How affordable are universities in Thailand?
Thailand offers a diverse range of universities, both public and private, catering to local and international students. The cost of studying here can vary depending on whether you go for a public or private school, but overall, it’s way more affordable than universities in Western countries. Plus, living expenses are relatively low. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to tuition and living costs in Thailand.
Public universities
Public universities in Thailand are more affordable than private ones thanks to government support. This means lower tuition fees for both Thai and international students. Plus, they offer a wide variety of programmes, making them highly competitive.
Average tuition fees for public universities
- Undergraduate programmes: 20,000 to 60,000 baht (USD 600 to USD 1,800) per year
- Graduate programmes: 25,000 to 80,000 baht (USD 750 to USD 2,400) per year
Notable public universities
Mahidol University: Known for its strong emphasis on health sciences, it is ranked as the top university in Thailand.
Chulalongkorn University: Located in Bangkok, it is recognised for its academic excellence across various disciplines.
Chiang Mai University: The leading university in Northern Thailand, offering a wide range of programmes.
Kasetsart University: Renowned for its agricultural programmes and research.
Thammasat University: Offers a comprehensive range of social sciences and humanities courses.
| University Name | Location | Average Tuition Fee (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mahidol University | Nakhon Pathom | 20,000 to 60,000 |
| Chulalongkorn University | Bangkok | 20,000 to 60,000 |
| Chiang Mai University | Chiang Mai | 20,000 to 60,000 |
| Kasetsart University | Bangkok | 20,000 to 60,000 |
| Thammasat University | Bangkok | 20,000 to 60,000 |
Private universities
Private universities in Thailand, while typically more expensive, offer modern facilities, smaller class sizes, and a wider variety of international programmes, many of which are taught in English. They also tend to have stronger industry connections, meaning more internship opportunities and a better chance to network for future jobs.
Average tuition fees for private universities
- Undergraduate programmes: 60,000 to 300,000 baht (USD 1,800 to USD 9,000) per year
- Graduate programmes: 100,000 to 400,000 baht (USD 3,000 to USD 12,000) per year
Notable private universities
Asian Institute of Technology: Focusses on engineering and technology programmes. Highly regarded among private institutions.
Assumption University: Known for its business programmes and strong alumni network.
Rangsit University: Offers a variety of programmes with a modern campus environment.
Bangkok University: Provides diverse programmes with an emphasis on creativity and innovation.
Stamford International University: Offers international programmes with a focus on English language instruction.
| University Name | Location | Average Tuition Fee (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Institute of Technology | Klong Luang | 60,000 to 300,000 |
| Assumption University | Bangkok | 60,000 to 300,000 |
| Rangsit University | Pathum Thani | 60,000 to 300,000 |
| Bangkok University | Bangkok | 60,000 to 300,000 |
| Stamford International University | Bangkok | 60,000 to 300,000 |
Scholarships and financial aid
Many universities in Thailand, both public and private, offer scholarships and financial aid to international and local students. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of tuition fees. Some universities provide full scholarships covering both tuition and living expenses, while others offer partial scholarships.
Types of scholarships available
1. Government scholarships: The Thai government provides scholarships for students from neighbouring countries and other regions, particularly those pursuing studies in Thailand’s priority fields such as engineering, medicine, and business.
2. University-specific scholarships: Many institutions, like Chulalongkorn University and Mahidol University, offer scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific fields of study.
3. Private sector scholarships: Companies and non-profit organisations in Thailand often sponsor scholarships, especially for students pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programmes.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Thai Government scholarship | ASEAN and other international students | Full or partial tuition |
| Chulalongkorn University scholarship | International students with high academic records | Full or partial tuition |
| Mahidol University graduate scholarship | Graduate students in health and science fields | Tuition and living stipend |
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) offers scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral programmes, covering full or partial tuition for international students. Thai universities, like Thammasat, provide scholarships up to 100% tuition, some with stipends. Thai students can also apply for Indian government scholarships, and U.S. veterans can use GI Bill® benefits at Stamford. Early applications are key to securing financial aid.
Living costs for university students in Thailand
When thinking about how affordable universities are in Thailand, don’t forget to budget for more than just tuition. You’ll also need to cover living expenses like rent, food, transportation, and study materials. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for these extra costs.
Accommodation costs
On-campus dormitories:
Ranges from 2,000 to 6,500 baht per month (approximately USD 60 to USD 200) depending on the university and type of room.
Off-campus housing:
Shared accommodations can cost between 3,000 and 8,000 baht per month (approximately USD 90 to USD 240) depending on location.
Food costs
Daily meals:
Eating at local restaurants can cost around 30 to 100 baht per meal (approximately USD 1 to USD 3).
A monthly budget for food can range from 5,000 to 10,000 baht (approximately USD 150 to USD 300) depending on eating habits.
Transportation costs
Public transport:
Buses and trains in Bangkok cost about 35 to 50 baht per trip (approximately USD 1 to USD 1.50).
Taxi services:
Short trips can cost between 20 and 40 baht (approximately USD 0.60 to USD 1.20).
Monthly transport budget:
Students may budget around 1,500 to 3,000 baht (approximately USD 45 to USD 90) for transportation.
Study materials
Textbooks and Supplies:
Costs for textbooks can range from 200 to 1,500 baht per semester (approximately USD 6 to USD 45) depending on the programme.
Additional Fees:
Some courses may have extra fees for materials or field trips that can add up.
Summary of estimated monthly expenses
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (THB) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 3,000 to 8,000 | 90 to 240 |
| Food | 5,000 to 10,000 | 150 to 300 |
| Transportation | 1,500 to 3,000 | 45 to 90 |
| Study Materials | Varies | Varies |
| Total Estimated Cost | 9,500 to 24,000 | 285 to 720 |
A student on a tight budget can live on around 650 baht per day, which covers food, transportation, and accommodation. However, living costs can vary depending on location, with rent in Bangkok being much higher than outside the city. A meal at a low-cost restaurant is around 60 baht, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is around 600 baht.
While tuition fees in Thailand are quite affordable compared to many other countries, it’s essential to plan for living costs like accommodation, food, transportation, and study materials. With a solid budget, students can comfortably manage their finances while studying here.
Interesting FAQs about universities in Thailand
What is the average tuition fee for international students in Thailand?
The average tuition fee for bachelor's programs for international students is approximately 154,400 THB (about $4,500) per year, while master's programs can range from 1,090 USD to 4,009 USD annually.
Which universities in Thailand offer the lowest tuition fees?
Some of the cheapest universities include Suranaree University of Technology (10,000 THB), Walailak University (29,800 - 115,000 THB), and Naresuan University (36,000 - 40,000 THB) for international students.
Can international students work while studying in Thailand?
International students can work part-time, but they must obtain a work permit. This typically requires a specific type of visa that allows employment.
Is it easy for international students to apply to universities in Thailand?
Yes, application processes are generally straightforward and can often be completed online. Many universities have dedicated support services for international applicants.
What types of degrees are popular among international students in Thailand?
Popular fields of study include business administration, engineering, medicine, and environmental science. Many Thai universities also offer programs taught entirely in English to cater to foreign students.
If you can’t decide which type of university you should go for, check out our guide on comparing public and private universities in Thailand.
