Thailand is attracting more international students through its comparatively affordable living costs and growing selection of English-taught degrees. Chinese students, the country’s largest international student group, numbered 28,052 in 2024, compared with 14,423 in 2020. They represented 53% of all international students in Thai universities.
Studying in Thailand can mean completing a full university degree, joining an exchange programme or taking an eligible short course. However, the visa you need depends on the type and length of your studies.
This guide explains Thailand’s main education visas, living costs, study destinations and the practical steps involved in moving there as an international student.
Student visas in Thailand
Thailand has many student visa options, whether you're planning to study at a university, looking to pursue a short course, or doing an internship. Here’s a table where you can check which visa fits your circumstances best:
Study pathway | Likely visa | Important information |
Full bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree | Non-Immigrant ED Plus | Designed for international students studying at bachelor’s level or higher at a Thai university. |
School, diploma or eligible short course | Non-Immigrant ED | Can cover formal education, Thai language courses and approved training programmes. |
University exchange | Non-Immigrant ED | ED Plus generally does not cover exchange programmes. Confirm the route with the host university. |
Curriculum-based internship or training | Non-Immigrant ED | Normally applies when the placement is an official part of an academic programme. Other internships may require different permission. |
Eligible Muay Thai, Thai cooking or other approved activity | DTV or Non-Immigrant ED, depending on the activity | The DTV is not a student visa. Applicants must meet its separate activity and financial requirements. |
Here is more information about each path below:
Doing your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Thailand
On our portals, there are over 200 English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Thailand, covering Business, Marketing, Design, Hospitality Management, and other subjects. Many of them cost less than €5,000 per year, making Thailand an affordable study abroad destination compared to other countries.
After receiving an offer, the university will provide documents for an ED Plus visa application. The initial visa normally allows entry within a three-month validity period and an initial stay of up to 90 days. Your university can then apply to extend your permission to remain for the duration of your studies.
ED Plus students can leave and re-enter Thailand during their studies without obtaining a separate re-entry permit. After graduating, they may apply to extend their stay for up to one year to look for work, travel or take part in other activities. If they find employment, they must change to an appropriate immigration status. Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane
Avoid saying that the ED Plus visa itself is valid for the whole degree or automatically guarantees a post-study year. The student must obtain the relevant extensions.
Studying a short course in Thailand
Curious about Thai culture? Want to learn the language, the national sport, Muay Thai, or the country’s rich cooking traditions? You’ll want to check both the education visa and the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
To learn Thai or Muay Thai, you can apply for the Non-Immigrant ED Visa. It’s valid for 90 days, but can be extended depending on the length of your course. How it works is quite straightforward: you’ll need to enroll at an eligible institution, such as an approved language school or training centre. They’ll issue a letter confirming your enrollment, which you can use in your visa application. Keep in mind that this institution needs to be a recognised authority under the Thai Ministry of Education or Sports.
The DTV covers more activities than the Non-Immigrant ED Visa, and is valid for five years. It also allows multiple entry to the country, meaning you can leave and come back to Thailand for five years. The DTV covers certain approved activities, including Muay Thai and Thai culinary training. Thai language students will normally need to investigate the Non-Immigrant ED route. This visa also covers freelancers and digital nomads who want to stay in Thailand for extended periods of time. That said, the DTV application requires financial proof of THB 500,000 (around €13,000).
Doing an internship or student exchange in Thailand
If an internship or exchange is an official part of your degree, you may qualify for a Non-Immigrant ED visa. Your home university and host institution will normally need to provide documents confirming the academic purpose of the placement. Paid or non-curricular internships may require a different visa and work authorisation, so confirm the requirements before accepting a placement.
Can international students work in Thailand?
A Non-Immigrant ED visa does not normally permit international students to take ordinary part-time employment. An ED Plus visa also does not automatically provide unrestricted work rights. Graduates using the one-year post-study extension can look for employment, but they must change to the appropriate visa and obtain any required work authorisation before starting a job.
How much money do you need to move to Thailand?
Firstly, check whether your visa requires you to show financial proof. For example, the DTV requires at least THB 500,000 (around €13,000) in savings. This requirement is there to show you have the necessary funds to support yourself while living in the country.
Besides visa requirements, calculate how much you’ll need for:
- Tuition fees (depending on your university and programme)
- Visa application fees
- Flights and health or student insurance
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Daily costs such as food, transport, and entertainment
The cost of living in Thailand is considered to be affordable compared to many countries. To give you an idea, here are some average prices in the capital city, Bangkok:
- Tuition fees at Chulalongkorn University, one of Thailand’s highest-ranked universities, are between THB 76,000 and 106,000 (between €2,000 and €3,000) per semester.
- ED and ED Plus visa application fees vary according to the Thai embassy or consulate processing the application. Once in Thailand, an extension of stay commonly costs THB 1,900. Students staying for more than 90 days may also need to complete immigration reporting every 90 days. This reporting requirement is separate from extending your permission to stay.
- According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around THB 23,000 (around €600) as of July 2026. Shared flats or university dormitories are cheaper, usually between €150 and 250 per month.
- A meal at an affordable restaurant can cost around THB 100 (around €2.50), while you can find street food for cheaper.
- Getting around Bangkok is affordable, with the city’s BTS Skytrain and MRT networks. The exact ticket prices vary, but BTS Skytrain’s day pass costs THB 150 (around €4). Students can get a Student Rabbit Card for BTS journeys, which works as a rechargeable travel card.
Where to study in Thailand
For university degrees, you’ll find the most options in Bangkok. As the country’s largest city, Bangkok has dozens of universities, many with English-language programmes. If you plan to stay in Thailand after your studies, this is also where multinational companies, startups, and international organisations are located.
For an educational short course or workshop, you have options throughout the country, whether you’re looking for Muay Thai gyms, Thai language schools, or cooking class providers.
Here is a round-up of some of Thailand’s most popular destinations and what they stand out for:
- Bangkok: Bangkok has universities, ancient temples, art galleries, endless street food stands, and an amazing skyline. The perfect place for big city vibes and the combination of tradition and modernity.
- Chiang Mai: Known for its temples and beautiful nature, Chiang Mai is a great place for cultural immersion and outdoor-focused courses. For degree options, Payap University has English language programmes.
- Phuket: Thailand’s largest island, Phuket combines the beach lifestyle with plenty of activities. For degrees or university exchanges, consider the Prince of Songkla University, which has a Phuket campus.
- Hat Yai: Located near the Malaysian border, Hat Yai has a large student population thanks to the Prince of Songkla University.
How to move to Thailand as a student checklist
- Choose an accredited university, school or training provider.
- Apply and obtain an acceptance or enrolment letter.
- Confirm whether you need an ED, ED Plus or another visa.
- Apply through the official Thai e-Visa service or responsible embassy while outside Thailand.
- Arrange accommodation, health insurance and sufficient funds.
- Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within three days before arrival. Thai Immigration Bureau
- After arriving, work with your university on visa extensions, address registration and 90-day reporting where required.
Moving to Thailand as a student: Summed up
If you’re looking to do your full degree in Thailand, you can browse Thailand-based programmes on Bachelorsportal and Mastersportal. In this case, Bangkok and its surroundings will likely be the best place for an international atmosphere and English-language programmes.
You can also get a student visa for Thailand for short courses, including cultural ones like Thai language classes and Muay Thai training. These are ideal for those who are curious about Thai culture and would like to spend a couple of months in the country learning about it.
FAQs
Can you move to Thailand permanently?
Not with a student visa. A Thai student visa allows you to live in Thailand while completing your studies, but you will need to apply for another type of visa if you want to stay after graduation. It’s best to research different types of visa to see which one best fits your circumstances.
How much does it cost to move to Thailand?
International students should generally budget around THB 15,000–30,000 or more per month, equivalent to approximately €400–€800, excluding tuition. The amount depends heavily on the city and type of accommodation. Bangkok and private apartments can cost more, while university housing in Chiang Mai and other cities may reduce the total.
Is moving to Thailand easy on a student visa?
If you gather the required documents in advance and plan ahead, moving to Thailand on a student visa is straightforward. The biggest steps are choosing your programme, researching universities in Thailand, and applying well before the deadline. The same goes if you’re considering the short course visa. Research approved institutions that offer Thai or Muay Thai courses, compare different destinations, and gather your documents to apply.
Can I stay in Thailand after graduating?
If you studied in Thailand and have a Non-Immigrant ED Plus Visa, you can stay in the country for one year after graduation to look for jobs.
