Visa & Immigration

Need Help? Book Lab Visit

Thailand Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Visa)

The Thailand Student Visa, officially the Non-Immigrant ED Visa, is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand to foreign nationals pursuing full-time education, internships, or training in the country. According to official Royal Thai Embassy and Consulate-General guidance, the Non-Immigrant ED Visa covers applicants studying at private and public educational institutions in Thailand, as well as those undertaking internships or training at governmental or international organisations, or as part of an academic curriculum. A related category, the Non-Immigrant ED PLUS Visa, is issued to international students already enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program or above at a Thai university, and allows holders to depart and re-enter Thailand during their studies without needing a separate re-entry permit. As with all Thailand Visa categories, final approval rests solely with Thai consular and immigration authorities.

Eligibility

Based on official Thai government sources, applicants for a Non-Immigrant ED Visa must generally:

- Be a foreign national accepted into a full-time educational programme at a recognised Thai institution, or into an approved internship or training programme.
- Hold a passport valid for at least six (6) months.
- Provide a letter of acceptance from the educational institution, or a letter from the sponsoring institution confirming the internship or training arrangement, along with details of the applicant’s financial means during their stay.
- For the ED PLUS category: be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program or higher at a Thai university or institution.
- Meet any additional requirements set by the specific embassy or consulate.

Government Visa Fees

Visa fees vary by entry type and the currency set by the specific embassy or consulate. Based on published Royal Thai Embassy and Consulate-General fee schedules:

Fee Type	Amount
Single-Entry Non-Immigrant ED Visa	Approximately 2,000 THB (or local-currency equivalent, e.g. USD 80 at some missions)
Multiple-Entry Non-Immigrant Visa (1 year)	Approximately 5,000 THB per year (or local-currency equivalent, e.g. USD 200 at some missions)
INR Equivalent	Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances

Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Applicants should confirm the exact current fee with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General handling their application.

Processing Time

According to official Royal Thai Embassy and Consulate-General guidance, Non-Immigrant ED Visa applications submitted through the e-Visa system generally take around 15 business days to process, though this can vary depending on the completeness of documents from the educational institution and the specific mission’s workload. Non-Immigrant visas are generally valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so applicants should apply with enough lead time to arrive in Thailand before the visa expires, but not so early that its validity lapses before travel. Extensions of stay to match the full duration of a study programme are handled separately by the Immigration Bureau after arrival in Thailand.

Required Documents Checklist

Passport valid for at least six (6) months

Completed online e-Visa application form, selecting the Non-Immigrant ED category

Recent photograph, taken within the last 6 months

Letter of acceptance from the Thai educational institution, or a letter from the sponsoring institution confirming an internship, training, or curriculum-linked programme

Document indicating the economic means available to the student during their stay in Thailand

Evidence of adequate finances (at least 20,000 THB per person, or the equivalent)

For ED PLUS applicants: proof of current enrolment in a bachelor's degree program or above at a Thai university

Additional supporting documents as requested by the specific embassy or consulate

Step-by-Step Application Process

Secure admission to a recognised Thai educational institution, or confirm your internship/training arrangement.

Obtain the official acceptance or sponsorship letter from the Thai institution, detailing your programme and financial arrangements.

Upload your passport, photograph, acceptance letter, and other required documents.

Select the relevant Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General and pay the applicable visa fee.

Await review of your application (average processing around 15 business days).

Receive your visa approval and complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before travel.

Upon arrival, present your visa and TDAC confirmation to Thai immigration.

Register with your educational institution and, if needed, apply through the Immigration Bureau for any extension of stay to cover your full programme duration.

Important Notes

The Non-Immigrant ED Visa is intended strictly for full-time education, internships, or approved training programmes — not casual or part-time study.

The ED PLUS Visa is specifically for students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs or above, and allows re-entry without a separate re-entry permit.

Immigration authorities have intensified enforcement against ED visa holders who register for courses but do not actually attend classes; non-compliance can lead to immediate visa revocation.

Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.

Extensions of stay to align with the full academic term are processed separately by the Immigration Bureau after arrival.

Applicants should ensure their educational institution is officially recognised before applying.

Providing false information regarding enrolment or attendance may result in visa refusal or revocation.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

A Thailand Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Visa) application requires accurate documentation, a valid admission or enrollment letter, proof of financial support, and compliance with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate requirements. Missing or incorrect documents may lead to delays or visa refusal. Shivansh Consultants provides Documentation Support, Eligibility Assessment, and a thorough Application Review to help you submit a complete and accurate application.

Our experienced visa consultants offer Personalized Guidance, a Transparent Process, and End-to-End Assistance—from document preparation to application submission support. We help simplify your Thailand Student Visa application while ensuring it meets the latest requirements. Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Non-Immigrant ED Visa and the ED PLUS Visa?

The standard ED Visa covers full-time education, internships, and training programmes generally, while the ED PLUS Visa is specifically for international students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program or higher, offering the added benefit of re-entry without a separate re-entry permit.

How much does a Thailand Student Visa cost?

Published fee schedules generally show approximately 2,000 THB for a single-entry visa and 5,000 THB per year for a multiple-entry visa, though exact amounts vary by embassy, consulate, and currency.

How long does it take to process a Non-Immigrant ED Visa?

Applications through the official e-Visa system typically take around 15 business days, though processing can vary based on documentation and the specific mission.

Do I need a letter of acceptance to apply for a Thailand Student Visa?

Yes. An official acceptance letter from your Thai educational institution, or a sponsorship letter for an internship or training programme, is a core requirement for the Non-Immigrant ED Visa.

Can I be penalised for not attending classes on an ED visa?

Yes. Thai immigration authorities have specifically targeted Non-Immigrant ED Visa holders who register for courses but fail to attend, and visa revocation can be immediate upon discovery.

Our Services