Long and short-term academic programs are available in Thailand across many universities and educational centers. International students and researchers may apply to BA, MA, Ph.D., and postdoctoral research programs in Thailand. Moreover, summer schools and conferences are other excellent academic activities that make Thailand an attractive destination for scholars and scientists. Many programs also come with fully-funded scholarships and fellowships as well as travel grants and financial aid, thus every student, researcher, and professor can always find a suitable program in Thailand and apply.
Scholarships in Thailand
- Asian Institute of Technology Scholarships
- Prem Tinsulanonda International School Thailand Scholarships
- Rugby School Thailand International Scholarship
- Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Scholarships
- Bangkok Bank Scholarships for Master Degrees
- Harbour.Space Scholarships in Bangkok
- CMU Presidential Scholarship
- RGJ-Ph.D Scholarships
- Concordian International School Scholarship
- CMMU Ph.D. Program Scholarship
Fellowships in Thailand
- International Fellowship in Thailand
- American-Thai Foundation Fellowships
- TWAS-Biotec Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
- Duo-Thailand Fellowship Programme
- RTG Fellowships, Asian Institute of Technology
- KMUTT Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University Fellowship Training Programs
- NECTEC’s Postdoctoral Fellowships Program
- Thailand Toray Science Foundation Grants & Awards
Academic Programs in Thailand
- Thammasat University Graduate Degree Programs
- Asian Institute of Technology Master’s Programs
- International Programs at Bangkok University
- STOU International Programs
- KMUTNB International Program
- Srinakharinwirot University International Programs
- Graduate School Prince of Songkla University
- Kasetsart University Programs
- UON-Two Degree Program
Summer Programs in Thailand
- TICS High School Summer Programs in Volunteering
- MUIC Short-Term Summer Program
- Traidhos Summer Camp Programs
- Summer Schools in Bangkok, Harrow Bangkok
- KUSS Summer School Program
- ISB Summer School
- Rugby School Thailand Holiday Camp
- American School Bangkok Summer Program
- Summer Camp at British International School
- Trinity International School Summer School Program
- KMITL Summer Internship in Thailand
- Lanna International School Thailand Summer School
Thailand as an academic destination
If you are a fan of Asian education and want to get the best out of it, Thailand is the destination you should look for. Thailand is considered the Top 1 academic destination in Asia and Top 3 in the world.
Education's role is of first importance in Thailand, as the government views it as the main driving engine for the country's scientific and technological development. Therefore, you will explore a highly-organized educational system designed to prepare the best professionals.
In this regard, many international students choose to stay and build a career in Thailand, and the country opens all the opportunities for that. The easiest way to stand closer to the residence and work in Thailand is to continue your Ph.D. studies, working for the specific institution you carry your studies and research.
To enter an employment market, students should apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at the Thai Embassy. The best employment options in Thailand are multi-national companies, which are many in the country, willing to welcome professionals' diversity.
If you have plans for studying in Thailand and staying there, consider that tourism, agriculture, beverages, tobacco, jewelry, computers, furniture, and other sectors are among the most developed ones in the country. Therefore, you might consider these spheres also as a direction of your studies.
Universities in Thailand
Some of the numerical statistics of the Thai educational structure will open the opportunities you have in the country. Thailand has:
- 80 government-owned public universities
- 71 private universities
- around 400 degree programs taught in English
- 20,000 international students each year
The country's oldest university, which is also the most popular one, is Chulalongkorn University. It was founded in Bangkok in 1917 and has the highest position in international rankings from all Thai universities. Traditionally, the university hosts a Chulalongkorn Academic Exhibition, which is the country's leading academic event.
Mahidol University is the second in a row by its popularity and inclusion in the worldly rankings. Mahidol is the country's first medical university and receives more than 140 mln USD annually to carry research on health sciences.
The third university in the list of the best is located outside of the capital Bangkok. Chiang Mai University is the first university of Northern Thailand, founded in 1965, and is mainly specialized in agriculture and forestry.
The other universities featured in QS Asia and global rankings include:
- Thammasat University
- Kasetsart University
- King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
- Khon Kaen University
- Prince of Songkla University
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
Generally, Thai universities are more specialized in engineering, agriculture, theology, physics, law, and environmental science. The programs that international students usually prefer in Thailand include the Thai language, business administration, marketing, ecology, the environment, etc.
International Student Expenses in Thailand
The ranges for tuition fees in Thai Universities vary significantly. Especially considerable are the differences for academic programs, which require extensive use of heavy technology during studies, such as applied chemistry or nanotechnology.
In contrast, the programs that do not require any equipment and mainly focus on theoretical knowledge might have tuition up to 10 times lower.
To better understand the tuition fee's picture in Thailand, here is the estimation for different degrees:
- Bachelor degree programs: 6,000-99,000 USD
- Master degree programs: 3,000- 65,000 USD
- Doctorate degree programs: 7,000-45,000 USD
The lower fees are set by public universities, which have the government's financial support. Also, note that the fees are usually higher in the courses where there are many western lecturers.
Thailand universities typically offer on-campus dormitories, which may cost you 160-270 USD per month. There might be cases when this rent also includes the cost of utilities.
In case of renting a private apartment, you should be ready to pay at least twice more in Bangkok than living out of the city. An estimated cost for renting an apartment in Bangkok will be at least 400 USD, and around 240 out of it.
Student Visa for Thailand
International students from all foreign countries need to apply for a Non-Immigrant ED visa. This document is necessary to have when arriving in the country.
ED visa stands for education and is a type of visa issued to individuals who attend the country purely for studying purposes. Consult with your university admissions in advance, as it's a common practice in Thai universities to assist students in organizing visa paperwork.
Note that acquiring this visa doesn't completely free you from any further visa requirements. The Education Visa is valid for 90 days, after which students need to apply for a one-year student visa. And even after receiving the one-year visa, students must notify the Immigration Office about their address at the moment every 90 days. Otherwise, there is a fee of around 65 USD.
An essential component of receiving a visa includes proving your financial readiness to study and live in Thailand. As proof, single students should have about 650 USD and student families 1,300 USD.
We discussed Thailand in the concept of an academic destination. However, in general, the country has high attractiveness as a traveling spot, and we hope this section of ARMACAD will assist you in exploring Thailand from all perspectives.