Studying in Thailand
Many internationally accredited university degree programmes at Thai universities are conducted in English. International degree programmes are offered in Bangkok, but options are also available in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Hat Yai, and several other locations in Thailand. These range from regional universities, which are more traditionally Thai in character, to globally competitive and recognized international programmes.
Choosing your study program in Thailand
You can choose to complete a full Bachelor's, Master's, or MBA or just an exchange semester or summer programme.
As a result of the low cost of living, studying in Thailand can be a good way to get a degree without going into too much debt. However, some professions are limited to Thai nationals ' such as doctors, architects, and civil engineers ' so you won't find any international programmes at a Thai university in these fields.
If you are interested in teaching English as a second language, then it is worth taking a CELTA or TEFL course at one of the many training centers in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, in particular. Taking a teaching course in Thailand can be helpful, as your school may also be able to help you find a job in the area once you have finished. CELTA courses are a bit more expensive than TEFL courses, but the CELTA certificate arguably has a better reputation.
Some schools offer intensive Thai language courses, and when you sign up for a year-long course, you are granted a much-coveted one-year visa. You can also go to Thailand to do Thai cooking, massage, or meditation courses, which often facilitate access to a student visa and are more flexible in terms of schedules. These courses allow many foreigners to stay legally in Thailand for a whole year.
Enrolment conditions and procedures in Thailand
Since visa processes in Thailand are subject to sudden changes by the Immigration Bureau, it is advisable that you contact your chosen place of study and your nearest Thai embassy or General Consulate about procedures. However, it is considered your responsibility to get your visa.
If possible, it is a good idea to apply for a Non-Immigrant ED visa (student visa) before you go to Thailand if you need any additional documents that are easier to get from your country of residence.
You will need to supply the following documents when making your Non-Immigrant ED Visa application:
- a passport or travel document with at least 6 months' validity from the planned date of arrival in Thailand;
- a completed visa application document;
- two passport-sized photos (4 x 6 cm) taken within the last 6 months;
- a completed TM 87 Thai Visa Application form.
The school or institute at which you will be studying needs to supply you (or supply directly to the embassy or consulate at which you are applying) with the following:
- a letter of acceptance to the school or academic institute/organization;
- evidence of enrolment (receipts of tuition fee payments);
- course description;
- school registration documents.
The first step is to apply for the programme of your choice. The application procedures differ from one university to another. Some programs simply require an application form and copies of your transcripts, while others request complete documentation with certified copies and photographs. Your application is only considered to be fully submitted once the university has received the application fee.
Important:
With the Non-Immigrant ED visa, you were never allowed to work in Thailand while studying. This may soon change, however, as long as you are studying a Bachelor's degree programme or higher. The Thai government is looking to amend previous laws surrounding this issue in 2024.
Once your application has been accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter, which is commonly known as a Letter of Admission. This will be printed on the university's official letterhead and signed by the managing official. As well as the specific date of commencement for your studies, it will also state the number of courses you will study in the semester. You will need to register for at least three courses per semester, but it is advisable to register for at least four courses to stand a chance of being granted a visa. The Letter of Admission is a legal prerequisite for obtaining a Non-Immigrant ED visa (student visa), and the Immigration Bureau needs definitive commencement dates.
How to get a student visa in Thailand
Once you have your Letter of Admission, you can apply for your Non-Immigrant ED visa (student visa) at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home or resident country.
As well as your completed application form, you will need to submit a photocopy of your passport (valid for at least six months), up to four recent passport photographs (signed with blue ink), and your Letter of Admission. Other documents may also be requested by the embassy.
Good to know :
When you initially receive the student visa, it is only valid for 90 days. Within these 90 days, you must register and pay your tuition fee for the respective semester.
Once you have a confirmation letter for your registration, you can then apply for a visa extension that will allow you to study in Thailand for up to 1 year from the date you first entered the country.
No matter how long you stay in Thailand, you must notify the Immigration Bureau of your presence and current address every 90 days. To do this, you must complete a simple form, and there is no fee. A slip from this form will be tagged into your passport, specifying the next date you have to come back.
Important :
With the Non-Immigrant ED visa, you are only entitled to study. It does not permit working in Thailand in any way, so be aware that it is illegal to work to finance your studies.
Useful links:
4ICU
Chulalongkorn University
Asian Institute of Technology
Mahidol University
Kasetsar University
Thammasat University
