📌 Key points of the article
- The ED (Education) visa is the main way to study in Thailand legally
- A complete file with the correct supporting documents prevents any rejection or delay in processing.
- The procedures are done at the competent Thai embassy or consulate
- The ED visa is renewable several times to cover the entire duration of your training.
- Consular fees are around 80 euros, but other costs are to be expected
- Approved agencies such as TDAC or Evisathai.fr can simplify your procedures
- A minimum of weekly courses is mandatory to maintain your student status
Knowing how to get a student visa in Thailand is the first concrete step to take before going to study in this fascinating country. Every year, thousands of French students choose Bangkok, Chiang Mai or other Thai cities to pursue a university education, learn the Thai language or join an international program. However, the eligibility requirements, the types of student visas available such as the ED Visa (Education) or the Non-ED Plus Visa, and the mandatory supporting documents to be provided often remain unknown.
The application process involves several specific steps: registering at a recognized institution, compiling a complete file, making an appointment at the Thai embassy or consulate, then processing by the Thai Immigration Bureau. For French nationals, the process can be carried out from France or directly in Thailand, depending on the type of visa in question and the length of stay envisaged.
This comprehensive guide takes you through every step, from eligibility criteria to consular fees, validity period and extension options. Here you will find all the information you need to prepare a solid application and study in Thailand with peace of mind.
Thailand Student Visa Types
Thailand offers several visa categories for international students, each adapted to specific situations and durations of training.
Before starting your procedures, it is essential to choose the visa corresponding to your study project. Two main options exist for international students: the ED Visa and the Non-ED Plus Visa.
Mastering how to get a student visa in Thailand now represents a decisive advantage: those who invest in this expertise get measurable results where others stagnate.
ED (Education) Visa: The classic student visa
The ED Visa is the non-immigrant visa dedicated to education, designed for students enrolled in an approved Thai institution.
The ED Visa is the most common way to study in Thailand for the long term. It is intended for students enrolled in universities, language schools or institutes recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education. This visa offers an initial period of stay of 90 days, renewable in Thailand in successive periods of 90 days until the end of the course, upon presentation of a certificate of attendance or an updated school certificate. It is particularly suitable for long programs: bachelor's, master's, language courses or certifying professional training.
Non-ED Plus Visa: The alternative for short courses
The Non-ED Plus Visa is a flexible option for short courses or specific programs that are not part of traditional universities.
The Non-ED Plus Visa targets students who are taking short courses, intensive internships, or cultural programs at partially recognized institutions. It offers less flexibility when it comes to extensions and is suitable for short-term stays without enrolling in a degree course.
Differences between ED and non-ED Plus Visa
Comparing the two types of visa allows you to choose the most suitable solution for your project.
The main differentiating criterion is the nature and duration of the training. The ED Visa applies to long programs at officially accredited institutions, with the possibility of multiple extensions. The Non-ED Plus Visa is more flexible on the type of establishment accepted, but more limited on the length of stay allowed. Consular fees are similar for both options, but documentary requirements vary significantly.
Duration and renewal according to the type of visa
Knowing the validity period and the terms of extension of your visa is essential to plan your stay with peace of mind.
The ED Visa is issued for 90 days. Successive extensions of 90 days are possible with the Thai Immigration Bureau, as long as you remain registered at your institution. The cumulative duration can reach one year, or even more depending on the program.
Eligibility Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Before compiling your application, check that you meet all the criteria necessary to obtain a Thai student visa.
The Thai authorities impose specific conditions relating to your academic situation, financial resources and health status. Checking these points in advance will prevent you from refusing your request.
Admission criteria to a recognized institution
Prior enrollment in an institution approved by the Thai Ministry of Education is a prerequisite for obtaining the ED Visa.
To apply for the ED Visa, you must have received an official admission letter from a recognized Thai educational institution. Major universities such as Chulalongkorn, Kasetsart or Thammasat welcome many foreign students and issue the necessary documents upon request. Accredited language schools, technical institutes and vocational training centers are also eligible, provided they are registered with the Ministry of Education.
Financial resources conditions and solvency
Thai immigration authorities require proof of solvency to ensure that the student can support themselves during their stay.
A recent bank statement (less than three months old) is essential in your file. The minimum amount generally required is 20,000 baht available on your account, or even more for long courses. Some consulates may also require a parental financial guarantee letter.
Minimum age and health requirements
Age and health requirements also apply to Thai student visa applicants.
Minors must present parental authorization and sometimes a medical certificate. For all candidates, a medical certificate issued by a licensed physician may be required depending on the institution and duration of the program. This document certifies that you are in good health and are not a carrier of contagious diseases listed by the Thai authorities.
Course Enrollment: Prerequisites
Admission to a recognized institution is the first essential step before starting any visa application process.
Without a confirmed enrollment at an approved institution, it is impossible to get an ED Visa. This step must therefore be finalized before even contacting the embassy or consulate.
Recognized institutions and minimum number of courses
The number of weekly courses to take is a decisive criterion for obtaining and maintaining your student visa.
The Thai Immigration Bureau requires a minimum of school hours to validate your registration: at least 3 to 4 hours per week for Thai language courses, and the institution's standard conditions for university courses. It is strongly recommended that you check these requirements with your school before signing your study contract. Kasetsart University, one of the most renowned in Bangkok, offers programs accessible to international students with dedicated administrative support. TDAC approved agencies can also refer candidates to partner institutions that meet all the conditions necessary for the issuance of the ED Visa.
Admission letter and registration certificate
These two official documents issued by your institution form the basis of your visa application file.
The admission letter confirms your acceptance into the chosen program, specifies the start date of the courses, the duration of the training and the weekly schedule. The registration certificate is issued once registration is finalized and payment has been made. These two documents must be original, stamped and signed by the manager of the establishment. Some consulates require an official translation if the documents are written only in Thai.
Mandatory Documents and Supporting Documents
A complete and perfectly constituted file is the key to avoid any rejection or delay in processing your visa application.
Each supporting document must be provided in original and in copy as required by the consulate or embassy. An incomplete file remains the most common cause of delay or refusal.
Here are the documents required to create a complete file:
- Valid passport with at least 18 months of validity remaining and several blank pages
- TM.86 visa application form duly completed and signed
- Recent Thai passport photos (white background, 4x6 cm format, 2 to 4 photos)
- Original admission letter from the recognized Thai institution
- Certificate of enrollment specifying the duration and number of hours of courses
- Proof of financial resources*: bank statement for the last 3 months
- Medical certificate issued by an approved doctor (depending on the institution)
- No criminal record (bulletin no. 3 for French nationals)
- Return flight ticket or proof of reservation
Valid passport and identity pages
The passport is the central piece of any visa application and must meet strict validity criteria.
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 18 months after the start date of your studies and have at least two consecutive blank pages. Provide a copy of the identity page as well as pages with any previous visas. If your passport is about to expire soon, renew it before starting any process.
TM.86 application form and passport photos
The official TM.86 form and standard identity photos are essential elements in your file.
The TM.86 form can be downloaded from the official website thaievisa.go.th or available directly from the embassy. It must be completed in capital letters, in English, without deletions or corrections. ID photos must meet specific requirements: uniform white background, clear face, neutral expression, 4x6 cm format. Provide at least 4 identical photos to cover the different stages of the process.
Application Process and Application Steps
Follow this step-by-step procedure to submit your request in the best conditions and maximize your chances of obtaining it.
The process for finding out how to get a student visa in Thailand follows a process structured in several distinct steps, which are important to follow in order to avoid any administrative delays or complications.
Step 1: Compilation of the complete file
Gather all the required supporting documents before contacting the embassy or consulate.
Start by collecting all of the documents listed above. Check the validity dates on each piece, including your passport, bank statements, and medical certificate. Have your photos taken in a professional studio to ensure that they comply with Thai standards. Put together two complete sets: one original and one certified copy of each document.
Step 2: Make an appointment and submit the file
The visa application must be submitted in person to the competent Thai embassy or consulate in France.
For French nationals, the request is made to the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris. Appointments can be made online on the official website or by telephone. On the day of the appointment, show up with your complete file, originals and copies. Some candidates choose to go through approved agencies such as EvisaHai.fr to simplify the procedures and ensure the conformity of the file.
Step 3: Processing and decision time
Once your file is submitted, processing by Thai consular authorities generally takes 3 to 5 business days.
The standard deadline is 3 to 5 working days, which can be extended up to 10 days in periods of high traffic or in the event of an incomplete file. It is therefore recommended that you start the process at least 3 to 4 weeks before your departure. You can track the status of your application on thaievisa.go.th. Once the visa is granted, your passport is returned to you with the visa attached, showing the authorized date of entry and the initial length of stay.
Request at the French Embassy and Consulates
The Thai diplomatic missions in France are your official contacts for all student visa applications.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Paris is the only representation in France authorized to process non-immigrant category ED visas. Honorary consulates exist in Lyon or Marseille, but they do not deal with this type of visa. Always check the official site thaievisa.go.th for the most up-to-date information on schedules, filing procedures, and required documents, as this information may change.
To simplify your procedures, services such as Evisathai.fr or TDAC approved agencies offer personalized support: file verification, certified translation, appointment scheduling and follow-up of the request. These services represent an additional cost, but significantly reduce the risks of error and refusal.
Consular Fees and Associated Costs
Prepare your budget accurately by taking into account all the costs associated with obtaining your Thai student visa.
The total cost to get an ED Visa is not limited to consular fees alone. Here is a summary of the expenses to be expected:
In addition to these consular fees, there are tuition fees at the Thai institution, which vary between universities and programs. In terms of daily life, Bangkok remains an accessible destination: the monthly budget of a foreign student oscillates between 20,000 and 40,000 baht (around 500 to 1,000 euros), including housing, food, food, transport and leisure. To compare with other international student destinations, you can consult our complete guide to the cost of student living in Montreal.
For any questions about your visa procedures or the insurance coverage required for your stay in Thailand, the Safexpat FAQ brings you practical and up-to-date answers adapted to expatriate students.
In this field, success requires a structured and regularly updated approach — information alone is not enough, it is the method that makes the difference.
Conclusion: Your ED Visa in your pocket, all that's left is to leave
Summary of the key steps and encouragement to take action to make your study project in Thailand a reality.
Understanding how to get a student visa in Thailand is a structured process that requires planning and organization, but is still fully accessible with the right information. All you have to do is gather the necessary supporting documents, formalize your registration in a recognized institution and file a complete file with the Thai embassy in Paris. Eligibility requirements are clear, fees manageable, and processing times reasonable. By following this step-by-step guide, from the admission letter to the TM.86 form, you have everything you need to prepare a solid case. To go further in preparing for your expatriation, explore our complete student guide to Bangkok and discover insurance packages specially designed for expatriate students on Safexpat.com, your partner for studying abroad with complete peace of mind.
