
University of Phayao" in 2010. It also offers extension courses across the country at nine education centers, including
Bangkok. ==Ranking==