Thailand Education Visa (Non-ED) — Student Visa

Tuition $2k–15k per year

Work during study None

Post-study work None

Proof of funds $570 per total

Overview

Country: Thailand
Visa name: Education Visa (Non-ED)
Local name: วีซ่าประเภทการศึกษา (Non-ED)
Status: Active
Duration: 3 months
Max duration: 12 months
Renewable: Yes

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.

Tuition and costs

Tuition policy: Mixed
Tuition range: $1,500 – $15,000/year
Proof of funds: $570/total
Funds type: Bank statement
Scholarships: Available

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.

Work rights during study

Work allowed: No
Permission: Not allowed

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.

Language requirements

Language requirements
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.

Fees and costs

Fees
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

Dependents and family

Dependents: Allowed
Restriction: Spouse and children on Non-O (dependent) visa.
Spouse work: Not allowed
Conditions: Dependant visa holders cannot work. Must obtain Non-B visa and work permit separately.

How to apply

Method: Online
Via: Educational institution applies for MOE (Ministry of Education) approval letter, which takes 2–4 weeks. Student then applies for visa online.
Processing: 5-45 days
Interview: Not required
Official site: thaievisa.go.th
Health insurance: Not required

Notes and caveats

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.

Also in Thailand

Last verified Mar 21, 2026 Source