Starting inside Thailand
Enrol first, then a short trip abroad
- Enrol at an accredited school, complete the paperwork, then collect the visa at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad and return.
Process & steps
How to apply
There are two routes to the Thai student visa — starting inside Thailand, or applying before you travel — and a separate five-step process for Thai students heading overseas. All three are below.
Two routes to the Non-ED visa
Applying before you travel
Everything by email, visa before departure
- Enrol online, exchange documents with the school by email, and receive the visa at your local Thai embassy before entering Thailand.
The in-Thailand route, step by step
From enrolment to sitting in class
-
Enrol with an accredited institution
1 working day
Register for at least 3 months with a school accredited by the Ministry of Education. Pay the first 3 months or a 50% course deposit — whichever is higher — and complete visa form TM.7. Bring your passport, two 4×6 cm photos and your personal details.
-
Sign documents; the school requests your letter
2–4 weeks
Return to the school office to sign, and the school applies for your visa letter from the Provincial Education Office. When it arrives, collect the documents and pay the remaining tuition.
-
Travel to a Thai embassy or consulate
You arrange travel yourself
Book your own ticket and accommodation for the trip to a Thai embassy or consulate abroad.
-
Submit the visa application
1–2 days
Apply in person or by email with: passport, one 4×6 cm photo, the school documents (licence and letter), the course fee receipt, the completed form, and anything else that embassy requires. Collect your passport and return to Thailand.
-
Start class within 14 days
After entering Thailand
Begin studying within two weeks of arrival. Bring your passport to the school to copy the visa and notify the Education Office; extra photos are needed for extension filings.
-
Enjoy your stay
No more visa runs
Stay in Thailand without worrying about visa runs — though the 90-day address report still applies.
Thai students going abroad — our five-step process
- Sign the contract and pay the deposit. An agent interviews you and your sponsors at our office, or by phone or email.
- We meet to set the procedure and timeline, give you and your sponsors the document checklist, and prepare your presentation.
- We follow up document collection, schedule health checks and request criminal record certificates.
- We compile documents for translation, fill out the forms, organise the files, draft explanatory letters and coach you for the interview.
- We submit the complete application with supporting documents to the embassy or visa representative.
What gets student visas rejected
- A course inconsistent with your previous qualifications — for example a language degree holder applying for a general short English course.
- A long gap since your last studies combined with a general English course, which raises questions about the visa's real purpose.
- Insufficient savings or assets to cover tuition, accommodation, living costs and fares for the whole course.
Fees and timing at a glance
Apply now
Consult us for free, with no charges — tell us your study plans and we will start with the right checklist.