Getting a degree in Thailand is suitable for those who are looking for affordable tuition and accommodation, a large selection of international programs with in-demand specialties, as well as relatively simple admission requirements.
Higher education in Thailand is a suitable option for those seeking affordable tuition and living expenses, a large selection of international programs with in-demand specializations, as well as straightforward admission requirements.
This article explores the distinctive aspects of education and employment in Thailand, opportunities for free education, and prospects of immigration after studying.
About higher education in Thailand
Higher education in Thailand has witnessed a surge in popularity. Between 2009 and 2019, the number of foreign students at Thai universities increased by 2.5 times[1]. As of 2023, Thailand boasts 194 accredited universities, including 10 public and 72 private institutions[2]. 3 Thai universities have secured spots in the top 100 of the QS Asia University Rankings 2023: Chulalongkorn University (37th place), Mahidol University (47rd place), and Chiang Mai University (99th place)[3].
Language. While Thai serves as the official language of instruction in the country, there are over 300 programs conducted in English[4].
Visa. Prospective students must secure a student visa (category ED). This entails confirming enrollment in a full-time study program at a Thai university and paying at least 50% of the total course cost. Student visas are issued for durations ranging from 90 days up to 1 year, with a registration cost of 80 USD[5].
Cost. Bachelor's programs come with a minimum price tag of 135 USD per year, and a maximum of 2,027 USD annually[6]. Master's programs tend to be pricier, ranging from 1,081 USD to 3,975 USD.
Requirements. Admission requirements for a bachelor's program include completing 11 years of high school, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale, and English proficiency certificates (TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.0). Many universities also conduct their own language tests, such as CU-TFL for programs taught in Thai.
Work. Full-time or off-campus work is not permitted on a student visa. However, part-time opportunities, such as tutoring, are common in the first year. For example, teaching English to local students is a popular option. Moreover, if a Thai company expresses interest, a student can switch to a business visa (category B) and apply for a work permit[7]. The employer must be willing to provide assistance with necessary documentation.
Global cooperation. Thai universities closely work with leading institutions worldwide, particularly in Australia and England. This collaboration enables unique study programs where students can experience their first semester at a Thai university and their second in a partner country. For example, the "Joint International Program in Psychology" at Chulalongkorn University allows students to spend their second semester at Queensland University, while the "Arts in Politics and Global Studies Program" involves the University of Essex[8].
Affordable tuition. Thailand offers budget-friendly education, with an average annual cost of 3,800 USD for bachelor's programs and 4,500 USD for master's programs. This stands in stark contrast to the 10000 per year for study in Singapore[9].
Relevant specializations. Thai universities provide students with sought-after and lucrative professions. In the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, two Thai universities secure positions 141-145 out of 550[10]. Popular majors include environmental science, cybersecurity, medicine, financial analytics, marketing, web design, psychology, and education.
Visitor-friendly environment. Thailand, known for its hospitality, embraces visitors, whether they are tourists or foreign students. The country's higher education policy actively encourages young people to address the demographic aging of its indigenous population[1].
High quality of life. Thailand ranks 64th in the LegatumProsperity Index[11]. Strong economic and medical index scores indicate that these areas are thriving at Thai universities. Moreover, areas with lower performance offer opportunities for more young specialists.
Disadvantages
Language barrier. Most Thais don't speak English fluently. Thailand ranks 101st out of 113 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index[12]. Learning basic Thai phrases is advisable to facilitate communication with locals.
Uniform requirement. At Thai universities, students are obliged to wear uniforms during classes, exams, and all university events.
Residential reporting. International students in Thailand are required to provide their residential address to the Immigration Department every 90 days, with failure to do so incurring a fine of 54 USD[13].
Medical care costs. The cost of medical services in Thailand is notably high[14]. Additionally, the prevalence of infectious diseases, road traffic accidents, and foodborne illnesses is noteworthy. It is strongly recommended to obtain health insurance in advance at an affordable rate in your home country to mitigate potential medical expenses.
Cost of education in Thailand
Program
Duration
Min. cost per year
Avg. cost per year
Bachelor's
3.5-5 years
135 USD
3,891 USD
Master's
1-3 years
1,081 USD
3,975 USD
PhD
3-5 years
4,594 USD
7,026 USD
Additional expenses
Expense
Average cost per month
Student housing
409 USD
Apartment rent
519 USD
Public transportation
30 USD
Internet
20 USD
Food and other expenses
275 USD
Private health insurance
Depends on citizenship
Study materials
140 USD/semester
How to enroll at a Thai university
Thai universities do not impose special educational requirements for admission. You can apply for your desired program after completing the 11th grade of high school.
The most convenient and reliable way to submit an application is directly through the university's website by clicking on the "Apply Online" or "Online Application" button.
Some universities may require applicants to undergo testing or participate in an interview. For example, Chulalongkorn University, the best institution in Thailand[3], has developed its own assessment test called CU-AAT, which is also used by other educational institutions in the country.
The application deadlines usually fall 3 months before the start of the academic semester. If the semester begins in the fall, deadlines are in March / April / May, while for the spring semester, they are in November / December / January.
International students are encouraged to arrive in Thailand at least 2 weeks before the start of classes. This provides ample time for registration, obtaining a student ID, accessing university Wi-Fi, securing housing (campus or apartment), and acquiring the necessary school uniform.
Universities with the prefix "raja" were formerly colleges that have been granted university status. This modernization trend aims to make higher education in Thailand's provinces more accessible. Admission to such universities is often easier compared to public or private institutions, and the royal prefix adds prestige to these educational establishments, symbolizing support from the monarchy.
For example, at Dhonburi Rajabhat University, you can pursue a bachelor's degree in Business English, which spans 3 years and does not require motivation or recommendation letters[15]. The total cost for the 3-year program is 6,972 USD, slightly exceeding the average annual cost of undergraduate education.
Bachelor's degrees are the first stage of higher education in Thailand, with programs usually lasting 4 years. However, disciplines like architecture and education may extend to 5 years, while dental surgery, medicine, veterinary medicine, and pharmacology will take 6 years of study. As a benchmark, 120 is the minimum credit requirement.
Many international programs offer a distinctive format known as Four-Year Double Degree Programs. Opting for this structure means receiving a bachelor's degree from two foreign universities at once. The first 2 years of study are spent at a Thai university, followed by the remaining 2 years at a partner university.
Over 115 programs are available for foreign students in English[6].
The average cost of bachelor’s education is 3,891 USD per year.
Required documents
Completed application with attached passport photo
Scanned passport copy
Language exam results — TOEFL 68 or IELTS 5.5 for programs taught in English
All documents require a notarized translation into English or Thai.
Vocational education in Thailand
Vocational education in Thailand is available in both public (429 in total) and private colleges (484 across the country). These programs are designed to equip students with practical skills and working qualifications.
Master's degrees are the next level of higher education in Thailand, spanning an average of 2 years. To fulfill program requirements, students need to earn at least 36 credits[17].
More than 180 programs are available to foreign students in English[18].
The average cost of master's education is 3,975 USD per year.
Required documents
Completed application with attached passport photo
Scanned passport copy
Language exam results — TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.0 for programs taught in English
PhD degrees are the third and final level of Thai higher education. On average, programs last 3-4 years. Students typically need to earn approximately 36 credits to complete their studies[17].
The first year involves coursework, laying the groundwork for subsequent advanced studies. A personalized dissertation program is assigned, tailored to the specific area of study. Research outcomes must be published in a recognized scientific journal.
Aspiring PhD students must meet several requirements:
Maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 in their academic performance
Present a report demonstrating successful coursework and research
Pass a qualifying exam to validate candidacy
Display extensive knowledge of the subject area through a public seminar
Defend your research work in an oral examination
Required documents
Completed application with attached passport photo
Scanned passport copy
Language exam results — TOEFL 71 or IELTS 5.5 for programs taught in English
Scanned copies of bachelor’s and master’s diplomas with grade transcripts
An academic career at Thai universities usually begins at the "lecturer" level. Institutions set relatively high standards for foreign educators, requiring them to hold a PhD, whereas many other countries accept candidates with a master's degree.
Academic titles in Thailand:
Lecturer. Usually has a master's degree and plans to enroll in a PhD program. Lecturers primarily focus on teaching activities.
Docent. Requires 6 years of work as a lecturer for a bachelor's degree holder, 4 years for a master's degree holder, and 1 year for a doctor of sciences, along with a designated probationary period set by the university. Applicants must have teaching experience in at least three disciplines. A docent’s "portfolio of academic achievements" may include 2 published scientific studies, reviewed by experts from other universities or research organizations.
Adjunct professor. After 2 years as a docent, a researcher can become an adjunct professor. Alongside 2 published scientific studies, the applicant must publish a textbook or book in a related scientific field. Publications are reviewed by experts from other universities or research organizations.
Professor. After 2 years of adjunct professorship, applicants can apply for the professor title. Eligibility requirements include teaching a subject according to the university level curriculum, publishing 5 scientific studies in an international database, as well as developing a textbook in a related scientific field.
At Thai universities, international students have access to grants and scholarships across all levels of study. Generous scholarships for bachelor’s programs can be discovered in the "Scholarships" section on university websites. As of 2022, there has been a unified scholarship program funded by the government of Thailand for master's programs. However, this scholarship is not available to citizens of certain countries.
How to find scholarships
A reliable way to identify current scholarships is to get in touch with an expert. Alternatively, you can keep a regular watch on relevant websites for updates on scholarship opportunities.
Thailand Government Scholarships
Thailand Government Scholarships are accessible to students from many countries[19]. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, with the required scores varying among universities and faculties. A common requirement is IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80.
Scholarship coverage includes:
Economy class air ticket and airport transfer
Travel expenses within Thailand
Cost of living stipend — 189 USD per month
Housing rental allowance — 189 USD per month in regional provinces and 243 USD per month in Bangkok and Phuket
One-time payment of 162 USD upon initial arrival in Thailand
Allowance for textbooks — 270 USD per year (for master's degrees, applicable for 4 semesters)
Allowance for dissertation research — from 216 USD to 540 USD[20]
Key areas for obtaining a Thailand Government Scholarship include Climate Change, Food Security, other subjects related to the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economics[21].
University scholarships
Scholarships can be found directly on university websites under the "scholarships" section. For instance, Chulalongkorn University provides the following programs for bachelor's, master's, and PhD students:
The application deadline for these programs is December 29th.
Work while studying in Thailand
In Thailand, employment on a student visa is legally prohibited. However, there are some part-time job opportunities available to foreign students, specifically on-campus positions that are limited to 20 hours per week. To find suitable options, you can reach out to your supervisor or academic advisor for guidance.
Available on-campus positions typically include teaching and research assistants. Teaching assistants assist professors with various tasks such as checking homework, preparing classrooms or laboratories for lessons, helping students understand course material, and so on. Research assistants actively participate in research projects, which may involve gathering and organizing information on specific topics and assisting with documentation.
In these roles, students can earn around 135-216 USD per month, depending on their workload. However, these part-time jobs are usually available only during the academic semester, which is approximately 8 months per year — teaching and research activities are suspended during holidays.
Alternatively, explore opportunities as a volunteer teacher. English teaching is highly demanded in Thailand, and you can offer lessons to students who want to improve their language skills. While the pay for tutoring may be lower (around 5 USD per lesson), it offers greater flexibility and will not significantly impact your academic commitments. Plus, it provides valuable teaching experience.
If you decide to transition from a student visa to a business visa (category B) and apply for a work permit[7], you can officially seek employment while studying. You may want to consider available internships, as Thai universities often collaborate with major corporations such as Agoda, IBM, ExxonMobil, PwC, Procter & Gamble, Huawei, Chevron, Bangkok Bank, Siam Cement, and Michelin. Completing such internships not only provides valuable experience, but can also lead to a work permit sponsored by the interested company.
Thailand is experiencing a shortage of qualified personnel due to the emigration of young people. Consequently, the government is receptive to newly arrived foreigners who can fill these job vacancies. Education obtained at Thai universities plays a significant role in meeting the demand for skilled professionals. However, there is a list of professions reserved exclusively for Thai citizens. These occupations are typically related to national crafts such as wood carving, diamond or gem polishing, weaving, rice paper making, silk spinning, and similar disciplines[22].
According to the Ministry of Labor, there were approximately 2.9 million registered foreign migrant workers in Thailand by the end of 2019, constituting at least 7.6% of the workforce[23]. As Thailand grapples with an aging population, the demand for migrant workers is expected to persist well into the foreseeable future.
