Student Visa Thailand: Studying Thai and Getting a Long-Term Education Visa

The Non-Immigrant ED Visa (Education Visa, commonly called the "ED Visa") is one of Thailand's most used long-term visa options for those wanting to stay beyond tourist visa limits without full retirement or employment visa requirements. The Thai language school route is the most common path to an ED Visa. How it works: enrol in an approved Thai language school for a minimum course length (typically 1–3 months per semester); the school applies for your ED visa on your behalf; upon approval, you receive a 12-month visa with a 90-day permission to stay extendable in-country, provided you continue studies. The visa can be extended annually as long as you remain enrolled. Approved schools: the key requirement is that the school must be registered with the Ministry of Education as an approved educational institution. Well-established Bangkok schools include: AUA (American University Alumni) Language Center — one of Thailand's oldest and most respected language schools; traditional classroom instruction; multiple Bangkok branches. AAA Thai Language School — popular for visa purposes. NS Place School — well-reviewed for visa support and flexible schedules. Union Language School — centrally located; good visa support. Chiang Mai: Payap University Extension Program; North 5 Language School; YMCA. Requirements for the ED Visa: completed application form; 2 passport photos; copy of passport biodata page and current visa; letter of enrollment from approved school; proof of accommodation. Processing: typically applied at the school on your behalf; takes 5–10 working days from the nearest immigration office. Cost breakdown: school fees for Thai language course 15,000–35,000 THB per year depending on hours; visa application government fee approximately 2,000 THB; optional school visa service fee 2,000–5,000 THB. Important: the ED Visa does not permit employment in Thailand. It is for genuine language study. Attending class regularly (typically at least 80% attendance) is usually required to maintain the visa. The 90-day reporting requirement applies.