Are you looking for ways to get a student visa in Thailand? Or are you already studying in Thailand and would like to extend your visa? Then you are in the right place. The student visa is one of the many visas we cover for Thais. It is difficult to get, but you could try to get it depending on several factors.
Thailand is a beautiful country with pristine beaches, delicious food, and friendly people. One of the most popular reasons to go there is to study abroad. But; there are also many other reasons.
Studying in Thailand is a hot topic for many people. It is one of the most popular destinations for international students. It is economically and culturally cheap to study here compared to other countries.
The country also scores highly for its great weather, beaches, and food. You would think that getting a student visa would be difficult or impossible, but it is easy to find out how to get a student visa in Thailand easily.
Who can apply for a Thailand student visa?
A Thailand student visa is a residence permit in Thailand for students studying at a university, college, or other educational institution full-time. The visa can be issued for the duration of studies in Thailand or for one year.
You can apply for a Thailand student visa if:
- Have received an offer of admission from an accredited Thai university, college, or other educational institution;
- Have adequate financial resources to cover your expenses while in Thailand, and
- They are not accompanied by dependents (spouse and children).
Thailand student visa requirements
Thailand student visa requirements are quite strict, especially for younger students. But do not worry. We will help you become a legal resident in this wonderful country in the South East Asian region.
Through years of research and many trips to Thailand, I have done my best to put together this step-by-step guide to make your trip as smooth as possible.
1. Passport
To apply for a visa to Thailand, you must first have a passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the expected date of arrival and must contain at least two blank pages.
2. Photocopy of your passport.
The Thai government requires all foreign students to provide a copy of their passport to the Thai consulate in their home country. The photocopy must be a color copy and include all pages of your passport, but it does not need to be an official copy made at the Thai consulate.
The date on your passport must be only six months old and you must show that you have been granted permission to enter Thailand.
3. Thailand Student Visa Application Form
The Thailand Student Visa Application Form is a document that you need to complete to apply for a Thailand Student Visa. The Thailand student visa application form is available on the Embassy website and can be obtained if you apply in person.
4. Letter of admission
Admission letter from your school in Thailand. You will need this document to prove that you have been accepted to a recognized educational institution. This letter must be on official school letterhead and must include details about the program, start date, and length of your studies.
The letter must be on official letterhead and signed by an authorized representative of the educational institution. This document will confirm that he has been accepted as a student at that school. If you plan to study at multiple institutions, you will need to submit copies of each letter with your application.
5. Passport photo
Passport photograph: 1 color, 4 cm x 6 cm, front view with straight, neutral facial expression and closed mouth.
A passport photo is mandatory and must be taken in advance. You will need to attach your photo to the application form when you apply for your visa.
6. Proof that you are financially sufficient
You don’t have to be a millionaire to study and live in Thailand, especially if you can find affordable education.
The Thai Consulate requires you to provide actual proof of your financial means to cover your study and living expenses while in Thailand.
To show that you can pay for your studies, you will need to provide evidence of a financial guarantee. This can be like bank statements, savings certificates, or an affidavit from a parent or guardian.
7. Police record certificate
Students must obtain a police clearance certificate before beginning their course of study in Thailand. This document is usually issued by the police department of the applicant’s home country and must be valid for at least six months at the time of application.
If your country does not have a police clearance system, you can obtain a certificate from your embassy or consulate in Thailand.
The certificate can be issued in English or Thai and must include information about any criminal convictions or pending charges that have been filed against you in the last five years. You should also include any information about pending charges that are being investigated but have not yet been resolved through court proceedings.
The purpose of obtaining this document is to show that you are not currently wanted for any offense against Thailand or its citizens, nor do you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest from another country.
For example, if someone from another country tried to kidnap one of your family members while visiting Thailand on vacation a year ago, but they never got caught because they escaped before the police could catch them again.
How can I get a Thailand student visa?
Now that you have worked and studied in Thailand, how do you go about getting a Thailand student visa?
1. Contact the Thai embassy
If you are a student looking to study in Thailand, there are several steps you need to take before making the trip. First, contact the Thai Embassy in your country to request a student visa application form.
This will help you plan your trip and understand what documents you will need from your school and from yourself. Once you have these documents in order, you can complete the application form and submit it to the embassy for processing.
2. Make an appointment
If you are looking to apply for a Thai student visa, the first step is to make an appointment with your nearest Thai embassy or consulate. Make sure you have all the information before you call:
- Your full name, date of birth, and address
- The name and phone number of the school you plan to attend
- Your passport details (eg passport number and expiration date)
Once you have made your appointment, it is time to prepare documents and other paperwork.
3. Gather the required documents for a Thai student visa
Get the documents you need to apply for a Thai student visa.
The following documents are required:
1. An acceptance letter from your university.
This letter must be on official university letterhead and signed by an administrator or professor in charge of international students.
You can submit this document when you apply for your travel visa or student visa at a Thai embassy/consulate in your home country provided that country has diplomatic relations with Thailand.
2. A copy of certified academic credentials
You should ask your school if they will provide you with these copies free of charge or if there is a fee associated with obtaining them; Some schools may not provide transcripts in English, so check with them first before sending money.
If they do have to charge any fees, this could add up quickly depending on how many classes per semester are listed on each transcript, so be on the lookout for any unexpected costs.
3. Submit the documents and visa application
Finally, complete your online application and submit all of your information along with any other required documents (such as transcripts) at least three months before your program begins.
Before that, you can find out if your school requires an IELTS test or another type of test. This is a good idea, even if it is not required, it shows the school that you are serious about your education and that you can speak English well enough to be successful in their program.
4. Wait for the request to be processed
The waiting time depends on the embassy to which the application is submitted. The time to process an application may vary depending on the Thai embassy that is processing your application and whether the application is complete.
Generally, if you are a citizen of one country and plan to study in another country for more than three months, you will need to apply for a student visa.
If you have never been issued any type of visa before or if the passport you used to apply for was lost or stolen, your application will likely be denied when they check your records.
However, if all goes well, after waiting a while (again, this depends on where exactly), your passport should arrive with your new visa inside.
5. Collect passport and visa
If everything looks good on your passport, then it’s time to check the entry and exit dates on your student visa. The first page of your student visa will tell you exactly how long it is valid for, usually from one year to three years or more.
How to get a student visa in Thailand – Frequently asked questions
Is university free in Thailand?
University is not free in Thailand. However, it is very affordable. The government has created a program that makes universities more accessible to students from low-income families.
Can I apply for a student visa on my own?
You can apply for a student visa yourself, but we recommend that you get help from a qualified immigration attorney.
Is Thailand expensive for students?
The short answer is: it depends. If you’re looking for a high-end hotel, fancy food, and the latest designer clothes, then yes, Thailand is going to be expensive for you. However, if you are more interested in enjoying the culture, exploring the country, and trying new foods and drinks, then the cost of living in Thailand is much lower than in many other countries.
What can I study in Bangkok?
Bangkok is a great place to study, and there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, if you want to study fashion, Bangkok is home to some of the best fashion schools in the world. If you prefer to focus on education or hospitality, there are plenty of opportunities here too.
Is Thailand safe for students?
Yes, Thailand is safe for students.
Can students work in Thailand?
No, you cannot work on a student visa unless you have a work permit. If you are a foreign student who wishes to work in Thailand, you must obtain a work permit from the Thai Ministry of Labor or other accredited centers.
Conclusion
This super simple and free guide on how to get a student visa in Thailand will help you a lot, it’s a step-by-step process that anyone could follow and you could do it in no time.
It’s all about where to start, what type of Thai student visa and where you need to go, and of course the steps to get there.
Applying for a Thai visa may seem difficult compared to other countries, especially if you have never done it before.
Thailand is a very popular destination for students looking to relax, study or discover new cultures in country. You can obtain your visa in your home country before you arrive or once you are there. Your choice will depend on how long you plan to spend in Thailand and whether you plan to visit neighboring countries.
We hope you find this information useful and if you have any questions about obtaining a Thailand student visa, please contact us! We will be happy to help.
