Non-Immigrant ED (Education) visa for international students pursuing full-time education in Thailand. Covers private and public educational institutions, university degree programmes, Thai language courses, vocational training, Muay Thai training, and other educational programmes approved by the Thai Ministry of Education. ED Plus variant available for university students with multi-entry benefits.
Thai language schools: THB 30,000–80,000/yr ($850–$2,300). Public Thai universities: THB 50,000–200,000/yr ($1,400–$5,700). International programmes (Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, Mahidol): THB 100,000–500,000/yr ($2,800–$14,300). Private international universities: similar range. Muay Thai schools: THB 15,000–40,000/yr.
Employment is NOT allowed on an ED visa. Students cannot work in any capacity (part-time or full-time). Anyone who wishes to work must obtain a proper work visa (Non-B) and a separate work permit. Working on an ED visa is a serious immigration violation.
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| None required for ED visa | Admission | Thai | — | No language requirement for the ED visa itself. For university international programmes taught in English, TOEFL 79+ or IELTS 5.5+ is typically required. Thai language schools accept beginners. |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-ED Visa Application Fee | Application | $80 | One time |
| Visa Extension Fee | Extension | $54 | Per year |
| Re-entry Permit (if needed) | Travel | $29 | One time |
New 2025 MOE rules tightened ED visa oversight: schools must report attendance, course details, and student enrollment status. ED Plus variant for university students allows multi-entry without re-entry permits. Must report to immigration every 90 days (TM.30). Language school visas limited to 12 months per visa — must exit and re-apply for longer study. Popular for long-stay via Thai language or Muay Thai study. All applications now through e-Visa system.
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Last verified: Mar 21, 2026. Source