Studying in Bangkok
Thailand has hundreds of universities, but Bangkok has almost all of the best. Make the right choice when choosing, though, because Thailand has some of the most of the high-ranking universities in the world.
Thailand's Education Visa
Before you pick which school you want to study at, it's a good idea to look at the Thai visa options available to foreigners who want to come to Thailand to further their education or study a language.
As a student, you'll have only one choice – the Thai non-immigrant ED visa. This education visa allows you to study in Thailand so long as you meet the requirements and submit the right documents, which are as follows:
- Copy of your passport;
- Education visa application;
- Visa photos;
- Recommendation letter;
- Acceptance letter from Thai school;
- School transcripts and school ID;
- THB 1,900 application fee.
That said, let's look at a list of the top universities in Bangkok.
Thailand's Ministry of Education
One good thing to know is that in order to qualify as a “school”, the institution must be accredited by the Thai Ministry of Education (MOE). As long as it's accredited, you will be able to get an education visa to study there.
If the school isn't accredited with the MOE, you won't be able to apply for a Thai education visa to study there.
With that said, ask the school you're interested in studying at if they have been accredited by the MOE to save you future trouble.
Chulalongkorn University
It was the first institution in the country to start in March 1917 and is thought to be the best among the rest. It was also the first university in Thailand to have a member of the Royal family graduate from it. Thailand belongs among the top universities, excelling in accounting and finance. The university has established quality graduates who land jobs in high institutions.
Expatriates planning to enroll are much welcome. The institution is recognized for its importance in internationalization and has taken a lead role in implementing interactive collaboration with the international community. ASEAN and international students may check the Chulalongkorn University website for the application form.
Thammasat University
Thammasat is the second oldest university. Previously named 'The University of Ethics and Politics', it depicts its mission and philosophy of offering education in law and politics. It also boasts its alumni, who include Prime Ministers, leading politicians and government figures, Bank of Thailand governors, supreme court judges, and provincial governors.
It is an educational institution that pushes with standing on quality and academic excellence, service to society, promotion of the arts and culture, social equality, and social justice under the philosophies of constitutional monarchy and democracy. Students are taught to contribute to the era of globalization through principles of good and fair governance, economy, and society, as well as science and technology. You may visit the Thammasat University website for more information.
Kasetsart University
It is the third oldest university in Thailand and is known for its excellence in the agricultural department as well as in the Science, Social Science, and Education departments. It has seven campuses in Thailand, with its main campus located in Bang Khen near Pahonyothin Road and Central Ladprao Mall).
Kasetsart University's primary mission and goal is to become a strongly sustainable 'University of the Land' by combining its strength in agricultural sciences and King's philosophy through local and global sciences. For more information, you may visit the Kasetsart University website.
Mahidol University
Mahidol University is one of the top medical schools. It was originally known as the University of Medical Sciences, Mahidol University. The institution's primary focus is on Medical Technology, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy. If you plan to excel in these areas, this is the right choice for you. The institution values research and runs three large hospitals, including the largest and oldest hospital, Siriraj Hospital, near the river in Bangkok Noi.
Mahidol University offers international degree programs conducted in English at the master's and Bachelor's levels.
Asian Institute of Technology
The institution is recognized for its multinational and multicultural philosophy. It is a self-contained international community located in the north downtown of Bangkok. It strives to become the leading and unique regional multicultural institute of learning for postgraduates.
Aside from the usual laboratories and buildings that can be seen in a university, AIT has facilities such as housing, sports, medical, conference centers, and a library that houses over 230,000 volumes and 830 print and online periodicals. You may visit the university website for information on the scholarships offered.
Tuition fees at Bangkok universities
Thailand has 80 public universities and 70 private institutions of higher education. Most of the best universities that openly accept international students are located in Bangkok. Tuition fees vary across programs and institutions. The tuition fees in public universities are about $1,000 to $3,000 per year, and for private universities, costs are estimated at $75 to $150 per credit hour.
Tuition for Bachelor's degree programs ranges from 120,000 THB to 3,000,000 THB. For Master's Degree Programs, tuition fees vary from 100,000 to 3,000,000 THB. Doctorate Degree Programs start at 250,000 to 2,500,000 THB.
Important:
Please take note that this is just a rough estimate from all the universities in Thailand. For costs to specific universities in Thailand, check out these links:
- Chulalongkorn University;
- Bangkok University;
- Thammasat University;
- Kasetsart University;
- Mahidol University.
What else can you study in Thailand?
In addition to studying at a Thai university, you can also get a Thai non-immigrant ED visa to study the following subjects:
- Thai massage;
- Culinary arts;
- Muay Thai and other martial arts;
- Scuba diving;
- Thai and other languages.
Each subject on this list comes with its own requirements and documents. So be sure to ask the school you're interested in studying at about the process.
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