Student Visa
Find out how we can help you apply for an ED / student visa
Short courses (less than 3 months)
> Courses shorter than 3 months are not eligible for a Student/Education visa.
> Overseas students applying for courses shorter than 3 months do not require a Student/Education visa.
Most of our overseas students enrolled on short courses enter and leave Thailand on a tourist visa according to the duration they are granted on arrival (typically 30 days) or at the Thai embassy/consulate in their country (typically 30-60-90 days).
Different countries have different immigration agreements with the Thai government, and we suggest checking with the Thai embassy/consulate in your country to find out whether you can be granted a tourist visa on arrival (and its duration) or you need to apply for it in advance. Some students, for example, decide to apply for a longer tourist visa (typically 60 days) in advance when they intend to study for longer periods or extend their stay after the course for travelling.
Long courses (more than 3 months)
> Courses longer than 3 months are eligible for a Student/Education visa.
> Overseas students applying for courses longer than 3 months can apply for a Student/Education visa.
If you want to study for a course longer than 3 months, International House can help you with the application for an ED Visa (Education Visa).
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Thailand Student Visa is a Non-Immigrant Thai Visa. Non-Immigrant Visas are issued to foreigners traveling to Thailand for reasons other than tourism and are categorized based on the purpose of travel. The Thailand Student Visa is a Non-Immigrant Visa Category ‘ED’.
In order to qualify for a Thai Student Visa for an English language course, you have to:
- be at least 12
- have passport from a country where English is NOT one of the official languages
- take a course longer than 3 months
- take a course which includes at least 15 hours of classes per week
APPLICATION
Once you have applied for one of our courses and paid the deposit, you will need to send us, by mail:
- 12 recent photos of you (4cm x 6cm)
- your original course application form, signed by you
- 1 copy of the photo page of your passport and every page of your passport with stamps, original size, signed by you
- completed and signed Personal History Check and Purpose of Attendance forms
- student High school or University Certificate, signed by you (and officially translated into English if necessary)
After we receive the documents, we will request a student approval to the Ministry of Education. This usually takes between 3 and 5 weeks. Once we have received this and your final payment, we will send you by mail some documents:
- letter of incorporation from IH Bangkok
- full details of the course that you have signed up for
- the Ministry of Education student approval document
You will then need to produce these documents, along with your visa application form, other personal documents and payment to your local Thai embassy or consulate. The full list of documents required for the visa application can be found here: Thai Visa.
COST & VALIDITY
The visa currently costs 2,000 baht, but please check with your local Thai embassy or consulate as this may vary.
Please note that, although you can use the same visa for up to a year, it has to be extended every 90 days by visiting the Thai Immigration Office in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The cost of each 90-day extension is currently 1,900 baht.
TIMELINE
It is advisable to start the visa application process at least 2 months before the start of your course.
LONG-TERM COURSES
ED-Visa Approved Courses
Looking to improve your English while living in Thailand? Our ED Visa-approved English courses offer the perfect solution. With flexible study options, professional teachers, and full visa support, you can learn English and legally stay in Thailand for up to 12 months.
ED VISA
General
English
General English courses are designed to help you improve your speaking, listening, writing and reading skills so that you can use English confidently in all real-life situations.
ED VISA
Business
English
Business English courses are focused on the specific language skills needed to succeed at work and help you build better professional relationships, connections and opportunities.
ED VISA
Exam
Preparation
Exam Preparation classes aim to equip you with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in official language proficiency tests or school and university entrance exams.
ED VISA
Study Holiday
Bangkok
Study Holiday courses in Bangkok are designed to combine English lessons, accommodation and social activities in one convenient package. For individuals and groups.
Study Holiday
Chiang Mai
Study Holiday programmes in Chiang Mai offer individuals and groups an all-inclusive solution with English lessons, on-campus accommodation and extra-curricular activities.
Let us help you with your Visa application
Contact us today to speak to a course advisor. We are here to help you better understand the visa application requirements and process.
