Thailand is becoming a highly preferred destination for studying abroad. Over the past five years, public and private universities in Thailand are increasingly generating interest in international students. There are 34,202 international students attending higher education in Thailand in the first semester of 2022.
Numerous international students from China, Nepal, India, Indonesia, the USA, Germany, and many other countries come to fulfil their academic goals in Thailand. Therefore, we’re here to help you explore the application process for a student visa for Thailand.
What you should know about the Non-Immigrant ED Visa
If you want to study in Thailand, you need to apply for a Non-Immigrant ED Visa. This visa is issued to students enrolled in an educational institute in Thailand approved by the Thai authorities. They can also include their parents or guardians during the application of the visa. The Non-Immigrant ED Visa is a single-entry visa which states the following conditions:
- Non-Immigrant ED Visa is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued to the applicant. Once granted, the applicant must enter Thailand within the 90-day period.
- The visa holder can stay in Thailand within the 90-day period of stay. However, they will have to apply for a re-entry permit (single or multiple) before departure. Leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit will deem the current stay permit void.
- This visa permits an extension for an additional one-year stay. This stay is applicable to students of educational establishments who can obtain the extension, counted from the date of entry to Thailand. The student can make an application at the Office of the Immigration Bureau. The immigration officer will decide upon the approval or disapproval of the extension.
- If the entry conditions are breached, the stay permit will be revoked. The visa holder will not be permitted to enter Thailand in the future.
Two Steps to nailing your student visa application to study in Thailand
Now that you are aware of the conditions to follow after getting the visa, it’s time you understand the application process.
Step 1 – Fill up all required information in the visa application form.
Step 2 – Attach all the necessary documents, including:
✔ To study at a basic education level – primary, elementary, and secondary
- Passport or travel document that is valid for more than six months and not less.
- A copy of the applicant’s photo that is not more than six months old.
- Letter of Acceptance that confirms enrollment of the international student applicant from the concerned school signed by an authorised person. The authorised person signing the letter has to also provide a copy of their ID card or passport.
- The school’s registration certificate.
- An approval letter from the Ministry of Education.
✔ To study at a higher education level (university and college)
- A passport or travel document which is valid for more than 6 months and not less. Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months.
- Letter confirming enrolment details from the school signed by an authorised person. The signer must also send a copy of their ID card or passport.
- A registration certificate from the university.
- Academic certificate obtained from the previous education level
✔ Internship (Curricular internship), workshop training or seminar arranged by an International Organisation
- A passport or travel document which is valid for more than 6 months and not less. Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months.
- A Letter that proves the participation of the applicant in the internship program from the company/international organisation.
- A letter proving the curricular internship from the visa applicant’s university.
International students applying for this student visa for Thailand are advised to apply two weeks or 15 working days before the planned travel date to the kingdom.
What to Expect while studying in The Land of Smiles
Thailand offers a way for you to immerse in its unique culture, which is different from the Western culture. Their customs and traditions are different and include a chance for you to learn their language while gaining a better understanding of their history and culture.
When it comes to living in Thailand as an International Student, it is crucial to understand the costs you will incur. The expenses are comparatively less as opposed to studying in the US, Canada, the UK, etc. Food, transportation, accommodation, and other expenses are relatively affordable.
Your typical budget should be within the range of 382.48 to 764.95 USD per month.
To live comfortably in Thailand as an international student, you should budget between 382.48 to 764.95 USD per month. It is essential to note that the cost of living may vary based on individual lifestyles and spending habits.
Considering fluctuating currency rates, renting an apartment can cost you around 218.56 to 327.84 USD per month while having a meal at a local restaurant can range between 1.64 to 3.28 USD per month.
Thailand offers language courses to full-degree programs, where courses in English are offered for students not proficient in Thai.
If you want to know your chances to study in Thailand, reach out to us at Expert Education.
FAQs
Is it possible for me to get a Non-Immigrant ED Visa that is more than 90 days before applying for an extension?
You may get a longer duration stay of more than 90 days at the immigration officer’s discretion at the Office of Immigration Bureau.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for a student visa to Thailand?
The eligibility criteria include:
- The student must be enrolled in a recognised educational institution or university in Thailand.
- They must have sufficient funds to cover their expenses in Thailand.
- Must have a valid passport of at least six months validity with a passport-sized photograph.
- Must provide all the documents and details requested.
Are my chances high for getting a student visa to study in Thailand?
If you meet the eligibility criteria and submit all necessary documents along with the details requested in the application process, you may be able to get a student visa for Thailand.
What is the Student Visa application fee for Thailand?
The non-immigrant student visa cost for studying in Thailand varies based on:
- Single entry visa – 2,000 Thai Baht (around USD 67) – valid for 3 months
- Multiple entry visa – 5,000 Thai Baht (around USD 167) – valid for 3 months
How much do I need to show in my bank balance while applying for a Thailand visa?
The financial evidence requires the equivalent of 10,000 Thai Baht (USD 272.12) for individuals or 20,000 Thai Baht for families (USD 544.24). However, the Royal Thai Embassy or Consultate-General in your country can provide you with the details of suitable documents you may submit to prove adequate finances.