Student visa
The ED student visa: language, courses, university.
The Non-Immigrant ED visa gives 90 days. After that, your stay is extended for your studies.
In short
90 days
On entry with an ED visa.
1 year
The most at a language school, in extensions of up to 90 days.
4 days a week
The minimum at a language school, 2 hours a day.
ED Plus
For a bachelor’s degree and above.
How the term runs
Language school
University
How it works
- Language school
- Extensions of up to 90 days at a time, up to 1 year in total from entry or from the change of visa.
- University
- Up to 1 year at a time. From the second year you need last year’s results.
- Attendance
- At least 4 days a week, 2 hours a day; 5 days on courses longer than 6 months. Missed classes lead to removal and a report to Immigration.
- Work
- Prohibited. An internship is allowed if it is part of your course and unpaid.
- Family
- A spouse, unmarried children under 20 and parents. Parents need at least THB 500,000 in a Thai bank account.
All conditions5
- ED visa
- Single entry, 90 days of stay. You apply through e-Visa to a Thai embassy or consulate.
- ED Plus
- For bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students. The university files the extension for you. After graduating you can extend your stay by one more year to look for work.
- Money
- Each embassy sets its own amount. Washington asks for 3 months of statements with at least USD 4,000 at the end of each month, Budapest for THB 20,000 per person.
- Reporting
- Every 90 days.
- Travel
- You need a re-entry permit before you leave, or your permission to stay ends when you exit. ED Plus is the exception.
Student visas are lost most often over missed classes: the school has to report absences to Immigration.
Which studies
The kind of study decides the extensions and the documents.
Language school
Thai or English.
Muay Thai and courses
Muay Thai training, as well as seminars or training run by government agencies and international organisations.
University
A bachelor’s degree and above goes on ED Plus. Short programmes last up to 180 days.
What your manager does
Picks the kind of study that fits your goals and dates.
Tells you what comes from you and what from the school.
Keeps track of reports and extensions with you.
Common questions
Can I apply if I am already in Thailand?
Yes. Visa-free entry or a tourist visa can be changed to ED at Immigration, as long as your permitted stay has not run out.
Can I work?
No. Work is prohibited on the ED visa. An internship is allowed only if it is part of your course and unpaid. An internship at a private company needs a B visa.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. A spouse, unmarried children under 20 and parents can live with you in Thailand for the time of your studies. Parents need at least THB 500,000 in a Thai bank account.
Muay Thai: ED or DTV?
Both work. ED needs a letter from a sports body such as the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the visa gives 90 days. DTV is valid for 5 years with up to 180 days per entry, but it needs at least THB 500,000, proof of permanent residence and a criminal record certificate.