National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium) vs Education Visa (Non-ED)
Student visa comparison: Germany and Thailand. Tuition, work rights, financial requirements and post-study pathways.
Overview
 DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
 TH
Education Visa (Non-ED)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Thailand |
| Program type | Full time | Full time |
| Status | Active | Active |
At a glance
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
TH
Education Visa (Non-ED)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 24 mo | 3 mo |
| Proof of funds | $13,774 | $570 |
| Application fee | $87 | $80 |
| Work during study | Yes | No |
| Post-study visa | Yes | No |
Tuition
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
TH
Education Visa (Non-ED)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition policy | Free | Mixed |
| Tuition-free scope | All | None |
| Tuition minimum | — | $1,500 |
| Tuition maximum | $350 | $15,000 |
| Scholarships available | Yes | Yes |
Duration
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
TH
Education Visa (Non-ED)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 24 months | 3 months |
| Maximum duration | — | 12 months |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal duration | 24 months | 12 months |
Financial requirements
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
TH
Education Visa (Non-ED)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds | $13,774 | $570 |
| Application fee | $87 | $80 |
| Dependent fee | $87 | $80 |
Work during study
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
TH
Education Visa (Non-ED)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Work allowed | Yes | No |
| Unlimited hours | No | No |
| Freelance allowed | Yes | No |
| On campus only | No | No |
| Work permission type | Automatic | Not allowed |
Requirements
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
TH
Education Visa (Non-ED)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Full-time study | Required | Required |
| Institution accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health insurance | Required | Not required |
| Medical exam | Not required | Not required |
| Criminal record check | Not required | Not required |
| Accommodation proof | Not required | Not required |
| Visa interview | Required | Not required |
Family and dependents
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
TH
Education Visa (Non-ED)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Dependents allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Dependent restriction | Spouse and children. Spouse can apply for a family reunion visa. Student must prove sufficient funds for the entire family. | Spouse and children on Non-O (dependent) visa. |
| Spouse can work | Yes | No |
| Spouse work unrestricted | Yes | No |
| Children can attend school | Yes | Yes |
Post-study pathways
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
TH
Education Visa (Non-ED)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Post-study visa | Yes | No |
| Work permit | Yes | No |
| Permanent residency | Yes(5 yrs) | No |
| Citizenship | Yes(5 yrs) | No |
| Time counts toward permanent residency | Yes | No |
| Fraction of time counted | 1.00 | — |
Application process
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
TH
Education Visa (Non-ED)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Method | Online | Online |
| Processing time | 25–90 days | 5–45 days |
| Apply in-country | No | No |
| Multiple entry | Yes | No |
| Schengen access | Yes | No |