Study in Thailand for International Students: Universities, Courses & Fees

Thinking about studying abroad? Thailand should be at the top of your list! Did you know that every year, over 20,000 international students choose to study in Thailand every year? That’s right! The country has become a popular choice for students from all over the world looking for a high-quality education.

What makes it so special to study in Thailand, you ask? It’s the perfect mix of ancient traditions and modern life. Imagine studying in a country with beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly people. Plus, Thailand offers a wide range of academic programs to choose from, whether you’re interested in business, engineering, or something completely different.

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It is home to some amazing universities, like Chulalongkorn University and Mahidol University, which are ranked among the top 200 universities in Asia by Time Higher Education. You could be studying alongside students from all corners of the globe and learning from world-class professors.

Ready to start your Thai adventure? In this article, you will learn why you should study in Thailand, top universities, their tuition fees, and more.

Key Highlights

Here’s a quick overview of everything that you will learn in greater detail in this blog.

Why Study in Thailand?

Thailand is a fantastic choice for your study-abroad adventure! The country has something for everyone. Whether you’re into business, science, or the arts, you’ll find the perfect program. With its friendly people, beautiful places, and affordable costs, Thailand is the total package for an amazing study abroad experience.

Here’s why you should study in Thailand:

1. High-Quality Education at an Affordable Price

You can get a world-class education in Thailand without breaking the bank. Thai universities are known for their great programs, and the cost of living is pretty low compared to other countries, such as the USA, the UK and Ireland. 

Here’s a table comparing the cost of living between these countries.

Imagine enjoying delicious, cheap food while studying in a beautiful place! Thailand has four universities in the top 600 universities in the world according to QS university rankings, 2025.

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2. Friendly People and Exciting Experiences

Thais are super friendly and welcoming. You’ll feel right at home! Plus, Thailand is full of amazing places to explore. From stunning beaches to lush jungles, there’s always something new to discover. Thailand is also the fourth happiest country in the ASEAN coalition. Maybe that is why it is known as the “Land of Smiles.” 

3. A Perfect Base for Your Future

Studying in Thailand can open up lots of exciting opportunities. You’ll meet people from all over the world, learn new things, and get skills that will help you land a great job. And because Thailand is in a great location, as a student, you can get to visit many attractions that the country has to offer, like the Similan Islands, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, etc.

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List of 5 Top Universities in Thailand

Thailand is home to over 155 amazing universities! You can choose from 82 public and 72 private schools, plus one community college. 

No matter what you’re interested in – whether it’s becoming an engineer, a doctor, a business leader, or an artist – there’s a perfect university for you to Study in Thailand.

Get ready to be impressed! Twelve Thai universities are among the top 600 in Asia as per Times Higher Education rankings. That’s a big deal! It means you’ll get a world-class education right here in Thailand.

Here’s a list of top universities in Thailand.

1. Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University, founded in 1917, is Thailand’s first and best university. King Rama VI started this special school to honour his dad. The university has 20 faculties, 23 colleges and research institutes, 8K faculty members and over 38K students.

Students learn everything from science to art, but it’s more than just books. Chulalongkorn wants to create kind, caring leaders. With thousands of teachers and students, this busy university is always coming up with new ideas to help Thailand and the world.

Top Courses

• Business and Management
• Engineering
• Medicine and Healthcare
• Arts and Humanities
• Social Sciences

Test Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Urassaya Sperbund: A Thai actress and model

• Sirindhorn, Princess Royal and the Princess Debaratana Rajasuda, formerly Princess Sirindhorn Debaratanasuda Kitivadhanadulsobhak

Annual Average Tuition Fees: INR 1.7L to INR 3.1L (฿76K to ฿134K)

2. Mahidol University

Imagine studying at one of Thailand’s oldest universities! Mahidol University, founded in 1943, has a really long history that goes back to 1888. It all started with Siriraj Hospital, which was the place where Thailand learned about modern medicine. The university has more than 4K faculty staff and more than 28K students.

The people who started the university wanted to honour a very important person, Prince Mahidol, who’s called the “Father of Modern Medicine in Thailand.”  Today, Mahidol University is super famous, both in Thailand and around the world. 

Top Courses

• Business and Management
• Arts and Humanities
• Engineering
• Medicine

Test Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Chulabhorn, Princess Srisavangavadhana is a princess of Thailand.

• Chanon Santinatharakul, a Thai actor

Annual Average Tuition Fees: INR 2.6L to INR 4L (฿112K to ฿175K)

3. Chiang Mai University

Chiang Mai University was the very first university outside of Bangkok, and it’s still one of the best.

Started in 1964, Chiang Mai University has grown a lot since then. Today, it has 17 different schools offering over 250 programs. That means you can study almost anything you want! And if you like learning English, don’t worry, they have special programs for international students too.

The university is spread across three campuses, but the main one is super cool. It’s big, green, and has a beautiful lake. Studying here feels like you’re on vacation. CMU has 17 faculties, more than 250 programs, and more than 35K students.

Top Courses

• Agriculture
• Medicine 
• Health Sciences
• Science 
• Technology

Test Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Yingluck Shinawatra, a Thai businesswoman, politician, and the 28th prime minister of Thailand

• Apirak Kosayodhin, the former governor of Bangkok

Annual Average Tuition Fees: INR 1.7L to INR 2.4L (฿76K to 103K)

4. Thammasat University

Thammasat University is one of Thailand’s oldest schools. It started in 1934 to teach people new things. Now, you can study almost anything there. It’s famous for its research and smart students who get great jobs.

Thammasat students love their school because they learn to care about others. It’s like a big family that wants to help Thailand. TU has around 3K faculty staff and around 30K students.

Top Courses

• Social Science
• Business and Management
• Communication and Media
• Law
• Political Science

Test Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Ranee Campen, a Thai-English actress and model

• Pita Limjaroenrat, a Thai businessman and politician

Annual Average Tuition Fees: INR 1.9L (฿82K)

5. Kasetsart University

Kasetsart University, founded in 1943, is super famous for being really good at what it does. The university wants to help Thailand grow and be strong in the world. It teaches people to be smart, kind, and helpful to others. The university has around 4K faculty staff and around 70K students.

Imagine learning how to protect the environment and grow amazing things! That’s what Kasetsart University is all about. The university wants its students to be the best in the world at what they do, and it also wants to keep Thailand’s culture alive.

Top Courses

• Agriculture
• Veterinary Medicine
• Food Science
• Environmental Science
• Engineering

Test Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Srirasmi Suwadee, the Royal Consort to the Crown Prince of Thailand

• Suppasit Jongcheveevat, a Thai actor and CEO

Annual Average Tuition Fees: INR 1.4L to INR 2.1L (฿60K to 90K)

Popular Courses to Study in Thailand

Thailand universities offer a huge variety of exciting courses for students like you! With thousands of bachelor’s and master’s programs to choose from, you’ll definitely find something you love. Thailand typically has two-year postgraduate programs and three-year doctoral programs. 

Here’s a list of some popular courses to study in Thailand.

1. Doctor of Education

A PhD in Education, or Doctor of Education, is a great choice if you want to become a leader in the field of education in Thailand. This program will help you become an expert in teaching, learning, and educational leadership.

Imagine yourself researching and studying important topics in education. You could focus on anything from early childhood education to higher education. You can study Education at Mahidol University. It is considered one of the best universities. It is also ranked in the top 300 universities as per QS World Ranking By Subject Education, 2024. 

A PhD in Education will open up many exciting career paths for you, like working as a university professor, educational consultant, or policymaker.

Eligibility Requirements

• You should have an undergraduate degree in education
• You should have a postgraduate degree in education
• You will need to provide two letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose 
• English proficiency

2. Master of Business Administration

Thailand offers some amazing MBA programs that can help you become a top business leader! These programs are usually one to two years long and cover all the important stuff like management, finance, and marketing.

Imagine getting an MBA from a great Thai university like Thammasat Business School, which is one of the top 200 MBA universities, as per QS Global MBA Rankings, 2024. These schools are known for their excellent programs and experienced teachers. 

You’ll learn from the best and be ready to take on any business challenge! Plus, many big companies in Thailand are always looking for talented MBAs to join their teams.

Eligibility Requirements

• You should have an undergraduate degree
• You should have professional work experience of 2-3 years
• You will need to provide two letters of recommendation
• CV
• English proficiency

3. Master of Engineering

Thailand is a great place to study engineering! Many amazing universities are offering top-notch engineering programs. You can choose from different specialisations like electrical, civil, or mechanical engineering.

Imagine yourself studying engineering at a university like Chulalongkorn University, one of the best in Thailand. It is also ranked in the top 250 QS World University Rankings 2024 Subject Engineering. This university offers a wide range of engineering courses where you can learn about exciting things like digital signal processing, microelectronics, and power systems.

Eligibility Requirements

• You should have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Statement of purpose 
• You need to provide two letters of recommendation
• English Proficiency

4. Doctor of Medicine

An MD program is a great choice if you want to be a leader in medicine in Thailand. This program will teach you about medicine from around the world, help you think creatively, and show you how to lead. 

After finishing this program, you can work as a doctor-scientist, medical researcher, healthcare leader, or even a doctor-engineer. The International Medical Program at Chulalongkorn University is a great program to consider if you are looking to study medicine in Thailand for international students in English. This university is one of the best in Thailand.

Eligibility Requirements

• You should have a high school diploma with physics, chemistry and biology as your main subjects.
• Statement of purpose 
• You need to provide two letters of recommendation
• English Proficiency

5. Bachelor of Data Science

A Bachelor’s degree in Data Science is a great choice if you want to be a leader in the world of data. This program will teach you how to understand and use data to solve problems, help you think critically, and develop strong skills in maths, statistics, and computer science.

After finishing this program, you can work in many different fields like technology, business, healthcare, or science as a data analyst, data scientist, or machine learning engineer.

Harbour Space University is a great Data Science program that focuses on practical skills and real-world projects.

Eligibility Requirements

• You should have a high school diploma with physics, chemistry and maths as your main subjects.
• Statement of purpose 
• You need to provide two letters of recommendation
• English Proficiency

Application Process to Study in Thailand

Thailand is one of the first countries to start ASEAN. ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is an economic and political union that helps countries in Southeast Asia work together on money and politics. Because Thailand helped start ASEAN, many students from other countries wish to study there.

If you want to study in Thailand, the first thing to do is find a university that teaches what you want to learn. Each university has its own rules for students who want to join. So, you need to look at the university’s website to find out what you need to do.

Here’s a general idea of what you’ll need to do:

• Look for universities that offer courses you love, and that fit your future goals.
• Make sure your grades and any test scores they need are good enough.
• Collect your test results, letters from people who know you, and a personal statement saying why you want to study there.
• Send your application to the universities you like before the deadline.
• Figure out how you’ll pay for your studies and living costs.
• The universities will let you know if you’re in!
• If you’re accepted, apply for a student visa to Thailand.
• Once your visa is approved, get ready for your Thai adventure!

Intakes to Study in Thailand

Thailand has a booming higher education scene! Every year, millions of students choose to study here. In fact, there are more than 1.8 million students currently enrolled in Thai universities. Most students are working towards a bachelor’s degree, while others start with a two-year associate degree. 

If you’re thinking about studying in Thailand, knowing when to apply is super important. Let’s talk about the different times you can start your studies! 

Here’s a quick overview of undergraduate intakes to study in Thailand.

Here’s a quick overview of postgraduate intakes to study in Thailand

Please Note: You should always connect with the university/college officials to get up-to-date information, as many colleges/universities offer admission outside of intakes as well.

Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Study in Thailand for Indian Students 

Studying abroad can be expensive, right? But don’t worry! Thailand offers lots of scholarships to help you out. These scholarships help you reduce the cost of study in Thailand.

And here’s even better news: Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital, has been named the ninth most livable city in Asia by Mercer! 

This means you’ll not only get a great education but also enjoy an amazing lifestyle.

Here’s a list of top scholarships available to study in Thailand.

Student Visa to Study in Thailand

Great news! The country has a high visa success rate of over 80%. So, if you’re planning to study in Thailand, your chances of getting a visa are really good.

It is important to note that the visa is only valid for 90 days; hence you have to get it extended at an immigration centre before your visa expires. Thailand does not have a student visa that has a validity period of more than 90 days. Thus, you will have to get your visa extended every 90 days till you complete your studies.

Another important thing is that the country does not allow you to work on a student visa. You have to get a work permit. However, Thailand authorities are very strict when it comes to giving out work permits.

Here’s a table of the student visa names and fees.

Required Documents

Here’s a list of documents that you will need to apply for a student visa.

• You Passport
  • It should be valid for another six months from your intended stay
  • It should have two blank pages
  • Photocopy of your passport
• A completed and signed Student Visa application form
• A letter of admission from a Thai university/college
• If the school is private, then approval from the Ministry of Education
• One passport-size photo
  • It should be in dimensions 4cm x 6cm
  • It should be taken in front of a white background
  • It should not be more than six months old
  • Your entire face should be visible
• Proof of financial resources to support studies [Min 46K (฿20K)]
• Police clearance certificate
• Visa fee receipt
• English proficiency certificate
• Previous academic transcripts such as high school diploma or bachelor’s. 

Application Process

You can apply for a Non-Immigrant “ED” visa at the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Here’s a quick guide to help you out.

• Find your local Thai Embassy or Consulate: Check their website for opening hours, how to pay the visa fee, and if you need to make an appointment.
• Gather your documents: You’ll need proof of acceptance from your Thai university and a few other important papers.
• Submit your application: You can usually do this in person or by mail.
• Wait for your visa: The Embassy will let you know when your passport and visa are ready.

Remember, once you get your visa, you have to enter Thailand within a certain timeframe mentioned on your visa.

Cost of Living in Thailand

Thailand is an amazing place to study and live! One of the best things is how affordable it is. Imagine this: you could spend a lot more studying in other countries, but in Thailand, you can enjoy a great lifestyle without breaking the bank.

For example, if you were to study in the USA, you might spend around INR 97K ($1,167) every month. In the UK, it could be around INR 87K (£811) per month. But in Thailand, you can live comfortably on around INR 46K (฿20K) a month. That’s a huge difference!

Here’s a cost of living table for an international student in Thailand.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Thailand: Living Expenses in Thailand per month

Post-Study Job Opportunities and Salaries in Thailand

Thailand has a strong and growing economy. In fact, it’s the 9th largest economy in Asia, with a GDP of $548.9 billion! This means there are plenty of job opportunities for international students like you.

Imagine graduating in a country with a booming economy. Thailand’s strategic location and increasing wealth mean there are lots of exciting career paths to explore, whether you’re interested in engineering, business, or healthcare.

Here’s a list of five high-paying jobs in Thailand.

Please Remember: The salaries above are general estimates and may vary due to the location and changes in currency.

Top Companies that Hire Graduates from Universities in Thailand

Thailand has an unemployment rate of only 1.20%, which is the lowest in any country. The country is also home to many amazing companies that are always looking for talented graduates like you! Imagine graduating and having lots of exciting job opportunities right at your fingertips. 

Here’s a list of some of the top companies in Thailand that hire recent graduates.

• Google
• PTT (Petroleum Authority of Thailand)
• SCG (Siam Cement Group)
• Agoda
• Unilever
• LINE
• Toyota Motor
• ThaiBev
• Mitr Phol
• Bangchak

Wrapping Up

By choosing to study in Thailand, you gain access to excellent academic programs, a lively international community, and a chance to explore the beautiful and diverse geographies of the “Land of Smiles.”

Imagine yourself graduating with a Thai degree! You’ll be ready for an exciting career with lots of opportunities. Plus, many top companies in Thailand, like PTT, SCG, Agoda, Line, and ThaiBev, are always looking for talented graduates. 

With over 20K international students choosing to study in Thailand each year, the country has become a top destination for those seeking world-class education at an affordable cost. 

While the cost to study in Thailand might be a tad more than studying in India, it’s definitely an investment in your future. The skills and experiences you gain will open doors to amazing job opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions