The people in Thailand are known to be warm and friendly, which is why they are regarded as the country of smiles. The number of international students studying in Thailand increases each year. The country is culturally diverse, affordable for living in, and a very exciting place to be. Many foreign students like to study here due to the global education standards, amazing cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and top-rated beaches.
The country is known for high-quality education in Science and Technology. Bangkok alone has long been the learning hub of Thailand with five universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings. Also, the student view ranks 16th in the QS ranking score.
Universities and Courses available in Thailand
Thailand currently has 156 higher education institutions (HEIs). The HEIs are categorised as Autonomous, Public and Private.
Also, there are three levels of qualifications:
- Lower than a bachelor-level degree
- Bachelor-level degree
- Graduate-level degree
Autonomous HEIs receive government funding. However, this funding is less compared to when the HEI was public.
Public HEIs have a large number of student enrollments with a less competitive admission system. The education opportunities are offered to a wider pool of diverse age ranges and backgrounds among students. Public HEIs may also offer distance learning for students unable to study in classrooms.
The other type of Public HEIs include Rajabhat and Rajamangala University of Technology
(RMUT). The Rajabhat Universities focus on local community engagement and development, whereas the RMUT focuses on technology and technical fields.
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Thailand is home to 23 universities that hold the top world university rankings.
The courses offered include graduate diplomas, L.L.M., M.A., M.B.A., M.Com., M.Ed., M.Eng., M.I.S., M.M., and M.Sc. programs. The country’s institutions are among the best institutions, offering high standards of education in:
- Science
- Technology
- Environmental Sciences
- Agriculture
- Business Management
Thailand has larger schools with top world university rankings that offer global competitiveness for international programs. The country also offers learners ASEAN and Southeast Asian studies, ecology, biological sciences, human communities, economics, international relations and sustainable development.
Some of the best universities international students can consider:
UNIVERSITIES IN CENTRAL THAILAND
- Asia-Pacific International University
- Assumption University
- Bangkok University
- Chulalongkorn University
- Dhurakij Pundit University
- Huachiew Chalermprakiet University
- Kasetsart University
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Thonburi
- Mahidol University
- National Institute of Development Administration
- Ramkhamhaeng University
- Rangsit University
- Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration
- of Chulalongkorn University
- Silpakorn University
- Srinakharinwirot University
- Thammasat University
- University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
UNIVERSITIES IN THE EAST OF THAILAND
- Burapha University
UNIVERSITIES IN THE NORTH OF THAILAND
- Chiang Mai University
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Naresuan University
UNIVERSITIES IN THE NORTHEAST OF THAILAND
- Khon Kaen University
- Mahasarakham University
- Suranaree University of Technology
UNIVERSITIES IN THE SOUTH OF THAILAND
- Prince of Songkla University
- Walailak University
To get a fair idea of which universities you can apply to based on your area of interest, contact us.
Admission Process
Admission procedures might vary from university to university. Thailand uses the Thai Central Admission Process or TCAS system for bachelor’s degrees.
The TCAS system includes five rounds in the admission process:
- Portfolio round (student record)
- Quota round
- Direct admission round
- Central examination round
- Individual admission by faculties for vacant seats
The private HEIs have a different admission process system. You may have to contact the university or visit their official website to understand their admission process. In general, you may be asked to provide the following documents:
- Application form filled with correct information
- Proof of the application fee paid
- High School Diploma if you’re applying for a Bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor’s Diploma (if you need to apply for Master’s degree)
- Transcript of records
- Proof of English proficiency through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL iBT
- Proof of sufficient budget to support your stay and study program
- Medical Certificate
- Passport-Size Photo(S)
- Copy Of Valid Passport and/or personal ID
- Letter(S) Of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
International students must apply to their chosen university before the application submission deadline. The application deadlines can vary based on the intake period, the university, the study program, and the nationality of the student.
General application deadlines range from March, April and May to November, December and January.
After you’ve received your acceptance letter into the university, you must confirm your enrollment, apply for a student visa in Thailand, and apply for medical insurance and scholarship grants.
Fee, Scholarship and Cost of Living
Cost of tuition
The public universities in Thailand charge a far lesser tuition fees compared to private universities. The cost of studying in private universities factors in the institution, the course duration, and the type of course chosen by the student.
| Education Level | Tuition Fee (USD approx.) |
| Public Institutions | |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $600 to $2,800 per semester |
| Master’s Degree | $1400 to $4,800 per semester |
| Doctoral Degree Program | $7,000 per year |
| Private Institutions | |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $1200 to $2,800 per semester |
| Master’s Degree | $2000 to $3,200 per semester |
Scholarships in Thailand
Manu educational universities offer fully or partially-funded scholarships. Below is a list of Thailand scholarships for international students.
- Thailand International Postgraduate Program (TIPP)
- Education Fund International scholarship
- IELTS Test Fee Scholarship
- Japan Government Funding for Developing Countries Students at Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
- Education Fund International Scholarship
- MA Program Scholarship at the School Of Global Studies, Thammasat University
- EFS scholarship program Thailand 2021-2022 for International Students
- SIT Zero Fees English Scholarship
- Women In Finance Scholarship 2021-22
- EIT International Excellence Scholarship
- Chulalongkorn University’s Graduate programme
- Harbour Space University Bangkok International Master’s Scholarship in Thailand
- Prince of Songkla University Faculty of Medicine International Student Graduate Scholarships
- SEARCA Graduate funding for Southeast Asians
- Asian Institute of Technology GAFS-AIT International Scholarship in Thailand
Cost of living in Thailand for international students
| Accommodation | Cost (approx.) |
| Within Bangkok | |
| Single Occupancy | $160 to $480 per month |
| Twin-share | $140 to $320 per student per month |
| Studio Room | $200 per month |
| Apartment | Starting from $400 per month |
| Outside Bangkok | |
| Triple / Quadruple Share | $200 to $320 per student per semester |
| Double Occupancy | $300 to $600 per student per semester |
| Studio Room | Starting from $140 per month |
| Apartment | $200 to $400 per month |
Rental rates include services like utilities and internet, and these include additional rates.
Other expenses
| Accommodation | Cost (approx.) |
| Food | |
| (Simple dishes like chicken with rice, stir fries with rice, fried rice, noodle soups or pad Thai) | $1.60 – $2.40 |
| Soft drink | $0.60 |
| Plain water (0.5 litres) | $0.40 to $0.80 |
| Travel | |
| Non-AC Bus | $0.28 – $0.40 |
| AC Bus | less than $1.2 |
| Bangkok BTS (Skytrain) & MRT Subway | $2.28 (single journey) |
Visa Application to study in Thailand
The Thai student visa is a non-immigrant Thai visa, which means that this visa is applicable for purposes other than tourism. This visa is a Non-Immigrant Visa Category “ED” and requires the following criteria to be granted to international students:
- You should be enrolled in a Thai university.
- You may apply for three courses. However, there may also be a requirement for applying for four courses.
- Your study program should have a minimum of 15 hours of classes per week.
The requirements to fulfill for a Thai student visa may change from time to time. Do check with your school before applying.
The application process is simple where you have to:
- Contact the Thailand Embassy for the application form or download it online from their website.
- Collect the required documents and make an appointment for submission of the form and the necessary documents. You may submit in-person or through post. If you are posting your application and documents, you must enclose a pre-paid and self-addressed envelope.
- The application processing may take some time. Once it is processed, you will be notified of the decision from the Embassy as to whether your form has been accepted.
- After the processing is complete, you will be asked to collect your passport and visa if your application is accepted. After approval, you will be expected to travel to Thailand within the time stated on the visa.
Visa documents required for submission
The Thai student visa required to study in Thailand for international students includes:
- Filled and signed Thailand Student Visa application form. Download from the Embassy website to fill the form.
- Payment of the Thai Student Visa fee.
- Valid passport (or valid at least another six months) with minimum two blank visa pages. You will require a valid passport of at least another 18 months if you are applying for a one-year visa. Also, submit a photocopy of your passport.
- Passport-sized photograph of yourself, of which the specifics include:
- Dimensions: 4 cm x 6 cm
- White background
- Taken within the last six months
- Maintain a neutral facial expression, looking straight ahead
- Your face should be entirely visible with no headgear or glasses that cover eyes or heavy frames. Glasses may be allowed if they are allowing visibility of your eyes.
- Letter of Admission the educational institute in Thailand. Address the letter to the Thai Embassy or Consulate in which you will apply.
- Seek approval from the Ministry of Education if you are applying at a private institute.
- Registration documents of Thai School or Institution where you are applying, if needed.
- A letter of confirmation from the school in which you are enrolled if you are applying for an internship in Thailand.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay.
- If you are applying for a one- year course, then you’ll need a police clearance certificate granted by the authorities in your country of origin. This certificate should prove that you do not have a criminal background.
The Thai diplomatic mission office may ask for any additional documents as per their requirements to assess your profile. You may have to legalise the documents that you send to the Thai Embassy, and these documents will have to be in Thai or English. If not, you may translate them by an authorized translator and then submit.
Living while studying in Thailand as an international student
Thailand has a diverse ecosystem from the mountains in the north to the islands and oceans of the south. If you are a nature-lover, you will love exploring the diverse elements of the mudflats, forests, lowlands, and coral reefs throughout the country, just to name a few possibilities. You can even learn and spend time with Thailand’s most loved creatures, elephants. The country offers study programs as well that focus on elephants.
There are ardent followers of Buddhist beliefs and traditions in Thailand. You can meet and interact with monks and gain a deeper level and understanding of their culture.
The country is known for its delicious foods that blend spicy, salty, sweet and sour flavours together. The cost of eating is budget-friendly unless you want to try some exotic dishes.
You can celebrate the exciting Thai holidays Loi Kratong and Songkran. Loi Kratong is a lantern festival celebrated in November. Songkran is the Thai New Year’s celebration that runs from April 13th to 15th. It has the largest three-day water fight during this festival.
If you want to know more about your chances of studying in Thailand, reach out to our team of Expert Education Counsellors.
FAQs
Our team of education consultants with a combined experience of 60+ years can guide you through the visa application process. We will give you advice on the visa type you can apply to, including the documents required for submission.
Thailand has affordable living options, including the cost of studying, food, and other expenses. You may further research your study destination or the city you choose to study in Thailand as the costs may vary.
You must fulfil the visa requirements after you’ve got an acceptance or offer letter to study at a university in Thailand. Our expert counsellors can help you with the rest of the details.
The admission process in Thailand is unique as they prefer to encourage equity in education. They have a TCAS system or Thai Central Admission System for bachelor-level degrees while some private HEIs have their own admission system.
Thailand is known for its advanced education system, and its study programs are globally recognised. This makes it an ideal choice for international students to gain worldwide academic experience.
No, a student visa does not grant international students to work while studying in Thailand. A work permit may not be issued to Thai student visa holders.
The number of international students studying in Thailand grows each year. The country is culturally diverse, has affordable living standards, and is a very exciting place to be. It is known for high-quality education in Science and Technology.