Thailand Education Visa: Most Frequently Asked Questions
Find out Everything you need to know about Thailand Education Visas and get the answers to the most frequently asked questions!
Who is qualified to apply for Thailand’s Education Visa?
If you enrol in a government-accredited school or university in Thailand, you may apply for an education visa in Thailand. Any nationality is welcome in Thailand and people from all over the world may apply for a student visa or an education visa in which they will apply for a non-immigrant education visa for one year.
People from Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Sri Lanka and other Middle Eastern countries must apply from their home country.
Key Points
- This form of visa has grown in popularity as more people choose to remain in Thailand longer without having to reapply for a Tourist visa.
- Non-immigrant “ED” visas are given to those who are currently enrolled in a Thai educational institution or other vocational courses.
- The applicant will be given a visa for 8 months which can be renewed annually.
Why should I apply for an Education Visa rather than a Tourist Visa?
A tourist visa lets you stay in Thailand for up to 90 days. You follow a process similar to applying for an education visa. Upon arrival, officials stamp your passport for 60 days, and you can extend it for another 30 days at immigration for 19xx Baht.
Conversely, with a Non-Immigrant ED visa, you can remain in Thailand for up to a year if you meet all the requirements. Upon arrival, you receive a 60-day visa and must apply for an extension every two months. Each extension costs 19xx Baht and you can do this as often as needed while your visa remains valid.
How many months is my ED Visa valid for?
The ED visa for students participating in a Thai language school course is a 90-day visa ended up to 8 months. As a result, even if you enrol in a 14-month program, you must apply for a new ED visa after the first 8 months to complete the remaining 6 months.
All types of non-immigrant visas are subject to 90-day reporting which means you must report your current address to the Immigration Office.
What are the different types of Thailand education visas?
You should be aware that the Student Visa Thailand is a general visa for those studying or taking courses in Thailand. There is only one form of the visa, but it is divided into two categories: Students enrolled in Language Schools or Technical Courses, and those enrolled in Universities or International Schools attempting to complete their degrees.
Your first Non-Immigrant “ED” visa will only be valid for 90 days or 3 months if you’re only taking language classes or working on a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Thailand but don’t worry you can extend it for a year with several entries until it expires. To be eligible for the extension, the school, university, or institution must have documentation confirming your enrollment and demonstrating that you will study for a year or more.
The education visa is only valid for academic purposes.
What is a 90 reporting for my ED visa?
The education visa is a 90-day visa that can be extended up to 8 months for students enrolled in a Thai language school course. As a result, even though you enrol in a 14-month program you must apply for a new ED visa to begin the remaining 6 months. The 90-day reporting can be accomplished in 3 ways:
In person at the Thai immigration office,
by mail,
through a Power of Attorney agent.
You do not need to report your status if you are not in Thailand on the date your 90-day reporting is due. Your 90-day reporting period will resume the day you re-enter Thailand.
What is the Letter of Admission?
Upon approval of your application, you’ll receive an acceptance letter, also known as a “Letter of Admission.” The university department’s official signs the Letter of Admission, which is printed on departmental letterhead. This letter confirms your place in the program, invites you to begin classes on a specific date, and determines the number of classes you’ll enrol in for the semester.