How to Study in Thailand for International Students
Home to exotic wildlife and spectacular landscapes, Thailand is a wonderful country to visit that is rapidly becoming a top destination for international students. There is a wide variety of excellent programs ranging from the arts to medicine. You can also enjoy many extracurricular activities such as sports and drama clubs. Lead a fulfilling academic experience by studying in an enriching environment in Thailand!
When it comes to the choices that are available, Thailand currently has 123 universities, from which 81 universities are a part of the public sector and 42 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Thailand you should definitely check out are Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University, and Chiang Mai University.
Being able to study in Thailand as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Thailand, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Thailand
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Thailand, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 10,000 THB to 1,000,000 THB, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 6,000 THB and 850,000 THB.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Thailand
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Thailand, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai University | 70,000 THB - 170,000 THB | 40,000 THB - 330,000 THB |
| Mae Fah Luang University | 65,000 THB - 88,400 THB | 91,000 THB - 208,000 THB |
| King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok | 120,000 THB - 160,000 THB | 9,000 THB - 27,000 THB |
| Ubon Ratchathani University | 39,000 THB - 95,000 THB | 57,000 THB - 77,000 THB |
| Suranaree University of Technology | 10,000 THB | 20,000 THB |
| Chulabhorn Royal Academy | 243,000 THB | |
| Walailak University | 29,800 THB - 115,000 THB | 30,000 THB - 285,000 THB |
| King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi | 81,600 THB - 262,500 THB | 45,000 THB - 250,000 THB |
| Srinakharinwirot University | 384,000 THB - 596,000 THB | 108,000 THB - 238,000 THB |
| Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University | 60,000 THB - 122,500 THB | |
| Prince of Songkla University | 108,000 THB - 288,000 THB | |
| Kasetsart University | 140,000 THB - 200,000 THB | 65,200 THB - 75,400 THB |
| Chulalongkorn University | 152,000 THB - 212,000 THB | 170,400 THB - 267,800 THB |
| Mahidol University | 245,700 THB - 368,600 THB | 272,400 THB - 290,400 THB |
| Silpakorn University | 107,800 THB - 242,800 THB | |
| Asian Institute of Technology | 480,000 THB - 698,000 THB | |
| Songkhla Rajabhat University | 12,000 THB - 16,000 THB | |
| Ramkhamhaeng University | 77,100 THB - 90,600 THB | |
| Naresuan University | 36,000 THB - 40,000 THB | 36,000 THB - 153,200 THB |
| National Institute of Development Administration | 6,000 THB - 10,000 THB | |
| Burapha University | 1,000,000 THB | 380,000 THB - 850,000 THB |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Thailand
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Christian University of Thailand | 95,000 THB - 160,200 THB | |
| Bangkok University | 134,000 THB - 179,700 THB | 188,300 THB - 398,100 THB |
| Asia-Pacific International University | 67,800 THB | 162,800 THB |
| Metharath University | 136,000 THB - 146,000 THB | 198,000 THB |
| Western University – Thailand | 90,000 THB - 170,000 THB | 140,000 THB - 230,000 THB |
| Dhurakij Pundit University | 436,000 THB - 483,800 THB | |
| Kasem Bundit University | 72,000 THB | 137,500 THB |
| Krirk University | 120,000 THB | 100,000 THB |
| Rangsit University | 72,000 THB - 400,000 THB | 144,000 THB - 360,000 THB |
| Assumption University – Thailand | 115,000 THB - 350,000 THB | 275,000 THB - 366,700 THB |
| Stamford International University | 141,300 THB - 185,600 THB | 205,500 THB |
| University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce | 163,100 THB | 158,000 THB |
| Payap University | 132,300 THB - 160,300 THB | 133,600 THB |
| Siam University | 98,300 THB - 106,800 THB | 109,800 THB - 119,000 THB |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Thailand, check out the Cheap Universities in Thailand!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Thailand for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Thailand, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Thailand, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Thailand may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Thailand are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Thailand and their required minimum scores for each program level.
Chiang Mai University
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: 4.5
- TOEFL: 52
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- TOEFL: 69
- IELTS: 5.5
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Christian University of Thailand
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: 4
- TOEFL: 41
- CEFR: B1
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Bangkok University
Bachelor’s degree
- Duolingo: 80
- IELTS: 5
- TOEFL: 61
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- Duolingo: 80
- IELTS: 5
- TOEFL: 61
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Thailand
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Thailand have online applications available on their websites, like Mahidol University and Chulalongkorn University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Thailand.
Mahidol University
- Official Website
- Domestic Bachelor's Admissions Page
- International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Chulalongkorn University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Chiang Mai University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Thailand differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Thailand.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Thailand
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Thailand. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Thailand as an international student.
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Thailand. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa (Category ED).
To start your student visa application in Thailand, you will need to present the following:
- Signed letter of request from the university
- Proof of enrollment
- Two passport-sized photos
- Ticket itinerary
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport
- Copies of valid passports from sponsors or parents
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Thailand is 2000 THB for Single Entry, 5000 THB for Multiple Entry.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Prepare the documents for visa application.
- Apply at a Thai embassy or consulate nearest to your country of residence.
- Wait for around four to five business days for processing.
- Collect your visa at the embassy or consulate.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Thailand. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!