Thailand, nestled in Southeast Asia, stands out as an exceptional destination for scholars who cherish nature and seek higher education. Let’s explore the process of applying for higher education in Thailand, including student visas, study costs, and scholarships. While Thai is the primary language, nearly all universities offer ample English programs, facilitating easy adaptation for international students. Additionally, the country’s stunning natural beauty makes students feel at home. Thailand’s geographical diversity includes palm forests, pristine white beaches, and a harmonious blend of mountains. Known as the land of a hundred temples, it ranks as the fourth happiest country in the ASEAN alliance. This predominantly Buddhist nation is aptly nicknamed the ‘Land of Smiles.’
Higher Education in Thailand Part-Time Job Circular 2024
Here are some of the top universities in Thailand:
- Chulalongkorn University: Located in Bangkok, it’s one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Thailand.
- Mahidol University: Known for its strong emphasis on research and medical sciences.
- Chiang Mai University: A leading university in northern Thailand, offering a wide range of programs.
- Thammasat University: Renowned for its social sciences, law, and political science programs.
- Kasetsart University: Specializes in agriculture, engineering, and science.
- Prince of Songkla University: Located in the south, it’s known for its research and academic excellence.
- Khon Kaen University: A major educational institution in northeastern Thailand.
Here are some of the most in-demand fields of study in Thailand:
- Business Studies: Popular for its broad career opportunities and practical applications.
- Engineering: Highly sought after due to the growing demand for technical expertise.
- Food and Beverage Studies: Gaining traction with Thailand’s rich culinary heritage and booming hospitality industry.
- Journalism and Mass Communication: Essential for the dynamic media landscape.
- Tourism and Hospitality: A natural fit given Thailand’s status as a top tourist destination.
- Social Sciences: Important for understanding societal dynamics and contributing to social development.
- Natural Sciences: Crucial for research and innovation in various scientific fields.
These fields offer diverse career paths and are well-supported by Thailand’s top universities. Are you interested in any specific field?
Application Process:
Typically, admission activities at educational institutions revolve around two seasons. One is Autumn, for which applications start in May. All applications are usually completed by July, and the admission process begins in August and September.
The second intake is Spring, with admissions starting in January. The application period for this season is from November to January, and classes usually begin by March.
Both undergraduate and postgraduate programs maintain these intakes. However, the variation in seasons mainly depends on the program. Some programs accept applications only in one season.
Therefore, the best approach is to directly contact the university or college officials. This not only keeps you up-to-date with specific programs but also informs you about admissions outside the general intakes mentioned above. You can check the official websites of the respective universities for this communication. The admission processes are conducted through the Thai University Central Admission System (mytcas.com) or the Council of University Presidents of Thailand.
Required Documents:
- Completed Admission Application Form
- High School Diploma (for undergraduate programs)
- Bachelor’s Diploma (for master’s programs)
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of English Proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 5.5, TOEFL score of 60, or PTE Academic score of 43
- Proof of Financial Capability: To cover living expenses during the study period in Thailand
- Medical Certificate
- Recent Passport-sized Photos
- Valid Passport and National ID
- Multiple Recommendation Letters
- Personal Statement
- Proof of Payment of Application Fee (if applicable)
Applying for a Student Visa
To apply for the Non-Immigrant Visa Type ED Plus, which is Thailand’s student visa valid for up to 90 days for a single entry, you need to meet the following prerequisites:
- Offer Letter: From a Thai educational institution.
- Course Enrollment: Minimum of three courses (some universities may require four).
- Class Hours: At least 15 hours of classes per week.
For long-term programs like bachelor’s or master’s degrees, these conditions are typically met.
Since the initial 90-day visa is insufficient for the duration of undergraduate or postgraduate studies, you can extend the visa after arriving in Thailand. The university can assist in applying for the extension.
Required Documents for Visa Application:
- Completed and Signed Student Visa Application Form: The signature must match the one in your passport.
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Thailand and have at least two blank pages. Include photocopies of any previous visas.
- Old Passport: If applicable.
- Offer Letter: Detailed offer letter from the Thai educational institution, including the issuer’s ID card and passport copy.
- Approval from Ministry of Education: If the institution is private.
- Passport-sized Photo: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, taken against a white background, and not older than six months.
- Proof of Financial Capability: At least 20,000 Thai Baht for the student (1 Thai Baht = 3.71 Bangladeshi Taka). Higher amounts may be required if applying with family.
Application Form:
You can download the application form from the official website of the Thai Embassy or Consulate. Fill it out, print it, and sign it by hand. Submit it along with the required documents.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Thai University Central Admission System or the Council of University Presidents of Thailand.
Visa Processing Time and Associated Costs
The processing time for the Non-Immigrant Visa Type ED Plus is typically 3 to 5 weeks. You can track the status of your visa application online using this link. You will need your date of birth and a reference number, which you can find on the receipt provided by VFS.
The visa application fee must be paid in cash at the bank counter adjacent to the VFS center when submitting your application. According to the Thai Embassy’s VFS site, the visa fee is 7,000 BDT, with an additional VFS service charge of 1,000 BDT and a bank fee of 60 BDT.
Estimated Costs for Study and Living
The cost of studying in Thailand varies significantly based on the institution, field of study, and program. For budget-friendly universities, the average cost ranges from 60,000 to 90,000 THB. For more expensive universities, you should budget between 112,000 to 175,000 THB.
Monthly Living Expenses:
- Accommodation: 8,000 to 16,000 THB
- Food: 1,000 to 2,000 THB
- Transportation: 1,200 THB
- Utilities: 3,500 THB