Study abroad
Study in Thailand
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Thailand
Higher education in Thailand, in South-East Asia, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in tourism, food and manufacturing, which is reflected in many study options. Teaching is often in Thai, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Thailand?
Students choose Thailand for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in South-East Asia. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Tourism, food and manufacturing matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Hospitality, Culinary & Food and Engineering, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Thailand means everyday contact with Thai and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Many Thai universities run international programmes taught in English, especially in business, engineering and hospitality.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Thailand
Students heading to Thailand often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Hospitality, Culinary & Food
- Engineering
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Business & Management
Courses connected to tourism, food and manufacturing can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Thailand on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Universities in Thailand
- Chulalongkorn UniversityBangkok, Thailand
- THE 2026 501–600
- Mahidol UniversitySalaya, Thailand
- THE 2026 601–800
- King Mongkut’s University of Technology ThonburiThung Khru, Thailand
- THE 2026 801–1000
Scholarships to Study in Thailand
Scholarships for studying in Thailand are offered by different kinds of organisations, each with its own rules and deadlines.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Thailand
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Thailand
In Thailand, the main intake for many programmes is usually around August. Some institutions also admit students around January, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Thailand
Fees for international students in Thailand are set by each institution and can differ considerably between programmes.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Thailand
Rules on studying in Thailand as a foreign national depend on your citizenship and course, so the first step is to find out which category applies to you.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Thailand in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Thailand
Your everyday budget in Thailand will depend on your city, your accommodation and your lifestyle. Costs in Bangkok can differ noticeably from those in Chiang Mai or Khon Kaen and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Thailand
Is Thailand a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Thailand offers programmes across many subjects, a location in South-East Asia and study in Thai (with some English-taught options). Students interested in tourism, food and manufacturing may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Thailand?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Hospitality, Culinary & Food, Engineering and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences. The subjects page for Thailand lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Thailand?
Many programmes start around August. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Thailand?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Thailand?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Thailand.
Are scholarships available for international students in Thailand?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Thailand?
Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Thailand?
Many courses are taught in Thai. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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